2021

Good Morning All! How are you this morning? We are great. Glad that it is Saturday. The sun is shining and the sky the most exquisite blue. Had some excitement this morning. I regress to yesterday. We had a great walk at lunchtime yesterday. It was windy but we managed to remain on the ground and even got to see two families of geese. Oh, the goslings are so cute and fuzzy. You just want to cuddle with them. Later in the afternoon, it started to rain. My daughter came after work to drop off some lawn chairs that they no longer had room for on their deck so I accepted them. I have lots of room on my multi leveled deck. We had a yummy supper of stir fry. After cleanup we including Mr. Alvin went over to check on Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder as their Momma is away for a well deserved weekend away from home. Humphrey said hi to us all and Bogart was a little distanced. One of the cats had thrown upstairs so I cleaned that up. Neither seemed to be ill or anything. He wasn’t quite sure. Not like he doesn’t know us but he was cautious. When we were going to leave he growled as Alvin was going to pass close by him. Just playing it safe, I had his leash on at that point so I steered him the other way. After my daughter went home, I did some clean up and then watched a bit of television before heading to bed. I think that I have mentioned before that I had purchased some “fake” nails from my friend’s daughter who has her own little business. When we girls were all together last weekend purchasing some nail kits, I thought that it would be fun to have all three of us wear our nails to Gillian’s birthday party which is in 1.5 hours on my deck. The instructions are not to put your hands in water for at least two hours after putting them onto your nails. Well the only time that would work for me would be before bed. So that is what I was doing a 10:30 last night, in my bathroom putting on these nails. Which by the way is making it difficult for me to type. Hopefully I get used to them before Monday. I work the late shift on Monday. I have them on and managed to keep them on so far today.

This morning we were up about 4:00 and then Alvin ate at 6:00 but I did not wish to get up to stay at that time. I really could have as I felt more awake at that time then I did at 7:30 when we got up to stay up. But it was so cozy on the sofa and I had been dreaming. Shortly after up, I made the bed and grabbed a sweater before heading over to feed the cats next door. I was in the kitchen putting out some wet food (already filled their dishes with dry) when the front door was starting to open, almost had the big one (okay being slightly dramatic) when a female voice called out and it was my neighbour bestie who comes every Saturday to use her basement for a zoom dance class. We startled each other. Shortly after that the orange cat that was out visiting stopped by. One minute on the fence and the next on the deck. Bogart was inside of course and the cat was sitting outside patio door on the deck. Bogart was not impressed. I am not sure what he was saying. Humphrey came along and he just sat and watched the cat. A few minutes later the cat jumped the fence from the ground, scaled the fence and then jumped onto my garage and down the other side to the fence and was gone. What an agile creature. Kendra had her class so I said that I would be over later.

What an interesting morning. Not sure how excited I am about these nails. Hard to type. I suppose you get used to them. Anyway. Time to go and get dressed for the party. It is a nice morning. Cannot wait to see the girls.

Have an awesome morning, and rest of your Saturday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. I am so close to 1000 followers ….. very exciting. Thank you to everyone. I appreciate your time.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Welcome to a bright and sun filled Tuesday morning.

Today is my late shift so I do not start until 11:00 a.m. and work till 7:00 p.m.

It is confusing for Mr. Alvin.

We slept in a bit later than usual, actually I would already been working for awhile.

Not much wind this morning.

Once I have my shower and coffee, I think we may head out for a walk before I start work at 11:00 a.m.

Likely a good way to start the day.

Exercise does not hurt.

 

How are you on this day?

Are you happy or anxious?

Are you sad or just okay?

There are a million of emotions and feelings running rampant through each of us at this time.

I will say for the most part I am reasonably happy.

Happy that I still have a job.

Happy that I have no commute to work.

Happy, and actually OVER the moon that I am able to spend 24/7 with me Alvin.

The boy turned 11 in January so all his time on this earth is precious.

We are “seniors.”

I do not think for the most part that either of us actually feel that way but it is a fact.

Now if we are seniors in our 60’s what happens to us in our 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond.

Really old, super elderly.

At the end of the day as long as we are in good health what does age matter.

 

Mr. Alvin is whining …. not sure why.

That is always a problem when you have no voice …. no words.

So I have to take a logical guess.

Right now it may have something to do with his chew treat.

But I will keep an eagle eye on him.

Our Vet has reduced hours and no weekends.

I need to check his dew claw once again as it was beginning to get long.

If it gets too long and grows into his paw – not a good thing for sure.

With all of our walks, his nails are keeping shorter so that is good.

He has not done the butt crawl so his anal glands should be okay.

There are signs for everything, almost everything.

Dogs are creatures of habit and love routine.

Much like humans.

Most humans anyway.

No worries friends of Mr. Alvin – I will always keep any eye on him and ensure that he always has proper care.

 

Well time to hit the shower.

I was also thinking of booking some summer vacation.

We have no idea how long we will be working from home.

We have been given the date of June 30th but that could change.

Personally, I am okay with working from home for part of the summer.

Nice to have longer hours at home.

More time to spend outside.

Now if the weather will comply we would have perfection.

Time will tell.

 

So Happy Tuesday everyone.

Wishing you sunshine and rainbows.

Joy and good health.

Take care.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

As always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. my friend and his grandson came and looked at the fence yesterday at noon. He will give me a quote and can do the work on a weekend.

Happy dance.  Will be great to have the fence fixed.  He will also cut down the remaining posts from the pergola and change those two boards from the

top of the fence between me and my other neighbour.  Life is good.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 24th day of September, 2016.

Well we had rain overnight and it was raining at 5:30 a.m. when Alvin and I first were up and about.

Later being now 9:00 a.m., the skies have cleared and the sun is shining.

We are just getting ready to leave for our regular six week pedicure and “anal gland squeeze” for Mr. Alvin.

Oddly enough the bum thing does not bother him but his nails being trimmed does.

Now I do get it as a couple of times they have nicked the quick (passed the nail).

His “quicks” are longer than usual.

But I think it startles him more than actually hurts too much.

They are so good at our Vet and treat us, him like family.

He is good for his shots and the bum thing but just does not care too much for getting his nails done.

Funny thing too …. at the Doctor’s they clean and check his ears and he does not fuss too much but at home YIKES.

Later this morning Elton is coming to spend part of the day with me and Alvin as his parents are taking a nephew mini golfing.

Nephew’s birthday was beginning of September but it is sometimes hard to schedule with kids these days.

They are so busy with all of their different activities and their friends.

I am happy that it is the weekend.

Pleased that the sun is going to shine as I must start preparing things for the next season.

I do not wish to trim and pull flowers and bushes because they are looking so good as yet.

With all this moisture they are lasting longer.

As I was reminded by one of my gardener friends …. most years we stop watering once the temperature starts to cool off and that is one of the main

reasons they are finished.

I must trim my big tree out front.

Last year I did it a couple of times by now and this year with all of the rain I have not.

Well it is almost time to leave for the Vet.

I hope that you all have an amazing Saturday.

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers …. keep writing.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 19th day of September, 2015.

It is a warm, bright sunny morning here in Edmonton.

WOW, it is the weekend and I am so happy.

Mr. Alvin has his regular monthly pedicure / other checks appointment this morning.

When I mentioned the receptionist name “J” he jumped up and gave me a kiss.

Safe to say that he loves this girl.

It is so funny he is always excited to go and see “J” and the other girls that work at the Clinic but when he is having his nails done he is not so happy.

At least I do not have to carry him there ….. now that would be something.

After I write this blog it will be time to get ready and go.

After I get home I am going to make me a pot of coffee and set down and write up my TO DO LIST.

There are items that must get done over the next few weeks plus the routine items such as laundry and cleaning.

Did you have a good week?

I hope so.

It was good at the office ….. busy as per usual.

I like to be busy but it is always nice if one can be “caught up.”

It has never happened since I started at the office.

It is the nature of the beast so to speak that one always has an inflow of work.

Never to be “caught up.”

Well one of the things on my list is to clean out the closet in this office.

I have kind of stashed things in there since the kids moved in April.

Well that is not entirely true.

It has always been my gift closet, craft storage, odds and ends storage.

But it is time to go through it and see what is needed and what is not.

Last weekend I cleaned out the guest closet and it looks great.

One closet at a time.

Closets are always interesting.

We always seem to put things behind doors just in case we might need them.

Eventually the doors barely close and you have to make some decisions.

Otherwise you become a hoarder or sorts.

I am not making light of this issue for sure.

So many of us ….. keep things thinking we might need them at some point.

Part of this comes from not wanting to do without.

Part comes from perhaps laziness.

Part comes from history …. depressions ….. wars….

There are all sorts of reasons.

But for me, it is the thought I might use it.

I have found that since I turned 50, I do find it easier to “toss” and “give” things away when I am not using them.

There is something freeing about it actually.

Well I had better go and get ready to start this day.

I have a bit of a headache … maybe because I have not had coffee yet.

But it will have to wait until we return from the Vet.

That is usually a quick visit …. so I won’t have to wait too long.

I wish you a Happy Saturday.

I wish you great pride in whatever you accomplish or not.

I wish you time to relax.

I wish you to be surrounded by love and laughter.

Special Hello to: my friend “M” who brings back fond memories.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 23rd day of August, 2015.

It is a bright, sunny and breezy Sunday morning here in Edmonton.

I am preparing for a yard sale …. not in the garage but in the yard.

More accessible and visible being in the front yard on a busy street.

Today is the day that I am going to sell all of the items that I have chosen for the sale.

Alvin and I had a great day yesterday.

Started out with Alvin’s appointment with Dr. K….

Well it was great until she did the pedicure.

It is so strange that he doesn’t even wince when she does the anal sacs check (yuk).

It is so strange that he really did not fuss when she cleaned and checked his ears.

When I do his ears …. you would think …..

But when it came to his nails ….. he is a fuss pot.

He basically screeched …. I felt bad.

For the girls ……

When it was over he got a nice cookie.

I have taught Alvin how to ask nicely (manners are good for everyone including animals).

I missed the boat when he received the first cookie so I asked if he could display his skill for another cookie.

What a Momma …… yes, I know.

But I am proud and wanted to show them that he is more than the anxiety guy at pedicure time.

He proved me right and asked nicely ( he puts his paw up either in the air or when it is me, he usually paws my arm or leg whichever is closer).

He recognizes the words “ask nice.”

I was so proud of him.

They love him …. he is such a cute little guy and very loving.

I picked up a bag of his favourite treats and he was so happy.

After the appointment we went home to start laundry.

Gathered items for the lawn/yard sale.

The day passed …..

Mowed the front lawn.

Whenever I am outside mowing the lawn, a task that normally would take about 15 minutes usually takes over an hour because of people stopping to visit.

Mowing the lawn is a visitor magnet.

Well it is less than two hours until I should start putting things outside.

I have a good feeling that I am going to sell everything that I put out.

That would be so great.

Last night when Alvin and I were out for our evening stroll we saw one of the ladies in her back yard.

Their yard backs onto the lake in our neighbourhood.

I always admire the yard whenever we go by.

We talk about flowers and trees and things.

She is such a nice lady.

Every time I speak to her I learn more about her …. she is so interesting.

She came from China six years ago, and is close to my age (bit younger).

In China, she was a chemical engineer and retired after 26 years before moving here.

She lives here with her only and grown up son and his wife and daughter.

I asked about her husband and she said he is still in China as he is a businessman.

She works in a hotel here (what a change).

She said it is hard when you do not know the language and cannot get into a profession.

I felt so proud when she said she loves living in Canada …. most especially no pollution.

Fresh air as she took a deep breath.

What a great way to end the evening …. having a lovely chat with a wonderful person.

Time to fly …. shower …. coffee ….. prepare for sale …… work on the computer …. coffee …. sale…

YIKES.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” who is coming for a visit in two weeks.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 22nd day of August, 2015.

It is a gorgeous morning here in Edmonton and it is the weekend, doubly great.

Just sipping on a cup of coffee in between changing bedding and typing this blog.

We will be off to see Dr. Karen (Alvin’s Doctor) in a few minutes for his regular monthly pedicure and “stuff.”

He likes the staff at the clinic and I am so grateful for that …. now if he would be more quiet when he gets his nails done.

How are you this morning?

Have a long “TO DO LIST” ?

I started to make one up and it is running onto a second page.

Arrgh.  (not really a word but it truly states how we feel about too long lists).

Oh well ….. break it up over the weekend and it should be doable.

If only Mr. Alvin could vacuum or mow the lawn.

What ….. he can mow the lawn….

Have you seen him out on a walk and after he takes a quick “pee” (gross, sorry) he always mows the grass.

Just have to figure out how it could apply to the whole lawn not just a small patch of grass.

Oh well ……

I guess I had better get this show on the road.

I hope that wherever you are the sun is shining and that you have help with your “to do list.”

I hope that you take time to relax and sip on that cup of coffee …..

Happy Saturday …..

Enjoy your weekend.

P.S. We were off from work a bit early yesterday so I decided to run a couple of errands at West Edmonton Mall. One of them was going to the “store” (Bath & Body Works) to pick up some hand soap.  I was so happy to see some of my co-workers.  One of them even mentioned that one of the guys from a place I used to go and pick up supper from, asked about where I was?  Sweet.  I certainly do miss my friends.  They were the best group of people.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 3rd day of August, 2015.

The sky is partially overcast and there is a breeze.

Back home again after the sibling weekend visit.

My brother and sister are staying with me until tomorrow morning.

So we shall extend our visit which is great.

Alvin was so happy to see me …. us.

Yesterday right about the time we were to sit down to a family supper … about ten minutes after my daughter and grand-pups arrived ….

My neighbour came to the door asking for dog biscuits as she was trying to rescue a dog who was in the street running between parked cars ( ours is a busy street with people driving way too fast ).

I can tell you that my neighbour, my brother and daughter were able to get the doggie to my backyard where they gave her water and food and attention.

My sister joined in with them to keep her calm …. they took a blanket for her to lay on.

They tried to contact agencies ….

She was calming down and such a beautiful dog.

She was also injured …. her paws were blistered.

She must have been walking on the hot pavement for a few days.

After being at our house for just over a hour my daughter and brother drove her to the emergency vet (this was Sunday and no other vet clinics are open).

They drove her there and the staff at the emergency clinic would not let them stay … “our girl” was anxious and peed on herself ….. they took her away.

Said cannot tell them whether she had a chip or anything due to privacy acts.

You know sometimes that is such a crime.

Everyone bonded with her and would be happy to have her live with us.

My daughter cried when they had to leave and my brother sad.

If no owner cannot be contacted within 48 hours they will call my daughter.

When they returned and we sat down to supper it was almost 9:00 p.m.

We were glad that she had been found and that we were able to assist her as she was injured.

We were pretty certain that she has a family as she had a collar, the tag for shots …. her nails were trimmed.

Well I had better get back to my company.

Always excitement ….

So glad for a happy ending.

Special Hello to: people who rescue dogs and cats.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Landscaping Project Summer 2010 – Stage 1

Last summer, quite by accident, I had my front and back yard landscaped.  It was the best home project ever.  So it was  in the first part of May, one beautiful evening my neighbour Anick phoned.  She had a visitor, and had mentioned to him about me, and my thoughts of doing some landscaping.  So enters, John W.  They both came over to my house, and within 20 minutes we had a “rough plan” for the back yard, and he was hired.  Usually I ponder things for a longer period but I am changing, and slowly becoming a new person.    Put my faith in the Universe, and went for it.  Besides once you hit the “50” mark – why not.  Go for it.  So that is exactly what I did.

A couple days later we had picked up the lumber, nails and other supplies and started the deck.  That was the starting point of this landscaping project.  Initially, we thought of extending the deck with a hour-glass shaped portion from the house to the garage.  Once we got out there, and started measuring things we realized that that was not going to work.  There would be gaps between the deck and the fence where someone (child, adult or Alvin) could fall down in between the deck and the fence.  So, change of plans.    John always thinking (as I got to know him) came up with a great plan.  Why not, just use 16 foot lengths, no cutting.  The deck would have a middle section that was attached to the deck off the house and then there would be three steps up to another tier or platform that was attached to the garage.  (You can see this better in the photos than I can explain, LOL) At the same time, he added railings off the original deck at the high end, and at the top by the garage.  Safety, always.  We made several trips to the lumber yard.  Stopping always for coffee at Starbucks.  I should also mention, and give props to my neighbour Peter (Anick’s husband) who helped John with the construction aspect of the project.  He shovelled dirt, showed off his nail gun skills, and when I had to run out for supplies with John, he graciously kept an eye on my Alvin.  Alvin has become the neighbourhood ambassador of sorts – he loves everyone and they love him.  Simple as that.

The first part of this project lasted only a few days giving me a taste of landscaping and ideas!  I am so grateful to John and Peter for building me the most beautiful deck on the planet.  It is great.  I have the space to entertain a huge crowd.

Deck project begins May 2010

 

Deck project

 

My friend Peter - great worker

 

Getting there ...... looks great.

 

Next the steps....

 

Steps going in .....

 

Alvin checking things out, making sure it is safe !!

Visitors - Anick - love the face painting

Visitors to see the new deck ..... and her Daddy (Peter). Cute butterfly.

Another Visitor - Mahee-Lee (such a great job on the face painting)

David, Peter & Anick's youngest ..... what a cute little boy.

John cleaning up after the deck was finished. YAY...

John & Peter, two of the greatest guys. They did such an awesome job on the deck.

Deck complete, what a beautiful sight. Now for the flowers.... FUN

THANK YOU JOHN & PETER ....... good times....

John added the bird house that Amanda made in high school shop class to the top of the pole. Next day we had visitors.

Well it was so much fun.  We laughed, share many a cup of coffee before the guys were off to the next venture.  Actually John moved next door to do my adjoining neighbours back yard.  There is another chapter to my landscaping story, and I will add that at a later time.  The summer of 2010 was the most fun.  Lots of jokes, coffee and hard work…..  Thank you guys…

 

Always, Carol