Last Days 2022 – December 31st.

Good Morning ALL! Well we have had a last twenty-four hours. Yesterday was quiet until it was not. I did some laundry, bit of cleaning, Alvin and I walked to the park and I shovelled the neighbours garage pad and driveway for them. The sun did shine for part of the day and it is shining brightly this morning. While Alvin and I were walking one of our friends (neighbour) was driving by and pulled over and we chatted for a couple of minutes from across the street. It had been months since I had seen her. We both said that we had a card and gift for each other. I asked her to let me know when I could pop by with her gift. She said that she would. After we got home, I decided to text two other friends that I had cards and gifts for to see when I could bring them by. Time just had seemed to got away on me this holiday season. It was cold and then Alvin was gone for three weeks and then it was cold again. So I did not get out to do much walking. Anyway, I heard back from one of the two and later in the afternoon, went over to drop off the gift. One hour and a few minutes later, I was heading back home. We chatted for over an hour. So much seemed to have happened and she wanted to tell me, so I listened. Sometimes people just need to share and sometimes we just need to listen. I did add my stories in here and there. I had mentioned that I had not seen our other friend until I saw her when we were out earlier for a walk. She seemed to be surprised by that revelation, and when I asked why, she did not want to answer so I left it at that knowing that I would see the other friend later. It was almost 5:00 p.m. when I got home to find a box on my front porch, I picked up the box and went inside. Alvin was wanting his supper so I fed him, and then popped a black bean burger into the oven. I realized that it was my new computer which had been delivered a few days early. That almost never happens so I unpacked my new pick iMac computer. A few minutes later I checked texts and messages and found one from the friend that I had seen driving earlier and she said “come over.” So I quickly texted her back to say that I could come but had supper in the oven so could only stay for a few minutes. When I arrived at her house (only a few door away), the friend that I had visited with earlier was there. I almost jumped out of my body. Not sure why I was surprised but I was. Nothing could have prepared me for the news. Our friend has breast cancer. She had a second surgery just last week and is waiting for the pathology results. I felt like I was having an out of body experience. We chatted and finally I had to go before my supper burned (no one wants to cause a fire). In between the news – we exchanged Christmas presents which seemed so surreal. Last night was odd. I could not get my friend out of my mind. I pray that they were able to get all of the cancer with the second surgery. Life. We never know.

I was going to post photos of this past year and a summary of what happened in our house. Maybe some wise words or thoughts. But now it does not seem appropriate. I know the stats of cancer, of breast cancer so I should not be surprised that I would know someone. Keeping positive thoughts for a full recovery for her, for my friend.

Instead, I will just say that it is a reminder to us all to listen to our “intuition” and go for checkups. Get those mammograms done, I will be making an appointment in the New Year. If we do not look after ourselves – no one else can.

Happy New YEAR, cannot believe it will be 2023 at 12:01 tonight. Where has the time gone. I am excited to set up my new computer but for now, I need a cup of coffee. Oh, this morning, earlier when we had come back upstairs, I had just opened the blinds in our bedroom to see one police car turn up the street, then a second and then a third. My heart went into my socks. What the heck? They stopped up the street and got out. Twenty minutes later they left. I hope that everything is okay. Seems like there is always a police car or two up the street and around the corner.

I am happy that Alvin and I are in good health at this time. I am grateful for the sunshine this morning. I am grateful for our family, friends, this house – our home, to be financial “secure,” and my life. We are very blessed. I am grateful for that. Many blessings.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. hoping to be able to set up my new computer after some coffee ……….

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! Today is September 29, 2022. Second last day of September for 2022. This month seems to be flying by although at this point in my life, I could say that honestly for most months. Yesterday was at the office. It was the office as I would prefer to be working from home. I love working at home. I missed Alvin but had comfort that someone was checking on him. Next week we are back to three days per week and I hope that this schedule will remain intact. At least that way a person has some time at home with no commute. Now that the days are getting shorter, it will be dark soon by the time we get home from work making it harder to go for walks. We can manage until the white stuff arrives but after that it will be difficult. I am grateful for all the days that I can work from home and be with Mr. Alvin. Did you know that 14 in dog years is 98 in human years? He does very well for that age and then some.

There are some days when you receive news that really puts your life into perspective. Sometimes those situations that one has been stressing / fretting about – just do not seem to be that important any longer. So in the grand scheme of things, in life – I am so grateful that I am alive, that both Alvin and I are in good health, that I live in this beautiful home in this great neighborhood in this wonderful Country, that I am surrounded by loving and supportive friends and neighbors, that I can see the beauty in the leaves as they change colour all around me, that I can hear the music playing on the radio, that I can dance if I want to, that I can sing if I please, that I can walk and talk and do things, that I have time. So when someone or something whether at work or in your personal life gets you down or feeling stressed, just remember we all have a limited amount of time on this earth. DO NOT SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF! Words to live by. I am going to do my best to stop with Alvin and smell the “roses” not to be worried about the time. I am going to reach out to my family and friends on a regular basis. I am going to do my best not to listen to gossip or to respond to that “silliness.” I am going to do my best to think of all the GREAT people in my life. I realize that I have in fact, a very great life. I am going to laugh more and play more. I am going to do my best to just live my life!

So on this Thursday, the last day of work for me this week, I wish you a great and wonderful day. The sky appears to be hues of pinks and blues, so pretty.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Friday morning? It is Friday thank goodness. I am ready for a nice quiet weekend. I shovelled about a foot from the deck and out front a little while ago. It just started to snow again. Does that not figure somehow? Oh well, it is March in Western Canada and we usually get snow. At least it is fluffy and easy to shovel so that is a good thing. I was sweeping it from spots on the deck throughout the day and evening. All the snow that melted has now accumulated once again. The rooftops that were bare a few days ago are now covered. The sky is white this morning to match the ground cover. I do love how gloriously white the snow is. Hard to imagine that it is so white. Okay enough about snow.

I wasn’t sure if I wanted to mention this or not but I will as it is important. Last night I received a text from one of our friends advising that both of her pups have lice. We were last in contact on Saturday. So I googled dogs and lice. Not very impressive list of things to do. First off, I removed everything -blankets, his sweater, his harness, dog bed covers and put them into a hot washing cycle. Then I took Mr. Alvin up and gave him a bath. Then I took a break and went outside and did some shovelling. Once back in the house the one load of wash was done so I popped in the second set of sheets that I should have washed last weekend but I was busy and decided that I did not need them, who knew. Thankfully this happened after we had an early supper. I washed the towels from his bath. Spent the night with the phone flashlight poring over him looking for something that I did not wish to find. He has not been scratching so hopefully that is a positive sign and I will hold myself to that thought. I will also keep an eye out. So that was my Thursday night. Best part of the evening was shovelling snow, argh.

So morning came extra early this morning as it was quite late or late for us when we got to bed. I had to do a bit of reading before I turned out the lights.

We never know what is going to come our way. I hope that our doggie friends are feeling better – they have medicine and of course, the best parents to look after them. They were doing laundry as well. Our friend got the news as they had taken the pups to the groomers. What a surprise for the groomer although I am sure that happens more times than not. It might explain a lot of things.

I hope that you have a lovely Friday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to Thursday, July 1, 2021 – Canada Day. The sun is shining and the birds are singing. We are just home from a walk a few minutes ago and I wanted to write this post before it becomes too hot upstairs in my office. At the moment there is a cool breeze wafting in through the open window. I have all of the windows open the house and the temperature is 81 F, which is the lowest it has been in the house for more than a week now.

Last night when I was going to sleep I starting to compose this “poem” if you will and wished that I had got up and wrote down the words as they have changed and evolved as the morning goes on …..

O CANADA

I was born in Canada, raised in Canada and love my country.

I knew early on that some people were treated differently and not always because of skin color.

As a child, I knew of Indigenous peoples.

We hired some of the men from nearby reservations to help out on the family farm.

Why they only lived on the reserves?

I did not really know.

Why there were no Indigenous children at our school?

We learned where the different Indigenous peoples lived, like the Cree, the Sioux and the Blackfoot.

By the time I was a teenager and we had moved to other provinces,

There were some Indigenous children in our rural schools.

No one spoke of or mentioned “residential schools.”

Our history with some being of recent times,

Not written in books for us to read,

Is filled with acts of violence that we find reprehensible and horrific of other countries.

But it is not other countries that fills the news feeds,

Not places where there are religious wars or tribal wars but here.

In this place we call home.

This place called Canada.

This Canada Day we cannot celebrate,

We must not,

Celebrate,

Without acknowledging the hundreds of Indigenous children ripped from their homes,

In the name of religious beliefs and with government approval.

These children suffered more than we could ever know,

They missed their families.

They were not allowed to speak their languages.

They were abused and neglected by “pillars of our communities.”

Many were murdered by these same members of the church and government.

While others were experimented on by the military.

The children that lived through the abuse, neglect and horrors of what was done to them and others,

Continued and continue to suffer as adults.

Their families threatened to silence and worse.

The time has come for us all to stand up.

To stand beside our fellow Indigenous Canadians,

Speak out to the atrocities that they have suffered and continue to,

Recognize and acknowledge,

We cannot go forward without looking back.

O Canada.

My heart hurts for the babies, for the children.

We must hear them, now and forever, and never forget!

Written by CY Lewis on July 1, 2021.

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

As I continue to live my life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, understanding and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning ALL.

This morning I want to say that one of my friends whom I met during my years at Bath & Body Works passed away suddenly on October 7, 2020. There are no words to express my sadness. Sharon was a character so full of love and laughter. She could always make everyone smile and laugh. Her laughter and smile were beyond capturing. We always had fun working together. Sadly my days at BBW ended a few years back but I was always happy to see her when I made it to the store. She had the best hugs and we were always happy to see each other once again. We kept in touch via Facebook, thank goodness for social media. She had more energy than anyone I knew and everyone in the store always remarked in that way. As hard as she worked she did know how to have fun. Every shift that we worked together there was always time for some fun and to catch up on the latest news. Over the years Sharon met with some health issues and I/We were always so relieved when she recovered. Even her children worked at the store after school. Family was so important to her and her friends were her family, too. I know there are a great many folks grieving her loss today, tomorrow and forever. I keep you all in my heart.

Sharon was a lovely, kind, caring, funny, smart, hard-working, gentle, compassionate, human being. A true and wonderful friend to all the souls that she encountered.

She will be missed.

Rest in Peace, my dear friend.

We love you for Always and Forever.

With kindness and respect,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time

Hello,

Good Morning.

YAY, today is Friday.

So am looking forward to the weekend.

House needs to be cleaned and I need to cuddle with my boy.

What a week we have had.

Sometimes you get “bad news” but it works out in the end.

Gotta love that.

So it goes to show that there is no point in getting upset / stressed / riled up / angry / mad / sad or whatever the negative emotion.

Until the final word has been spoken or the final ink to paper.

One never knows where things will go.

I am a firm believer in the positive and even though I may feel a tad bit upset initially that is mostly due to the shock of the news.

Right?

Just to remain positive, calm, kind and respectful in all situation.

Most people are shocked when they hear “bad news” or “major change to their norm” and that is understandable.

I am sorry to be cryptic but because it involves my work, I won’t give any details.

Suffice to say for now the wave has subsided.

 

So weatherwise we have moisture.

It rained off and on yesterday and last night.

HOWEVER we managed to get a short walk in and a visit with our friend who was out in her garden.

I love our chats.

She even temporarily transplanted a GERANIUM and brought it over for me.

I have to transplant it into a pot to winter.

So I will have pink flowers all winter long and then can transplant into my garden in the spring.

Lucky me.

So excited.

Just have to find the right pot.

 

Tomorrow is to be cooler and cloudy so hopefully I can finish off my outdoor work.

Teddy may come for a visit tomorrow.

We love to have him over and then Humphrey may join us in the afternoon.

 

Well looks like getting close to the time that I have to leave.

I have to change purses as I am catching the bus home tonight and stopping at the vet.

Alvin needs to eat.

My neighbour is giving me a ride this morning as my carpool took the day off.

Also you know, I am going to type that FOUR LETTER word …… P-O-O-P.

Have to clean the morning stuff up from the back yard.

 

Well I hope that you have an awesome Friday.

I am thinking today is going to be AMAZING.

I see only GREAT NEWS in my future.

GREAT GREAT NEWS.

I hope that it is the same for you.

 

Happy Friday.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of April, 2019.

Waking up to gloominess.

Where oh where has the beautiful bright sunrise gone?

The sky is that grey.

That gloomy colour.

The one that does not give you energy to get up and go.

Thankfully I have the pups for that …. Alvin and Teddy.

Playing already this morning.

I am so grateful that Teddy has arrived in our lives.

He gives us energy and Alvin plays now.

Even when Teddy is not around.

He grabs his toys and runs around the house; sometimes throwing them into the air.

Sometimes Alvin’s gregarious nature startles Teddy a bit, I think.

Perhaps a bit too “social.”

But they definitely are good friends.

Last night for dessert while hanging out with the boys.

I had a Baileys Banana Chocolate Frozen Dessert.

You know a little frozen banana pieces, throw in some coconut milk, a nice heaping tablespoon of dark cocoa and some BAILEYS, just a nice healthy splash.

VOILA ….. delicious.

As it was better frozen – I had to eat while in that state.

By the time I was done – a little buzz.

Just something I threw together while I watched “Kathie Lee Gifford’s last TODAY SHOW as a regular HOST.

I am sure going to miss that wicked sense of humour, her light, her kindness and her talent.

She can take a blah day or a sad moment and turn it all round with one lift of her eyebrow and a turn of her mouth.

In my previous post I did not mention her writing.

Songs, books both adult and children, plays and movies.

She sings, acts and really could have been a stand-up comedian.

 

Really there is not much this lady has not accomplished and is still accomplishing well into her 60’s.

I salute you Kathie Lee and look forward to hearing your news and music, and watching your movies.

Definitely a legend.

All the Best.

 

Bedtime for me and the boys.

They each had a chew treat.

Of course, Mr. Alvin wanted Teddy’s even though he had his own.

Oh, me Alvin.

What am I going to do with you?

 

The boys with me in my office while I write this blog post.

They patiently wait for me.

Well before a riot breaks out I had better grab the boys and head to the shower.

Too much sitting around for the boys can mean only one thing – “trouble.”

 

Wishing you all a wonderful Saturday.

May the light shine on us always.

Good Health, Joy and so much laughter that you almost pee your pants.

That is what I wish for you …..

 

Special Hello to: my friend “LE” who is celebrating a birthday today.  Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 21st day of July, 2018.

Absolute perfection outside this morning.

We were up at 5:00 as Alvin wanted to go outside and then to eat his breakfast.

Back to the sofa for some extra zzz’s as on a Saturday who NEEDS to get up for the day at 5:00 AM if not necessary.

So we did and then about 7:30 Alvin started to stir and finally just before 8:00 I was up ….. basically grabbed him and off we went for a walk.

Covered up my PJ’s with a long sweater.

The air was cool and refreshing.

SUN high up in the sky already but not hot.

The water fountain in the pond was turned on and the sound of the water was delightful.

We had a great walk and even picked up the odd piece of trash along our walk.

Once home turned on the first load of laundry.

Our plans changed as my daughter and grand-pups were to come for a sleepover.

So we will just get some extra housework done – like the BLINDS, argh.

Sounds like they will come tomorrow for a visit – perhaps come for PANCAKES as I have all of the ingredients.

That would be WONDERFUL.

Coffee is perking and I love that smell as it wafts through the house.

Madonna is singing AMERICAN PIE …… love that song.

I have GREAT news – misunderstanding as I thought that my sister would only be here for a couple of days at the end July / start August.

She will be here for almost one week ….. YAY …. so excited.

I love having my sister at my house ….. we LAUGH and LAUGH and LAUGH.

Crazy girls …..

Well I guess it is time to get to work.

Perhaps should have some breakfast …..

Could even sit outside and soak up that glorious morning air.

 

I hope that you are enjoying your day and that you have great NEWS this day or soon.

Special Hello: to my sister …. so happy that you are able to come and be here for extra time.  FUN is on the way.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 5th day of April, 2016.

Wow, we woke up to snow.

Just a coverlet of the white stuff covering the deck.

Just enough to throw Alvin out of his routine.

He did not want to walk on the deck.

He stepped out so gingerly …. lifting each paw gently as he made his way across the deck and down the steps to his green patch.

Well not so green at the moment.

He is so darn cute.

I guess after all it is Spring and anything can happen.

After 22 degrees on Saturday to snow on Tuesday.

I am pleased that I left my snow boots and winter jacket in the closet by the front door.

It is not cold out but I have been cold on the bus so I will pop it on.

The temperature is not to be super warm today anyway.

Boots or shoes, that is the question.

There isn’t much now but there could be.

I brought my shoes home from work so would have to carry a pair to work.

Oh well I have 10 minutes or so to make that HUGE decision.

I am smiling ….. as it is not such a big decision.

But always good to have a giggle at this time of day.

I am happy or not but we had 30 minutes on the sofa this morning to rest.

I have been dreaming and not able to settle down at night so that helped me feel a bit rested.

Well I hope that wherever you go today, and whatever you may be doing that the NEWS is all good.

You deserve good news and today is the day.

Me and Alvin – Alvin and I wish you good health and love on this Tuesday.

Throw in a pinch of laughter and life is perfect.

Happy Tuesday Everyone.

 

Special Hello to: everyone out there who has an appointment today – good news – good news, it will be good news.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 30th day of July, 2015.

It is partially overcast with the sun coming up in the east and a bit of a breeze.

I guess Mother Nature just wants to keep us guessing.

I will take my umbrella just in case.

Last night one of my neighbours and good friend came over for tea and a visit.

We had such a good visit and then she came along with us on our walk.

Perfect evening ……

Only one more sleep until my sister and brother arrive for our road trip.

I think that I have mentioned we are going to see our other brother.

It is always nice to spend time with your siblings and away from the city is a nice touch.

My brother lives on an acreage so it will be nice and “quiet.”

Well lots to do today after work.

Packing …. watering flowers ……

Here we are again almost time to leave for work.

How does that happen?

Do you find that the mornings seem to zip by?

For the most part …. they do for me.

Oh well ….. better zipping than not.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

May this Thursday be filled with GREAT news and that you are surrounded by happiness.

Being happy is the best …..

It all begins with oneself.

Alvin is pacing …. I better get him outside before I leave.

Special Hello to: my friends new and old …. you are the best.

Always, Carol and Alvin