The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Tuesday morning? We are well. Mr. Alvin did throw up earlier about 4:30 this morning but appears to be okay now. When I went outside with him at 6:00 after he had breakfast I noticed some flakes of the white stuff coming down. As the sky lightens this morning I do not see anymore but it is cold outside. There is wind as that seems to be our new norm. Always something changing.

I am happy that today is my last day of work until Thursday, April 21, 2022. YAY. I just need to get some things finished up today and then I can relax with my grandpups and Alvin on my time off. The sky is an unusual colour palette as I look out of my office window. Hopefully the clouds clear soon. The forecast for the next few days is supposed to be on the cooler side but at least we can walk. Just have to bundle up. Hopefully the sidewalks remain clear.

We managed to get out for a walk yesterday at my lunch break but it was short at only 15 minutes. Better than nothing but the wind was so cold. I even had my winter coat on and Mr. Alvin had his warm sweater on and the wind just cut through. I could not even warm up and the house seemed colder.

I am grateful for this house, our home, for our good health, for our many friends and family, for a job that continues to allow me to work from home, for good food to eat and so much more. I am truly blessed.

On this Tuesday, I hope that you are well. I cannot take my mind off the work I have left to do so I will make this post short and head back downstairs, pour my coffee and get to work.

Take care, be well and have a wonderful day. I hope that you are able to get outside and that you are surrounded by laughter. Fresh air and laughs are the perfect combination.

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

“Dare to dream,” – why not?

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Welcome to Friday, the 12th day of June, 2020.

The sky is slightly overcast and there is a cool breeze wafting through our office window.

Alvin is resting on his little bed beside me.

Birds are chirping in the near distance.

 

I am attempting to download/upload my photos from my phone to the computer.

For some reason there is a snag and it does not look like I will be able to post some photos in today’s blog.

There one minute gone the next.

I guess my poor computer is getting old and downloading to add to the thousands of photos that I have saved to my computer is getting to be too much.

I sure hope that my computer can hang in for a few more years.

 

Alvin’s dental cleaning went great yesterday.

He had one incisor root molar extracted.

Not one of the large grinders.

So his appointment went well.

I spoke to the staff at the clinic three times before I picked him up.

First time they called to let me know that his Doctor had found a loose tooth and wanted to confirm okay to remove.

Also to let me know that they had a hard time finding a vein for the anesthesia.

Apparently Cocker Spaniels do not have great veins.

I don’t remember them having to try all four paws until this time.

Perhaps age has something to do with it.

Second time they called was to say that the surgery was over and all went well.

Anyway as he is older they give them a lower anesthesia so I guess he was active.

Mentioned should be ready for pick up between 2:30-3:00 p.m.

Our Jenn called at 2:00 to say that Alvin had woke up and wanted to come home.

I said I am on my way.

They always make a point of saying not much water or food initially.

But with Alvin …..

Another story.

I gave him a bit of water and he wanted more.

I tried but he fussed until he had enough.

One hour later he was eating.

and Eating.

and Eating.

He did not vomit and was not a bit in the least off.

He jumped up easily onto the sofa.

Two or three hours later I went upstairs and he followed.

Climbing with ease.

I am so grateful that he is a tough guy.

Kind of like his Momma.

So grateful to Dr. K and her Staff for taking such great care of him.

He is on painkillers and antibiotics.

Actually think that the painkiller has already dissipated and next time is supposed to be around noon today.

They gave him a shot yesterday.

So we are pretty much back to normal here.

I am so grateful.

He did get up to pee at 1:18 a.m. but then slept again until 4:35 and was hungry.

He wanted a biscuit a few minutes ago so I caved and gave him one.

Stubborn is not his middle name.

But it should be.

Oh, me Alvin.

 

Looks like photos will have to be for another day.

Getting close to time to start work.

I need some of the coffee that is sitting in a to go mug beside me.

 

Wishing you a great day.

Filled with promise and laughter.

Living each day with kindness and respect is the only way to live each day.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

We will need to post a newer photo of the two of us.

This just happens to be one of my favourites.

Thank you to my super talented Photographer Paper Collage Artist daughter.

 

 

Motorbike just started and made both of jump.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Sunday morning coming down!

Yes, it is.

Raining and the clouds are a deep grey blue as I look out of my office window.

We managed to get a walk in yesterday later in the afternoon between the rain showers.

We also had a surprise visitor.

Master Teddy, Alvin’s best friend.

His Mom texted me to see if Teddy could come for a visit.

It has been at least two weeks since his last visit so of course, I said “yes.”

She said that her sister would drop him by.

Alvin was so excited.

I wished that I had taken a video as they greeted each other outside.

They were so excited.

It was a blur of black and white as they said hello and ran into the house.

Teddy’s Aunt is visiting from Saskatchewan.

So we had a little visit at the doorway …. front sidewalk

First thing after Teddy’s Aunt left was they wanted to go out into the backyard.

So that is what we did.

Thankfully it was not raining at that point in time.

Actually I think most of yesterday afternoon it was just overcast.

Today though is to rain all day long …..

The boys had a nice afternoon while I did laundry, cleaned out both pantries and made a banana/strawberry loaf.

 

First photo: just after arrival going into the backyard

Second, Third and Last: Just as Teddy’s Mom pulled up.  Of course the boys were at the window and last photo running (blur) to the door.

I realized too late that I had not taken any proper photos.

There be video.

As in life, most things happen so quickly that we are not prepared in the moment.

Can be true of taking photos.

 

Well time to go and have a shower.

Then breakfast and COFFEE.

Followed by some quiet time before I sit down and get some work-work done.

Later on I will finish up my housework.

Always lots to do whether at home or at work.

Well both of them are seconds apart.

 

Wishing you a relaxing wonderful Sunday.

Even if it is raining and you cannot go for a walk.

Well maybe you could if you had an umbrella.

I used one of my huge umbrellas to go outside with Alvin just a few minutes ago.

When it is raining …. he will not go out in the back without me.

I guess he figures I should get wet, too.

I do follow as close as I can so that he can be protected under the umbrella which is big enough for me and him and a family of four.

 

I do want to mention one more thing.

Last night I decided to rent a movie from our local cable provider.

I finally watched “Mr. Rogers Neighborhood” with Tom Hanks.

It was great.

Perfect movie for the world to watch at this time or anytime, really.

If you have not seen it, I highly recommend watching.

 

Okay, time to hop into the shower.

I have scary hair right now.

A few minutes ago I had to go out front and check on the attachment to the downspout.

The plastic attachment sometimes slips off or moves.

I made sure to put the hood up on my coat so that anyone going by would not lose concentration and crash their car or if walking, fall down.

Yup, I definitely need to wash my hair.

Oh, likely purple pjs and coat not such a great sight on a Sunday morning.

 

Take care.

Relax.

Deep breaths.

 

Living with kindness and respect for all.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Monday morning.

Good Day.

How are you doing?

Did you have a good sleep?

The sky is overcast here in Edmonton this morning.

I had a fair good sleep for a Sunday night.

Noticed that most nights have been filled with strange dreams.

The coffee is perking away.

Always a great way to begin the day.

No wind this morning for a change.

But I will say that having some wind has definitely made short work of the snow banks that lined our side of the street.

The houses that face south have had no snow for quite some time now.

I have been gradually shovelling and moving the snow in the backyard and it is almost gone.

Leaving behind a mucky yucky mess.

Yup, yes a mucky yucky mess.

I am hoping that once the bit of snow melted back there and with warmer temperatures this week that it will dry so that I can give it a good raking.

Then Alvin will be able to start using it.

This morning he went to where the last remaining bit of snow was and then could not get turned around so he walked through some of the muck.

Luckily I was keeping an eye on him and grabbed him at the door wiping off his paws.

Usually I wipe them off when he comes in from outside as you never know what he could be tracking into the house.

This is a practice that I have always done.

Not just since COVID-19 made its’ appearance.

I do not see a beautiful sunrise anywhere as I gaze out of my office window.

Oh well, we will have sunshine at some point.

 

I am excited to have the full size computer monitor to work with today and for the remainder of my time working from home.

 

Yesterday was a great day.

I had a luxurious bath with one of our Steeped Tea bath bombs.

Strangely enough I had always bought them and given them away never even trying them.

I tried to keep one in the house so that I would try them out and then a birthday would come around and I would add one to the birthday gift.

Yesterday, I did and it was wonderful.

Unfortunately we no longer see them.

Boo hoo.

Sad about that.

I actually stayed in the tub for just over 30 minutes.

Feeling really relaxed and skin so soft afterwards.

It was great.

 

Then it was Alvin’s turn.

He did not quite have the same experience as I did but I think it was okay for him.

I made sure the temperature of the water was just perfect.

Not too hot and not too cold.

Just a nice temperature for the boy.

I massaged for quite some time the shampoo into his body and I could tell that he was loving it.

He does like to have his neck and back massaged most days.

So he did enjoy it.

Not so much the drying off.

But anyway we were both feeling pretty pampered.

 

After our baths we made some phone calls.

I called my youngest brother and my sister.

I had made arrangements to speak to my older of the two brothers after supper.

So nice to speak to my family.

Everyone is doing well.

Two of them are working from home and the other is not.

Yesterday was self care day.

Relaxing baths, chatted with siblings and followed by a walk.

I will say that our walk …. well Mr. Alvin is not quite as white as he was.

He is black and white …. the white fur is not as brilliant as it was after his bath.

Oh well.

 

Well I hope that you all have an awesome day.

It is almost time to get the other computer turned on and start this new work week.

My tea order arrives today.

Tomorrow the HELLO FRESH food order arrives.

I am excited for all of the packages to arrive.

Try some new teas and check out some new food dishes.

 

Have a glorious day.

Take some time to be in nature.

Even sit in your backyard and see if you can hear the birds.

Perhaps a Robin.

On the deck or on your living room floor (place something soft under your bum).

Close your eyes and just relax.

Self-care.

Remember to hydrate.

Very important.

Nap if you can.

Enjoy.

 

Time to go and get some COFFEE.

 

In life, with kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

As always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Hello,

Sunday morning.

Sky is overcast.

I was just outside picking up poop from early morning.

Now as I glance out of my office window, it is lightly snowing.

I was going to wait until perhaps it warmed up a bit to go for a walk with Alvin, but perhaps we should go sooner than later.

It is not cold out by any means and Mr. Alvin has his warm winter coat.

Yesterday I gave Mr. Alvin a haircut.

It took less time than usual and likely the best one in a long while.

Lately it has been a struggle to trim his paws, most especially his front ones.

But even though he did not like having them done.

I managed between treats and patience to get them done.

YAY, Momma, the pack leader, not.

 

Today I have some projects to do, well actually one project.

I will tell you about it later.

Not that it is top secret or anything like that but I will show you later, how is that?

Keep you guessing.

 

Man, I could use a cup of coffee.

I will say that I am pleased that Mr. Alvin actually slept from 10:30 p.m. last night till 4:00 a.m. this morning.

 

As I glance around my office which is one of my happy places in my house, I see cards, notes and photos, books, and small treasures.

All reminders of a life well lived to this point.

I do love my life.

There are days or rather moments in time, where perhaps I was less than enthusiastic about some things but for the most part, I am over the moon.

I am surrounded by loving and supportive people.

I have the best companion on the planet, Mr. Alvin.

I have, who are included in the loving and supportive people above,  my daughter and son-in-law, they are incredible young people who give me the strength to want to be here.

I have the best sister on the planet and brothers, too.

I have cousins and friends, friends and cousins.

I am employed which is a good thing in this economic crisis.

I like my co-workers which is something not everyone can always say.

I am able to support myself and Mr. Alvin.

I am in good, no great health.

I am so blessed to live in this beautiful house.

I can plant flowers and veg, if I desire.

I have grass to cut in the summer and snow to shovel in the spring/fall and winter.

I am blessed to be able to cut the grass and shovel the snow.

I may not outwardly have a huge smile plastered/painted on my face but I am ALWAYS smiling inside, in my heart and soul.

So before the snow starts really coming down, I am going to take Mr.Alvin for a walk.

It is icy in spots so it would be good to walk before the snow covers the ice.

I am grateful for my life ……

 

Thank you so much for reading this post and perhaps some of the others.

Writing gives me such great joy.

As I live my life with kindness and respect to all other living creatures, I hope you do as well.

Life is too short to not.

 

Happy Sunday to You All.

It is a Happy Sunday for Us.

 

One of the best things about today is that it marks the 43rd birthday of my eldest nephew.

Happy Birthday T.

Wishing you the best day.

Surrounded by your family.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, good morning.

It is a beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

The sun is shining and as I look out of my office window at home, I can see the sun shining through the golden leaves of a neighbour’s tree to the south.

So beautiful.

This is our Canadian Thanksgiving long weekend.

I am thankful for all of the things in my life.

Even the “cold sore” that seems to have landed on my upper lip.

I have so much to be thankful for.

Even the messy stuff is all good.

Every bit of life good or bad is to be thankful for.

My life is certainly not perfection and I sometimes might choose to see life through rose coloured glasses but …

It is my life ….

I am surrounded by the best people and while they are fantastic even those relationships are sometimes not 100% rosey.

But that is life.

Right?

Perfection is sloppy.

Perfection is messy.

Perfection is your perfect.

Different for everyone.

We had a great night with Humphrey over for a visit.

I am always amazed at how well they get on.

The first moment he arrives …. Alvin runs to the door and they touch noses.

I guess that is their way of saying hello.

If one goes outside they both go outside.

If one comes in most times they both come in.

Tonight Teddy comes for a sleepover.

He will spend Sunday with us.

Tomorrow my daughter, son-in-law and grand pups comes for our Thanksgiving meal.

Life is good.

 

Well time to get that life is good thing going …. there is laundry to do and coffee to drink.

Time to change from pj’s into day time clothes.

 

With kindness and respect I shall live my life.

Remembering how blessed I am.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Happy Thanksgiving …

 

 

 

Living … One Day at a time.

Hello,

Welcome to a foggy morning here in my neighbourhood.

It may not be the same downtown or in the south end of the city or in the north.

I have found that the City of Edmonton is stretched out over a large area that the weather can be totally different from one area to the next.

The fog is beginning to lift and the sky is partially cloud filled.

The air has a tinge of coolness so that it is comfortable.

The house was not warm/hot this morning but I opened the windows about one hour ago and that will help to keep it cool inside for the pups.

They are resting together on the blue blanket on the floor beside me.

 

Last night I had the best time.

Went shopping to West Edmonton Mall with one of my friends.

I have not really done any shopping for me in ages so it was great.

I had a gift card from her and some other gift money.

There were a great deal of sales on in the mall.

I was surprised to see just how many folks were out on a Wednesday night.

I was very happy to find some sandals …. Clarks ….. not the ones that I saw on DSW’s website but they were similar and felt so good.

I do not think that I have ever put on a pair of shoes and they felt so good.

In total I bought three pair of shoes.

Got some new pyjamas, pair of jeans, two long cardigans and a short-sleeved top.

The retail staff were amazing …. so helping and very nice.

I felt like a million dollars.

Not that shopping makes me feel rich or anything.

Just the fact that I was able to actually go shopping and find some things and able to buy them.

This does not happen often.

Cannot remember the last time.

I try very hard to leave my carbon footprint at a minimum where possible.

Buying things from Thrift stores and swap meets is usually what I do.

So this was nice.

I do love hand me downs (as such) and have worn them my whole entire life thus far.

But sometimes it is nice to get some new things.

No more holey pj’s.

Giggling aloud.

It was great to have someone along as she was honest on how things fit and colours and such.

So I only got what was “GREAT” and not something was cheap on sale and was just okay.

Definitely a lesson for people.

Always better to go with someone.

I so much appreciated her honesty and assistance.

It was wonderful.

Decided not to wear the new sandals today as I may treat them – have to read the labels.

 

Well almost time to take the pups out for one more “bathroom break.”

They did great yesterday.

Alvin was up a couple of times and the last time we went downstairs, he went outside and then we retired to the sofa.

It did take a few minutes to get everyone comfortable.

Three always does take a bit more work.

 

Well I am one excited, happy, grateful, blessed, happy, Oh I said that already girl.

Lucky to have a beautiful home, great family and friends and good health.

To be surrounded by four-legged darlings.

Life is great.

Living …. One day at a time.

Listening to the birds chirping outside the office window.

 

Time to go.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

Kindness with Respect go a long way.

Spread the goodness.

Happy Thursday.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin & Teddy

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Partially okay mostly overcast sky.

Woke to up wet …. must have rained overnight.

I am so glad that I did not over water the flowers on the deck.

Well today is Thursday.

As I look out of the office window I feel that the day ahead is full of possibilities.

Even when there is room for concern – one must stay focused on the good, the positive and the possibilities.

Without that ….. life is pretty crummy, you feel pretty miserable and definitely no where near joyful.

Keep that glass half full mentality and every cloud has silver linings attitude.

We must for our mental and physical health.

Enjoy our life ….

We only have one kick at this ….

 

I love this quote I heard on a morning show that I recorded …

“Limits are for credit cards not people.”

That is absolutely perfect.

Keep that in mind as you go out into the world.

If you are retired or just home for whatever reason …. it applies to you, too.

 

Kindness, generosity, loving and caring attitude.

Warm and welcoming.

All will get you to a better place.

Gratitude tops the list.

 

Life is full of sunshine and rainbows.

I saw both yesterday morning while waiting for my carpool.

A double rainbow ….

 

I wish you a day filled with sunshine and rainbows and the heart to be grateful for them.

Happy Thursday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

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

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

He is still remains anxious.

Only the one cry so all is well.

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

 

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

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

Live and learn and remember.

 

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

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

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

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

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

ARGH.

Oh well, that happens.

 

I am so grateful for our walks.

To see the green grass sprouting up all around us.

To see birds flying and nesting.

To listen to birdsong.

To see the trees magically almost overnight don leaves.

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

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

An escape from the urban craziness.

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

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

 

Well almost time to hit the road.

Back to work after a long weekend.

 

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

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

Pretty cat.

 

Have an awesome day.

One day at a time…….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 6th day of July, 2018.

The sky is partially overcast at this time of the day.

Another HOT one is on the way.

I have windows OPEN at this moment at each end of the house so that the breeze can come into our house and cool the air.

So far so good.

The air feels cooler.

The furnace FAN is on and an electric fan all working together to cool the house for Mr. Alvin.

With the office window open I can hear the humming of the cars and trucks on the nearby highway that encircles our city.

Today is Friday.

Thank goodness for the weekends.

Just seeing the sun making its’ way higher in the morning sky.

 

I am reminded by just how important it is to be surrounded by positive energy.

Work is one of those places that can be negative.

At work I sit and work, I seldom participate in any conversations.

Somedays the negativity washes over me like a COLD shower leaving me feel drained and blue.

If only people would think about what comes out of their mouths, if only.

I am far from perfect and have from time to time SAID the wrong words.

If you work with people please be aware of others.

Be kind and recognize that perhaps others are in the same position as you are OR perhaps worse.

 

I am so grateful that I have a quiet home with Alvin.

He greets me every night and from time to time gets vocal.

But that is okay.

We all have to something to say.

 

Well here it is almost time to leave for work once again.

Grateful today is Friday.

Grateful that the house is cool for Mr. Alvin.

Grateful that I prepared the bags of clothing and odds and ends for DIABETES to pick up today.

Always good to donate.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. have a wonderful day.

Always, Carol & Alvin