The Next Chapter

Good Morning! The night sky is dissipating but appears to have “rain clouds” so perhaps the forecast for today will be correct. Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous. I spent 2 hours and 40 minutes cleaning up my neighbourhood filling two large black garbage bags (the ones that expand). They were heavy carrying around as I did not have a half way point to drop one off. I also found on the walkway to 62nd Avenue a “dead Christmas Tree.” I thought something was off when I was picking up the trash, so I dragged it over closer to the street with hopes that maybe the garbage collectors will see it and someone will pick it up. Likely not. I guess I could report it to our City Info Line. Perhaps that is what I will do on my lunch break. We pass by the spot on our way to work this morning. Hopefully kids did not move it. I wonder if the people living on the other side of the fence, threw over their tree? Perhaps that is too obvious. I wore short sleeves (which was good as it was warm) and my “Capital City CleanUp vest” and most people I passed did not want to make eye contact but one person shortly after I left home, actually engaged me and said “thank you.” He was walking his dog and mentioned that he was going to be cleaning up downtown this Friday (from work). So that was great to hear. I was happy to get back home. The bags were heavy and my back was and is still sore from lifting them. I have been cleaning up this neighbourhood since I moved her back at the end of March 2009.

I actually fulfilled my TO DO LIST from yesterday by finishing the laundry and doing the garbage pickup and washing the main floor. A good productive weekend.

As I had really enjoyed watching the TOP GUN “Maverick” movie, I rewatched it another time and I also rented the original one as I wanted to check out a few things. Kind of disappointed that a movie from 1986 is being charged at $5.00 compared to the $7.00 for the new releases. Very poor Telus. They could still make money at $1.00 or $2.00. It was not because it was the original as most of the other movies that were listed were charged at $5.00. I don’t rent movies too often but I guess still is cheaper than going to the theatre and the old ones there is no other way to watch them. So yes, I spent $19.00 on movie rentals this weekend. My entertainment budget.

Last night after supper one of my friends and her daughter came over to choose some books from the over 100 titles that I am giving away. They chose three bags full. This will reduce the amount that I have to take to the Library or somewhere to dispose.

Have an awesome day. Cookie comes this Thursday to stay with me.

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

Oh, I was thinking of Mr. Alvin yesterday during my time outside. He used to “patiently” wait for me to return and then we would go for a walk OR sometimes I would go for a walk with him first. He would have loved the beautiful day whether walking or sitting out on our deck.

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this beautiful October morning? Alvin and I are doing great. We are enjoying another absolutely gorgeous morning. Standing outside in the backyard in my pj’s is not uncomfortable on this lovely day. I did have a sweater on as well. Still feels warm. I believe the temperature is to be about 24 degrees celsius today.

We have been enjoying a great weekend. Yesterday in addition to some cleaning, putting away laundry, Alvin and I had an enjoyable walk, I went for groceries. This time my list included items that I would need to make specific recipes so that I am not without an ingredient. I am also going to bake some apple muffins this morning. The coffee is perking so when this post is finished, I will have a mug of coffee and bake some muffins. Muffins will be a good snack for me to take to work to have for breakfast. I cannot believe that it is time to return to the office three days each week. I miss the time at home already.

Last night after supper Alyaa, her husband and daughter came over to discuss instructions for looking after Alvin. I also found out that Alyaa did get the casual/part-time job. Good for her and I was worried for us. But for this week her husband who has to come home for his daughter at noon will come and look after Mr. Alvin. They are hoping that her hours will not be as many as this week. The job was supposed to be only a few hours each week, and is turning into more. So we will figure it out, I guess week by week. It may involved asking some other friends and neighbours to come and check on Mr. Alvin. I will definitely need to get more keys cut. It will work out but may require some further planning on my part. Oh, what an interesting life!

Definitely will get some of those apples used today that are taking up real estate in my fridge. The crispers are full of apples so I cannot put any vegetables in them. I will make a huge apple crisp as well. I was planning to give the boy a bath today and possibly with scissors just trim his paws (if I can get close without him freaking out).

Yesterday I was looking out of the living room window and with a big gust of wind, it was raining leaves from our tree. So pretty but incredibly sad. I would like the leaves to stay on the trees for awhile longer. There are still several trees that have not turned colours as yet.

Oh, I got into this movie series yesterday while putzing in the house and last night: Fast & Furious. I was pleasantly surprised by how good the movies were and enjoyed them a lot. The amount of well known actors in this movie was crazy good. Vin Diesel, Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Paul Walker, Ludacris, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, and so many more. I only watched two or three of them and not in full but I want to for sure. The cast is long and interesting. There were about three of them on yesterday maybe four so I have recorded them to watch in their entirety at a later time. Looks like there are at least ten in the franchise so I will be playing catch up. Great story lines and if you like action, which I LOVE, you will definitely enjoy them.

Well time to head back downstairs. Have that first mug of coffee and start baking some muffins.

Enjoy this beautiful day. I will be bringing “BOBI” upstairs to vacuum as well. Definitely will have to stay upstairs with her.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! Another beautiful day on the way. The sky is partially overcast but I am hoping that it remains dry for the day. I am so grateful to my daughter for spending overnight on Friday with me and Alvin. She stayed until about noon on Saturday. I had a list of things that I required an extra set of hands for so she helped me out. We hauled the dresser in from the garage and it is all set up and most of the drawers are filled already. Moved things about. One of my downstairs plants has a new home atop of the dresser. She helped me trim a bit more fur/hair from Mr. Alvin’s front paws. He was squirmy so we did not get much but a bit and that is great. There was an ear cleaning (he sure sat a lot better for her than for me). We moved the heavier plant pots that had been emptied into the garage along with the base of the umbrella stand that she gave me. Well actually the base is sitting on the upper deck drying out from the last rain. I do not want wet sand sitting in the garage. The big thing was TRIMMING THE TRIM. I was amazed that with girl power how much we were able to do. We even brought out the 5 foot step ladder and got some of the higher branches, not the highest ones but enough that I feel better. We were so proud and even had fun doing it. Amanda likes to trim trees, I found out. We also found out that if we both hold onto the tree trimmer together and one pulls the rope it worked a lot better. The tree trimmer is about 8 or so feet long and has a hard core blade system at the end. It is very heavy for one person. She was amazed that I had done it by myself the past years. Well, I always say “you do what needs to be done, one way or the other.” We tossed the branches over the back gate as I needed to borrow my neighbours shorter handle tree trimmer tool to cut up the branches so that they can be taken by our garage people. So it was a great morning.

In the afternoon, I did laundry, some cleaning and later in the afternoon, our friend Pauline stopped by with a plant and some seeds. Sunflower and Brown-Eyed Susan plants. We chatted for a few minutes and then we walked her home where we had a short visit as it was time for her to prepare supper and me to go home and ready mine. I fed Mr. Alvin before she arrived at our house.

So a great day all round. I rewound and watched LIGHTYEAR a few more times and even saw bits that I had missed from Friday night. That was in the afternoon. Just left the movie playing as I did some housework. Last night it was just watching some episodes of YOUNG SHELDON and BIG BANG THEORY. Some I had seen before but I enjoy these two shows so I watched them again.

Our tree is beginning to turn yellow. I noticed there are quite a few trees that are still very green.

The grass is a mix of green and yellow/brown. The north side of the street most of the lawns have gone yellow/brown but on our side, the south side, many remain green.

Well time to go and get dressed for the day. Have some coffee and then go and chop some branches. I have to retrieve the laundry that is drying in the basement and then do a couple of loads of laundry. Have a walk with Mr. Alvin somewhere along the way and then have a quiet one. We might use BOBI the robot vacuum cleaner to clean upstairs. My daughter is lending me BOBI as her floor space is small and she does not use much and my vacuum cleaner, my beautiful ELECTROLUX is not working. I think it is the sensor according to some troubleshooting research that I did on GOOGLE Search. Perhaps at some point I will find someone who can fix it.

Wishing you a great day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvlin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Sunday morning? I am well. Alvin is still downstairs asleep on the sofa. Not sure how I was able to get upstairs without him following me but I have. So I will take advantage of a few minutes before he follows me upstairs. The sun is shining brightly and the sky is most beautiful powder blue. So nice to wake up to sunshine. We were up many times before now. The first time we were up was 11:30 p.m. and it was snowing (thankfully it did not amount to much) and then 3:30, 4:30, 5:00 and 8:30 a.m. So chopped up sleep for this Momma. Oh well I do feel rested now.

We had a great Saturday. I did several loads of laundry, vacuumed and washed the main floor, cleaned the main floor bathroom, watered all of the plants in the house and some other odds and ends. Shovelled the driveway. We had a nice walk to the park and home enjoying a small bit of snow that we had yesterday. For supper I made something new. I roasted some carrots and broccoli together with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper and then the chickpeas with olive oil and some spices (curry powder and turmeric and pepper) in the oven. I made a pot of quinoa and also semi caramelized some onions. Once everything was cooked, I mixed them all in a huge bowl. So good. Most enjoyable. After dishes were done, I just snuggled with Alvin and watched a movie and a show that I had previously recorded, Ghosts. A nice evening.

Today we will definitely we going for a walk as it is supposed to be warmer than yesterday. A shower after I finish this blog. I have one more load of laundry to do and bring up the clothes that are air drying in the laundry room. Vacuum and wash the floors upstairs and dust and all of that including the two bathrooms. Seems like a much better idea to do one floor at a time. Or at least it did yesterday.

I was just going through things in my head ….. and I just heard Alvin whining downstairs. He just woke up and his Momma was not there. Must be a first, I think. Anyway I called out to him so he knew I was in the house and then went downstairs. He had a drink of water before wanting to go outside to pee. We are both upstairs now. It is so funny how having a few minutes alone feels so freeing. Not that I mind having him around, I love him but just to have a few minutes without someone right on my heels is nice, too. Usually he is wherever I am unless I am away from home. Honestly, the thought of leaving him at home alone causes me a bit of anxiety especially after two major surgeries and also being two years older. Mixed feelings about it all, I guess.

Last night I was thinking about “age” and how some people shy away from revealing that number while others shout it from the rooftops. I guess I am somewhere in between the two. This August I will turn 65 which is cool, I think. There are some perks to being that age such as special pricing and discounts. I always think as long as I can sit up and turn my legs to the floor and stand up, that I am doing great. Or at least I am starting the day from a good place. Age is some that is inevitable. It happens whether we like it or not or plan for it, and if we are lucky enough to have it happen. If we think about all those humans who have had their lives ended early whether by accident, disease or war, well then the rest of us are doing well. Of course, as we age our health can change, our memories may become a bit fuzzy and our bodies do not always want to do what we would would like BUT that is okay. There is so much we can do to keep our bodies and minds in good health that aging should not be scary. During the chapters of our lives much like a book, there is a beginning and many chapters in the middle before the end. So just keep picking up that book and working on each chapter. Enjoy your time on this earth instead of worrying about how old you are. Work on those dreams. I know, I have said that alot and am I working on them, yes in small ways. One of these days, I will surprise you all. That I am certain of.

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So I better get going and have that shower. My friend Amber is dropping off the jewellery from my Fifth Avenue Party. Cannot be in the shower when she arrives.

Enjoy your day. Get out there and live your live. I am so happy to see the bright sunshine, so happy.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Happy Family Day to those places across the world that celebrate “Families” on this day. We had a beautiful sunrise around 7:30 this morning. It was so funny. Alvin woke me up about 4:15 and we went downstairs and he as per usual had his glucosamine chew and then went outside for a pee and then we hit the sofa. The next time we woke up was just before 7:30. He never sleeps that long before having breakfast. He does not seem to be out of sorts, he just slept. Back to the sunrise, it was glorious filled with an array of vibrant colours from the palette of an artist. Absolutely beautiful. The moon was out and that was the first time that I have seen the moon in a long time. Now the sky is a brilliant powder blue and the sun is shining so brightly. What a morning!

I gave Mr. Alvin a haircut yesterday. Definitely not his favourite thing in the world to do. Followed by a bath, his least second favourite thing to do. He was not really a happy little guy. I forgot until a few minutes into his haircut to give him an anxiety pill but it did not really seem to help him at all. It is only a fraction of a whole pill as prescribed by his Vet. I will have to speak to her because it did not help. I was gentle as always with him and praised him when he allowed me to trim his paws. He looks so handsome.

So what to do on this day. I really did not have anything planned. Although I could always clean out a closet or cupboards or even one or both of my pantries. I guess the closet in this room, the office would be a good choice. At this very moment, I have no desire to clean anything but then again I have not had my morning coffee. I can smell the aroma wafting up from the kitchen and perhaps after coffee and breakfast, I will tackle the office closet. I will have to gather up the trash and take out for tomorrow. Have to check the schedule to see if it is a garbage day with recycling OR food scraps with recycling day? I don’t put mine out every Tuesday as I never have enough to bother. But it has been a couple of weeks so I will put out whichever needs to go out. We had some fresh snow last night. Just before the snowfall my neighbour was out with his leaf blower clearing the fresh light snow from our sidewalks. Then a short time later there was another light blanket. There is no keeping the walks clean this winter.

I watched some good movies last night. On PRIME I watched “About Time” which was a heartwarming comedy about love and time travel with Rachel McAdams. It was so good. Even a bit teary eyed at parts. I loved it. Definitely “thumbs up.” The other one I watched was “5 Flights Up” with Diane Keaton and Morgan Freeman. It was so good. I do not remember if that was on PRIME or NETFLIX. But definitely another good one to watch. Usually I am into action/drama but comedies seems to be on the menu last night. It is also nice to watch new movies, something that I have not watched before. I do tend to watch movies over and over and over again. Not sure why other than if I like/love them, then it is worth seeing them multiple times.

Well time to go and have that mug of coffee.

Enjoy your day.

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

P.S. I am a money magnet. Money comes to me easily and effortlessly.

Keeping the flow.

2021

Good Morning ALL! We slept in a bit later than usual this morning. The sun is shining brightly and it is brrr cold outside. In fact, Mr. Alvin didn’t go out after he ate his breakfast a few hours ago and had it not been for Cookie braving the cold a few minutes ago, I doubt he would have gone out. He likely would have waiting until he could wait no more. It is so cold outside. I feel for any folks and animals and birds that are outside in this weather. I see some people out walking with their dogs. One couple has these two huge dogs, I think they are labs. They have coats and boots on them. The dogs seldom miss a walk and they usually go twice per day. Another woman walks her dog who is not quite so large but with no coat or boots. The dog has a shaggy coat and I pray the pup is okay. Unfortunately as much as Alvin needs or may like a walk, I will not take him out in this weather. He barely can tolerate going out to the backyard (actually to the deck which is covered in lots of snow). Anyway, please if you have a dog or cat, keep them in the house. Our pets can not tolerate these deep freeze temperatures.

Alvin was sawing logs much longer than me and Cookie this morning. She got up and was pulling toys out of Alvin’s toybox. She found out than she dragged up onto the big chair by the window. The toy was about 1/2 her size. She is a strong little thing. We are over the halfway point until her family returns to home to Edmonton. We have been texting and they are having a great time. I am thinking that upon their return, I am going to carry Cookie and her things back home, masked of course. Likely a good idea. Her stash of pee pads is dwindling quickly. I may have to reach out to one of my friends down the street and see if I can borrow some.

Alvin is laying outside the office door as he always does. I have noticed that he is playing a bit more than usual and I think it is always more fun to play when you have a playmate. A human is not quite the same as another four-legged. Next month, Mr. Alvin turns 13. I cannot believe it. WOW.

I truly have been lounging about, relaxing, and unwinding these past few days. It seems like I should be taking down the decorations and the tree but I have decided not to as I am afraid that Cookie will get underfoot. Perhaps or not. We have been just hanging out. I did some laundry yesterday so not totally lying about on the sofa watching movies. It has been great watching some movies that I have not seen in awhile. I also started to read one of my new books. JOY by Debbie Travis. It is great. I am thoroughly enjoying it.

I also have been enjoying coffee every morning. When you are at home in the house and it is bitterly cold outside, something hot just tastes so much better. I have heard that when you are cold you should drink something cold and same in the summer when it is hot, you should drink something hot. I can see that making sense. But when you are warm and it is cold outside, a mug of hot coffee tastes all the more sweet. I am almost finished the second bag of Starbucks “Christmas Blend” and am sad. I do so love that coffee. It is not bitter, not sweet but somewhere in between. There is no after taste in your mouth when you are finished. It is the perfect coffee and I love it. So this morning I will definitely enjoy one of the mugs of that blend for this year.

I finished the leftovers from our Christmas dinner last night. So great to have leftovers. Now to get through all of the chopped up vegetables. Perhaps a stir fry would be nice.

Today is Wednesday, December 29, 2021. We are only two days away from New Year’s Eve. Are you celebrating outside your home this year? I will remain inside with the pups. The weather forecast for Saturday and Sunday is almost tropical compared to the days leading up. I will definitely be taking Mr. Alvin for a walk. It may be too cold for Cookie and trying to get outside without her escaping will be interesting. But I will try.

I wish you a great Wednesday.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin and Cookie

P.S. Miss Cookie just walked up to Alvin and started to lick his face. He turned his head and she kept licking. He did not jump up or growl at her. WOW. I think he may be enjoying his new temporary room-mate.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Recovered from the celebrations. We have been sleeping in the past couple of mornings. I mean we were up at 4:00 and then went downstairs and Mr. Alvin reluctantly went outside to pee. It is so bitterly cold that no one wants to go outside. At least not in my household. Poor guy, finally after three attempts at leaving the house he went outside. Two hours or so later when they got up for breakfast it was the same deal except Alvin would not go outside. So I am figuring by now he must have to go poop so I will keep this post short. Cookie did not even leave the comfort and warmth of the pillow on the green chair. With Rudolph keeping her company. I so wished that Alvin would try the pee pads. I would think that he has seen Cookie in action. Anyway, he is only outside long enough to do his business and then back inside where I gingerly wipe and warm up his feet.

I can hear the garbage employees outside. Not politically correct to say “garbagemen.” Those poor souls. I only saw the driver and this is not the truck that has the automatic arm that lifts the bins onto the truck. So I am not sure if the driver has to hope out and pick up the recycling or perhaps they were off ahead a bit keeping warm. I so appreciate what they do in the bitter cold of the winter and in the heat of the summer. I appreciate them all of the time but especially when the rest of us are in the house staying warm or in the house keeping cool.

Happy Birthday to Sonja, Humphrey & Bogart’s Mom. Wow, December 28th, 2021 already. Soon we will be ushering in yet another New Year! Seems like 2021 flew by extra fast. Or at least for me.

I was thinking that perhaps I would take the Christmas Tree down today but thought otherwise as I have Cookie here and she will be underfoot. So I will leave it up until she goes home. Her Family is scheduled to be home on January 3, 2022. I guess things will stay up until the following weekend. A bit late but that is okay. I can concentrate just on resting. That is what I/we did yesterday. I watched LITTLE WOMEN (2019), Sleepless in Seattle and Nottinghill. I enjoyed them all. I watched something else later in the evening – now what was it? OMG, I have forgotten. Anyway, it was nice to just relax watch movies. This week will truly be one of rest and relaxation. Too cold to go for a walk. Too cold to leave the house although I am thinking that I should check the mail and see if anything came in last week.

I guess as we reflect on yet another year that has been filled with stress and distress, we can choose to find those moments that were filled with joy and happiness. I am over the moon filled with gratitude that my employer has decided that we may continue to work from the comforts of our own homes. I love being at home with Alvin. Home is the best place to be for me. I am grateful that Alvin recovered from his surgeries. I am grateful that I was able to spend time with my daughter, son-in-law, grandpups and friends. I am grateful for technology so that I can video chat with my sister. Life is good. Of course, there are some things that I could definitely live without but for the most part, my life is pretty great.

So on that note, I shall say goodbye for this post for this day. I hope that you have a wonderful Tuesday and it is Tuesday, right? OMG, I am lost on the days and have to keep counting from Christmas Day. Yikes. LOL.

“Cookie, what are you up to?” I heard rustling from the spare room. She is by my side once again.

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

Always, Carol, Alvin & Cookie Monster (my nickname for her).

P.S. she zips along the floor and I wonder when she is not in my range of sight what she is up to? I just had a thought that perhaps today should be a STAR TREK movie day. That is if I can find them. Not sure if they are on NETFLIX and I do not have the DVD player hooked up. OH well, there will be some series that we can watch. I am certain of that. Maybe something new or one that I started. Nice to have a day to watch things and see the whole season of a show.

Welcome to December, 2020

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing this Thursday morning? I am great. We are in serious countdown mode to Christmas. As one week today is CHRISTMAS EVE. Sometimes I forget that I am 63 and think that I am 8. Waiting for Santa to arrive. Believing that good will prevail is what always gets me through each day. Positive thinking – faith – believing that I can force change. We all can. So back to Christmas. Are you watching your favourite Christmas programs and movies? I am over the moon happy to have this 58 inch television hanging on my living room wall. So grateful to my kids for giving it to me as they have a new one. I thought that my other t.v. was great, the colour was great, picture was sharp or so I thought. But I have noticed things on the bigger screen that I never saw before …. it has been wonderful. Definitely going to be spending some time watching more movies over the Christmas break.

Our City has serious restriction protocols in place at this time until into January so we cannot have company other than the people in your “bubble” and my bubble is two extra people other than myself. So my kids are my “pod” for this time. There are so many new words or old words have new meaning in this pandemic. Like pod and bubble to name just a couple. But at the end of the day I am grateful that our government and leadership are listening to the scientists and medical professionals and clamping down. It is not ideal at this time of year for sure but it is for the best, so that we do not have spikes and lose even more dear souls. We also have to remember to reach out to those folks who are struggling. If you have a neighbour who is alone, seniors who live down the street or you know someone who needs help, please reach out. Even if you do not have the financial resources to help, perhaps you can give them information that can help or even just to listen. Now I know we cannot go into houses to help but you can talk from the sidewalk or facetime or phone. We still have phones you know. Please make this Christmas about more than you and your family. Make it about helping someone who is struggling …. you never know what a phone call can do to lift someone’s spirits, to give them hope. Besides I truly believe that we are all here to help one another. If we were meant to be alone …. there would not be 8 billion or so people on this planet. Reach out. Please. Let this be the part of 2020 that brings lightness to what has been a dark year for so many. We can do this.

With kindness, respect and compassion we will get through this pandemic.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Welcome to December 2020

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing on this Saturday December 12th, 2020 which is only “12 sleeps/days until Christmas Eve Day?” Are you busy baking? Busy wrapping gifts? Shopping? Cleaning? Cooking? Crying? Having a sadness episode? Watching a lot of Christmas movies? Playing board games with your family? Giving your pup a bath? Watching this glorious sunrise? All of or none of the above. For whichever you are doing know that you are not alone. We are all having an unique experience this year, this holiday season, this Christmas 2020. That’s okay. Whatever we do, wherever we are, we will get through this together. There is not one person on the planet (unless they are away from technology) that is not or has not been affected by the PANDEMIC. So you are not alone. It is how we deal with emotionally, respond to physically, press forward with that will bring us more together than ever before in human history. I truly believe this. I see much more kindness and compassion happening this year. That is so great for us all. Take a deep breath and if you feel like releasing a tear or two that is okay. This year has been so overwhelming for most of the people on the planet. Even Mr. Alvin has been wondering “what the hay is going on?” We can do this. We can.

Okay, so last night I had my eye appointment. I have always had the same Eye Doctor but this year I got a wonderfully funny cute (can I say that, well I just did) male Doctor. I always enjoy my visits to the Eye Doctor but this younger man (well considerably younger than me, anyway) was a breath of fresh air. He had such an amazing sense of humour and definitely is in the right profession. Apparently my vision has improved. Wow, is that crazy or what. I have super healthy eyes when he reviewed the photos some other staff had taken earlier. The whole experience starting at the door. You walk in through the outside door into a little area where there was a table with hand sanitizer set up. The door at that side of entranceway was locked as per the sign and as I entered the door was opened by the receptionist who asked me (hard to tell with the mask on at first) so I responded with I am Carol Lewis and I have an appointment at 4:40 p.m. Why not give the information and save some time. I took off my mitts, placed them in my coat pockets and sanitized up my hands and followed her into the office. She went around the counter and asked me a few questions and then asked me to have a seat. The chairs in the reception area were all spaced at least six feet apart. There were two folks in the waiting area. One by one they went in and finally it was my turn. A young man sporting a black mask called my name and I stood up and he asked me to follow him. So I did. Into this room with three machines. He asked me to sit down on the stool at the first machine, I complied. I also noted and mentioned, “hey you guys are tag teaming.” as there was a young woman at the second machine. So I had the puff of air, saw bright lights and had multiple photos taken of my eyes in just a few minutes. Also had a couple of giggles with the staff. Why not enjoy the experience. Then I was back into the waiting room for a few minutes before the Doctor asked me to follow him. Oh yes, that was not a difficult request. I sat down in the exam room. Doctor Joel asked me several questions and I answered them. We had a couple of laughs. He told me that my eyes were in great health and to keep doing whatever it was that I was doing. He asked if I liked “salmon”? and for a fleeting moment I thought “is he asking me out for dinner?” (not really but makes for a great story and I bet you were smiling, right?). Dr. J proceeded to explain how the salmon has lots of OMEGA 3’s and they are good for the eyes and to help keep them moist so no dry eyes. I explained that while I love salmon I actually don’t eat a lot of it. He went on to mention avocados and I said now I eat a ton of them. He said great. I was amazed by how many different health conditions and diseases can be identified by looking at photos of the eyes, the back story. Very cool and so interesting. He asked if I was wanting to get new glasses, I said yes and he advised that I would have to set up another appointment to come and pick out frame. Totally understand. Luckily they are open most of the week between Christmas and New Years. After we were finished he handed me my prescription and I followed him to the reception area where we chatted for a moment before he went back to look after the last patient. Dr. Joel mentioned in a timid tone at first as if it may be a sensitive topic for me, When you come in for your next visit you will be “of a certain age.” I smiled and said, you mean 65. We laughed. I told him that does not bother me and that I am happy to get older as long as I live to be older. He explained the benefits once you turn 65. Lucky me. Once the receptionist was done, she gave me the bill of the remainder owing (I was shocked that my insurance only covered half of the $125 exam fee). Anyway I paid the bill, made my appointment to go and pick out frames. I was just doing up my coat to leave when I saw this woman on the other side of the door and realizing it was my friend Iris, Teddy’s Mum, who had given me a ride to my appointment and had come back to pick me up. She had said to call her but turns out she had to go out so waited for me. Am I not, the luckiest gal in the world. I have so many wonderful, thoughtful, kind friends.

On the way home, we stopped at the Bone & Biscuit so that I could go and pick up Christmas gifts for Mr. Alvin and my grandpups Aspen and Milo and some treats for them and to include Teddy and Kobi. Ssh, don’t tell anyone. Now to get things wrapped.

Last night after supper and clean up, I just watched a bit of t.v.

Lots to do today. Some baking, laundry, cleaning and Iris and the pups are coming for a visit. I had better get this show on the road. I was even up early and look it is 9:03 a.m. already. Light outside and appears it is windy. I already have a load of blankets that should be done washing by now, changed bedding and gathered laundry, got dressed and now finished this post. WHEW.

Wishing you an awesome Saturday. Living our lives with kindness, compassion and respect for ALL others.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. something went wrong when I was trying to publish this post. It was in an auto saving mode for what seemed like forever. So I went ahead while I thought it was doing its’ thing and did another load of laundry, had breakfast, did some tidying up and cleaned up poop outside. When came upstairs not published and here it is almost 11:00 a.m. So I went back in again and went to the draft version but part of the post did not show. So anyway, I got it finished and will try again. Oh well, nothing like a bit of technical difficult to start your Saturday. LOL.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Well looks like another rainy day in paradise.

Paradise is not always sand with palm trees swaying in a tropical breeze near a massive body of water under a hot sun.

I live in my own little paradise.

I live in my own home which I have longed for my whole life.

It is mine, I obtained it on my own with only assistance from the bank and I pay them dearly for it every single month.

There are paved roads outside my home on the street lined with sidewalks for pedestrians and the like.

I have green grass instead of sand.

I have flowers instead of palm trees.

We have a breeze almost everyday.

There is a park nearby with water but not for swimming.

I have running water that flows upon my command in my home with a bathtub and showers to boot.

We have varied temperatures each day.

The sun shines and the rain falls in my paradise.

In my paradise I live close to some wonderful people I call friends.

Alvin has his best friend living nearby.

We are truly blessed.

Speaking of Alvin’s best friend Teddy.

Yesterday we were out for our second walk of the day and just coming up to where Teddy lives.

Every time we pass by Teddy’s house Alvin turns to go in.

Since March I have had to say “Sorry buddy not today.”

Until yesterday.

Teddy’s Dad was outside on his way to the mailbox when we spotted each other.

We said hello as Walter gave Alvin a pat on his head.

I said how Alvin always turns in to their house.

He said I think that Iris sent you a text for a get together.

Go into the house.

So we walked up the sidewalk (someone ran).

There was no doorbell ringing as Alvin started to bark and I could hear Iris say “Alvin, oh Teddy it is Alvin.”

With Kobi in her arms and Teddy running to Alvin she opened the door.

We practiced social distancing and enjoyed a wonderful visit on their deck.

Teddy and Kobi kept running and jumping so happy to see us.

Teddy spent some time snuggling on my lap outside on the deck.

We enjoyed a glorious visit on the deck.

So much so when we finally got home it was almost 6:30 p.m.

We left home just before 4:30 p.m. (after work and yes, I was late leaving my desk).

So this is my paradise.

Home and friends.

Friends and home.

My daughter, son-in-law and grand pups live about 20 minutes away.

Well time to go and do the laundry in this paradise as the maid service “sucks.”

I will say that.

The butler sleeps all day or is always wanting a treat.

Imagine that!

Just another day in paradise.

I believe that is a line from a song song by Phil Collins (a fav of mine).

Just another day in paradise.

Coffee is brewed.

Life is good.

Have a great day in your very own paradise.

Paradise is not always defined by the traditional tropical setting.

Paradise is wherever you are ……

Happiness is ….

Yup, it is.

I like that word “yup” with no reason why.

 

Living with Kindness, Respect and a Generous Spirit.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Perhaps it is almost time for Christmas in July, “MOVIES.”

Oh, how I love Christmas with the Kranks.

 

Inside my PARADISE,

 

 

Life is GREAT.