A New Year 2023

Good Morning ALL! Hello. I am sorry but I haven’t posted for a couple of days due to Mr. Alvin being “sick.” I guess it was just after a few hours after we went to bed on Monday night (to work on Tuesday) when he woke up and needed to go outside and that is where it started. He had to pee, so I let him outside. Most of the time I go outside with him and sometimes I just let him out and watch him from the back door. The next time he went out a few hours later, I went with him and and realized that he had diarrhea which was filled with blood. More blood than poop. I almost started to cry. That is never a good sign for anyone. Last time he had major surgery after I spotted a drop of blood in his pee and that was February of 2021. My heart fell to my knees. We were up and down, (no sleep) and then I sent a text at a reasonable hour to my Manager explaining and advising that I would not be working Tuesday. As soon as the Vet Clinic was open I called to set up an appointment. The irony was that I had an appointment for today, this afternoon to have his nails etc. done (regular). The soonest we could get in was noon which was good as I needed to find a ride to the vet. I was very lucky that one of my friends and nearby neighbours was off yesterday and was very happy to give us a ride. Then the waiting. I think the waiting is the hardest. Every time he went outside there was blood, some 24 hours later there is still blood but it is becoming a bit less. We were picked up just before noon and off we went. I totally forgot to take a mask with me and had to ask for one inside the clinic. The vet requires all humans to wear one while in the exam rooms. I explained everything and showed the photos that I had taken to the Clerk at reception desk before we went in to wait in one of the two exam rooms. Not long later the Vet Assistant came to retrieve Mr. Alvin. Then the waiting. Actually, it was not too long. So long story short as honestly it is a blur. The blood was red and not tarry which is good and there are a long list of reasons why, he was eating and drinking water and no blood in his urine, also good. He had lost a bit of weight which was good as he had put on a couple of pounds. The first thing she said we needed to do was to put him on medications to stop the diarrhea, he would need Probiotics and Fibre (age). I asked about all the blood in his stool and she said that she had seen more. For now, not to worry, we need to get his stool back to normal. He also has to go on a bland diet (chicken & rice) for a few days. So that is that. He does not seem to be in any pain. Although I would say not quite his old self. My friend picked us up after I got the medications, instructions and paid the bill. Then we were off to the grocery store as I needed rice, chicken and Metamucil (fibre). So here we are. I am not working today as I had little or no sleep again last night. I hope that over the next day or so, he is back to normal. If not, there will be more tests. Fingers crossed and saying lots of prayers.

I need coffee. On the upside my Ricki’s order arrived yesterday and the 5TB external hard drive for my photos. YAY.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. I really need coffee this morning – a bit late. With not having to work, I was able, we were able to get a bit of sleep.

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are okay now. Last night as we were on our way to bed, I noticed that after Mr. Alvin climbed the stairs, he was favouring his right front leg. My mind flashed to last summer. My heart sank. I picked him up and carried him to the bed. He just sat there. No whining or crying. Just sat. I quickly brushed my teeth, washed and got changed into my pj’s. Then I took his toothbrush and toothpaste and a wet cloth to wipe his paws as I usually do before bed. He did not move from his spot but he did not wince when I gently wiped his paws. He laid down right in my spot and as I had no idea where this was going, I just laid down across the bed beside him. After several minutes I managed to coax him into moving over and he laid down. Finally at one point not too long after we went to bed, I took a chance that he would not follow me and took off downstairs to grab him a pain pill which thankfully I had just refilled yesterday. Grabbing him a bit of his wet food to hid the pill in, I returned upstairs. He gobbled down the food with the pill and I was grateful. I really could not sleep. He would doze off and then sit up and this carried on all night. At 2:30, we wanted to get up but I managed to get him to stay in bed a bit longer. I think it was about 3:00 or just after when we got up and went downstairs. I helped him off the bed and was going to carry him down the stairs but he went down on his own. He has not favoured the leg since last night. Perhaps he just stepped on it the wrong way. He was still up and down until I got up at 7:00. I am so tired. But I will carry on. Coffee will help.

I did some moving about of snow from the grass area of our backyard yesterday after we got home from Alvin’s vet appointment. I was pleasantly surprised that a good portion of the sidewalks for our walk to the vet were clear. The rest of the sidewalks were crappy but what can you do. I just happened to look out of the office window and saw a large cat crossing the backyard of the neighbours to the south. They are on the corner and their backyard faces ours. Another cat out and about. Anyway I also managed to get some of the water to make its’ way to the storm drain. Most of the storm drain is covered by the ice and snow chunks but I cleared the snow beside the sidewalk and the water actually started running down to the drain. Hard to explain but the water is draining. Especially when you are running on no sleep, the words are not coming easily. Water is a powerful thing.

Well time to go and grab my coffee.

I hope that you have a great day. The sunrise is beautiful. Perfect blue sky. The moon is slowly fading from sight.

Happy Thursday morning.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Well we are down to the final stretch only FOUR sleeps till Christmas EVE. WOW.

Our little visitor arrived late yesterday afternoon. I present Miss Cookie.

Cookie

Cookie seems to love Rudolph

Her fav chair

She even sat beside me

Alvin

We had our first night. She was missing her family for most of the evening and went to the front door every few minutes. I was pleased to see her go outside with Alvin. She did not want a treat last night. She also did not settle down last night. Up on the bed and down. We were up at 2:00 and then I thought maybe she would be more comfortable on the main floor so downstairs we went. Outside. Then to the sofa, she did lay on the end of the sofa by my feet for a bit. Alvin wanted to eat at 4:00 but I said “not yet” but then again about 5:00 and finally at 5:30 we were up and stayed up. He gobbled his food down and she would not touch hers.

This morning while I was in my bathroom putting on my “eyebrows” – I returned to the bedroom to see looming in the semi darkness a parcel on my white rug. OMG, she pooped on the rug only about two feet from the pee pad that I had put down. I have a few throughout the house. But this would not be the first time a pup has pooped on that rug and that is why I have “pet stain remover.” Alvin is laying on the hall rug and Cookie is somewhere downstairs.

I am not surprised by her actions and reactions, this is a semi strange house for her. In a day or two she will be more at home. She is the sweetest little thing. She seems to like me as she has licked my face more than once.

A cup of coffee will be so good this morning and hopefully tonight everyone will sleep through most of the night.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I was thinking last night. Can you imagine what our world would be like if we all looked the same, had the same thoughts, opinions and faith? Our world is so amazing because of our differences. As 2021 quickly turns into 2022 – let us celebrate our differences and know they make our world a better, more interesting and fun place to live!

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this morning? I am well but a bit on the sleep deprived side. Alvin woke up about midnight, jumped off the bed and stopped on the “white” area rug that I have surrounding the end of the bed to help soften his landing and started to wretch. I immediately without hesitation jumped up and quickly moved him to the floor without the rug. He threw up something. He was in the in between place where there is nothing more to come up but still feeling like something needs to come up. In the midst of it all I ran into my bathroom and grabbed some kleenex to clean up. Once he was done, I quickly gave a good clean of the area before grabbing my phone, and water to go downstairs. Alvin stood at the top of the stairs and I knew that he was too weak to climb down on his own. I deposited my items downstairs and ran back up to carry him down. Downstairs I grabbed a light jacket from the hall closet and while putting it on, gently guided Mr. Alvin to the back door. At the back door, I put on my outside shoes and we went out into the night. It was just after midnight by this time and he just walked over onto the deck and stood there sniffing the night air. I walked over to see if he would go down onto the grass area and all he did was run away from me. Not really thinking that he wanted to play but I think that he wasn’t quite himself. Anyway several minutes later back into the house, no pee. It was so quiet outside at that time of night, no noise from the highway a few miles away, just us out on the deck. Back in the house, I decided that we would lay down on the sofa instead of going back upstairs. Both of us did not settle down easily and before you knew it …. we were up at 4:15 ….. gave him his glucosamine chew and then outside where he did pee. I reset the alarm, then up, I do not remember exactly and gave the boy his breakfast which he gobbled down as per usual. He went outside and then we were back to the sofa for a few minutes more sleep. We did not get out for a walk. At 7:00 a.m., we were up to stay up. At least I was for the moment. Alvin stayed on the sofa while I ran upstairs to hop into the shower. When I was finished in the shower – I peeked around the corner to see him lying on the bed. He seems to be fine. His eyes appear to be clear. At this moment he got up from his position on the carpet outside the office and just stared at me and now he is laying on his tummy licking his paws. Well almost time to go to work. The clock is ticking away closer to start time. I really am going to need to cup or three of coffee this morning.

One thing to note ….. last night as I was eating supper (late afternoon) …. there was a knock at the door and a neighbour from two doors down was there to ask if I would like some more plants. She had bought some and then a friend of hers gave her more. So she had more than she had room for and so I graciously accepted. I thought of the neighbour in between us which is the one in the other half of my duplex. Last night quite unexpectedly I was sharing plants and planting more flowers in my front flower bed and in the back one and in one pot to boot. I also gave my neighbour a hand pulling weeds and preparing her flower bed to plant the flowers. There was plenty to fill her flower bed and to add more to mine. So grateful. Very kind. I thought it would be nice to give thanks by giving her a hand written “thank you” note and also a bag of my favourite fruit tea. So that is exactly what I did. Also good to give thanks.

Okay definitely have to go here. Have a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? Me, while I am a bit on the tired side. We went to bed just after 9:00 p.m…… Alvin was up at 11:30, 1:30, 3:45, 4:16 and 6:00 and then the alarm went off at 6:45 and I hit snooze for 15 minutes. ARGH. Not sure what is the problem. He does not appear to be feeling ill. Just off his sleep routine for some reason. Anyway, I am hoping that tonight we get a great night’s sleep. He is now whining at the doorway.

Today is the actual birthday of my friend Signe, we had her birthday party in my garage on Saturday. Happy Birthday to a great friend. My life would not be the same without you. Wishing you much love and laughter, great joy, good health and abundance. Happy Birthday from me and Alvin.

Yesterday we putzed for most of the day finishing laundry, some tidying up and went for a short walk. Nothing too much it was a quiet day. We also heard that one of our friends had a baby girl a few days ago and that was great news. Congratulations to them.

I heard on the weather forecast yesterday that we will have a couple of relatively nice days and then back into the deep freezer. I guess it is still Winter. Valentine’s right around the corner. A month full of birthdays. I have multiple family members and friends celebrating this month.

So on that note HAPPY 1ST DAY OF FEBRUARY 2021.

Definitely is a coffee morning. But really is there ever a morning that is not a “coffee morning?” Not for me. I seldom do not have coffee in the morning. I most especially love the smell of coffee as it perks.

Well I must apologize as this post will be short today. My brain is foggy from lack of sleep and I only hope that I will have some semblance of intelligence as I make my way throughout the day. He is just sitting staring at me. Oh my Alvin.

As I continue to live with kindness, respect, compassion and really working hard on having patience. Today will be a test for sure.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well good morning we made it through the first day and night of our week with Teddy and Kobi.

Kobi did not settle down very well last night.

She is used to sleeping away from her brother and parents.

So we set up a similar situation for her and she whined and cried.

This of course upset both Alvin and Teddy.

Less than 1/2 hour later last night we were downstairs sleeping on the sofa.

This kind of worked but not really.

Alvin was up in the middle of the night and therefore she was up.

So not much sleep.

Just had a shower and she is in her kennel, well actually much bigger than a kennel and has cried since I came upstairs.

Alvin is with me and I left Teddy downstairs hoping that he would calm her down.

Not working.

So this is going to be an unusual week.

If you do not see a post from me, please do not worry.

I may be lacking sleep or something.

It does take longer feeding and looking after three pups in the morning.

Work tomorrow is looking more like a vacation day but I am not sure if I want to take a day off or not.

I could but do I?

Hopefully with company coming this afternoon followed by walks …. everyone will be tired.

We had walks and company yesterday ….

Oh well, too much whining.

I have to go downstairs.

Starting to feel a bit anxious.

Alvin is as well.

 

Have a great day.

Bye for now.

 

Remember with Kindness and Respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Sorry not current photos as I have not had time to download/upload.

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and welcome to a bright sunny morning here in Edmonton.

I have not been outside as yet this morning but I think it may be cooler than yesterday at this time.

Nice to see a bright clear sky, though.

Doing a little seated Happy Dance.

 

We had a busy but productive day yesterday here at our home.

We walked to the Vet in the morning to pick up supplies.

Home to have coffee and start laundry.

Did some cleaning followed by a walk in the afternoon.

My neighbour D and his son K came over early evening to see about moving the cabinet from the garage to the basement.

After checking out the cabinet, D decided to measure the cabinet and the entrance way to the basement.

Too tight of a squeeze.

Would not be easy to get downstairs.

How disappointing.

I would not have thought it would not fit.

Earlier I had moved things around and was planning what to move into this cabinet.

It was such a great idea and what disappointing news.

Now what?

I don’t know.

Have to think about it.

Rearranging again.

Now might as well wait until I take down the Christmas decorations next weekend.

Plan B.

Argh, why?

Clearly this is going to take me a few days to get over.

Yup, it is.

Simple as that.

What a waste to have sitting in the garage.

I don’t want to put tools in it as they would scratch the finish.

Besides I really don’t have anything that would fit nicely into the cabinet.

Maybe I will ask for further advice from my friend down the street.

I clearly am not ready to give up on this.

 

Well time to get this day going.

I did not sleep last night.

Alvin ate something while we were out for our walk and of course later in the evening just before bed, he threw it up.

Between the news of the cabinet, Alvin not feeling well and likely the black tea I was drinking over the course of the evening, I did not sleep.

I even left my phone downstairs so the 5:00 a.m. alarm would not wake us but Alvin woke up anyway.

So downstairs to feed him and let him outside.

Then we hit the sofa ….. managed to have a semi broken sleep until just before 9:00 a.m.

 

Tonight are the Golden Globe awards with Ricky Gervais hosting.

I really like him.

Have recorded it but will definitely be watching.

 

I wished that I could smell the coffee that has now perked but I am congested so cannot.

Have a Happy Sunday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Wow, today is Saturday the 21st day of December, 2019.

The second last Saturday of the month and the year.

WOW, hard to believe that 2019 is almost over.

We are ready for Christmas.

I wrapped the gifts for the pups and Humphrey last night.

Alvin was still sniffing around but at least he did not attempt to open any of the presents.

I was going to put my present from my friend “V” under the tree again but thought against it.

Better to be safe than sorry.

 

After a long time as somewhere along the way Mr. Alvin must have ate something not for him.

He was up and down ALL night long.

Finally he brought up some semi digested food.

Sorry for the grossness for the morning hours.

Anyway, he seems to be okay now.

We have our regular VET appointment this morning.

I have to have him checked for “ear mites” as baby Kobi has them.

He has his regular nail trim and stuff.

Following the visit, I will be giving Mr. Alvin his haircut which is long overdue.

I finally have the “blade head” replaced for his electric clipper.

Fun awaits.

Later this afternoon Teddy and his little sister arrive for a sleepover.

Last night I was able to get some laundry done and finished the last of the wrapping.

 

Well there are no words of wisdom or funny stories to share as I am a tad bit tired.

Going to cut this short to go and have some coffee and breakfast.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

 

If all else fails take a nap.

Always with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. so excited that I am off work now until January 2, 2020.

So lucky am I.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, a bright sunny windy Monday morning here in Edmonton.

Alvin has been not feeling well since the wee hours of Saturday morning.

It started with extremely bad gas.

I have never heard anything quite like it before from him.

I will not give you the graphics but suffice to say it has truly been a long weekend.

After changing his food yesterday to a bland diet of chicken and rice yesterday it has helped in some respects.

But he is still not his old self.

He is drinking water so that is good.

We only last night finally got more than two hours of sleep.

I feel a bit more rested but still anxious about my boy.

 

You might say why not take him to the vet.

Well our regular vet is closed for the long weekend and the emergency vet would mean a car ride.

He gets so stressed and anxious in the car – I wanted to try all that I could before putting him into that situation.

Other than the bottom end now …. he is okay.

But that is always a concern.

 

I just wanted to share this as my posts this weekend were not the norm, and I had so wanted to share more photos and stories of my August vacation.

But for now this is all that I can do.

I have to keep an eye on my boy.

We may have to make a trip to the vet before the end of the day.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

Alvin is a strong guy and I am quite certain he will be fine once he gets over this.

 

 

Treat all creatures big and small with kindness and respect.

 

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