Good Morning. What a gorgeous morning it is! I have been over to feed, change water, clean letterbox and just visit Humphrey & Bogart, I have moved plants outside, done some cleaning, gathered and started laundry, and now writing this post. I think that the following photos put into words my life at the present time, filled with friends whether two or four or three-legged and the beauty of nature and FLOWERS. So this post will be photos today. I appreciate all the lives in my life. I hope that you are having a great day. The air is a tad cool which is lovely against the slightly hazy sky. I do not smell smoke but alas it is out there somewhere. I pray that all lives are saved from the fires.
Jax, a 17 year old LabJaxJax & BrunoEddie & Bruno & JeanetteOh, BrunoBruno & EddieThe BoysBrunoSon & FatherEddie & BrunoBrunoEddie, Sadie & her DadBogartHumphreyBogartThose EyesChecking things outBrothers just watching lifeSome Houseplants outsideGetting some fresh airHouseplants outside
What can I say! My life is full. I have wonderful family, many amazing friends, so many pups and cats, a beautiful space to call my own and the sun is shining. Coffee has brewed awaiting me to go and have a cup of that delectable gold. I am so happy. Alvin is with me always, he follows me wherever I go inside the house or out. My forever Angel and friend.
Have a wonderful Saturday everyone. I am walking with Jeanette and the boys later. Checking in on the boys every so many hours. Doing some housework and laundry. I need to wash those dusty blinds on the main floor so that will get done this weekend. I am just enjoying life. No major housework to do so might as well just be outside as much as I can. Might be hot this afternoon.
I have two friend birthdays coming up. Gillian’s on May 31st and Pauline’s on June 13th. So much to celebrate. June and July and August are filled with birthdays.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning. Went to bed with clear blue skies and warm temperatures and woke up to the smell of smoke earlier. I immediately closed my bedroom window. The skies are filled with smoke this morning. This is the first time that it has been really smoky here in my neighbourhood. There may have been other days with the wind that other parts of the City of Edmonton were smoky from the wildfires but this is the worse. The wind is so strong and is blowing the trees with their young leaves from side to side. To all my fellow Albertans, I wish you to be safe. I pray that all the wildlife and domestic animals are safe from the fires. My heart hurts as I know that there has been so much loss of life when it comes to animals, insects and birds. The loss of trees. We, humans have to be better. Stop being careless! Please.
So different between yesterday morning and this morning. One morning bright with blue skies and the next grey and the smell of smoke in the air burns my eyes and hurts my nose. The smoke from our wildfires as I have mentioned previously has been blown by strong spring winds to other parts of Canada and even into the U.S. I cannot imagine how hard it must be to breathe if you are surrounded by smoke.
This post is short. My mind is foggy with thoughts of smoke and fires. I am grateful that the temperature has decreased today and for a few days.
Please be safe and strong. Look after your animals and yourself.
Time for coffee and I should go and put the cushions from my patio furniture into the garage although they will smell like smoke now. Maybe I should just leave them. Not sure. I am grateful to be working from home.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)
Photos of my flowers from last spring waiting to be planted. I cannot wait to pick up some this year.
Good Morning. The morning sky is slightly overcast. How are you this morning? I am well. Just going to sneeze. ARGH, holding it which I know that I best not do. Okay, was only a little one, lol.
Last night after work I went for an extra long walk about 45 minutes which was great. I desperately needed to clear my mind from all things “work.” I know that these days a great many people have issues with or at work. Unfortunately seems to be the norm. I am trying to keep a positive attitude throughout but sometimes I fail and walk to the dark side. That is why getting out in nature and breathing that fresh air is not only good for your body, it is good for your heart and soul and brain. Decompressing, I texted my neighbour as I had to drop off the oven element to be sent back to Amazon as I did not use it in the end. So grateful to have a stove that works.
Yesterday at noon, I walked to the neighbourhood mall where I picked up our new office lotto tickets. I sure hope that our tickets were lucky and that we won a huge amount of money. Nothing like a lotto win to boost the moral of everyone. Also at the mall, I had previously noted that they had a M & M’s shop and I was eager to go and check it out. We used to have one close by in our neighbourhood and I had one in the mall close to my apartment back in Regina. I am not a huge fan of “processed” food but they have a few items that I love and for a treat occasionally, why not? So I picked up some “quiches” and I had one of them for supper last night. They also had a display of kitchen items by the checkout which included some fibre made pot cleaners and I picked up two. I first came to know these handy dandy little items when one of my friends gave me one as part of my Christmas present. So now I have four. Lucky me.
Cookie will be coming over this evening after I return from dress shopping with my friend Gillian. We are going after work to West Edmonton Mall. I have not been shopping for anything “fun” in a long, long time. Usually groceries or “oven elements” so this is exciting. Also my grand pups will be hanging out at Grandma’s house as of today for a bit. Not that this is a secret so I guess I can say, my son-in-law and his coworkers are going on strike. I do not even like to say that word. Scary. I hope that the employer agrees to their terms and it does not last long. Unfortunately these days, income increases are extremely small like 1% or nothing. The cost of living is like 8-10%. Seems like everything from food to utilities have increased hugely. So as always, the big corporations continue to make huge profits while their employees have to decide what they can afford to feed their family this week and what activities, if any their children can partake in, very sad. I am grateful that the pups can stay here and not have to be alone at their home which is one hour away. My son-in-law will be out for part of the day so they will not be alone for long and I leave later and home early due to my short commute, which I love. Anyway, I am excited to have a house full for the next bit. Cookie will be with me until the last Saturday in April, I believe the 29th. Last night Cookie and her Dad came over for a visit to discuss the handover plan. She was sporting a hair cut and I mean hair cut. Very short but it had been very long and poor Cookie, I would say is hyperactive. She is this bright light that never turns off. I love her and will be nice to have a pup sleeping over.
Okay time to sign off for this day. This morning we are outside at the site checking a list of things. Should be fun. Hopefully it will warm up a bit.
Have a wonderful day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Afternoon All, as I pull out from under a blanket and freshly showered after being almost two days in my pj’s. Feeling human again. Tis the season for giving and receiving. I guess that I picked up a bug somewhere along the line. It happens.
We were deeply saddened to hear of a loss to a family who live nearby. Their 47 year old son was killed in a workplace accident over the weekend. I was told last night by a phone call from another neighbour. Today I struggle with calling them to extend my deepest sympathies. A card lays on the counter for them.
The day has been mostly sunny and warm. Mr. Alvin has been enjoying having me all to himself. I would love to take him for a walk so that he can enjoy the sunshine. Perhaps a bit later. Fresh air is always good for everyone.
Sunday night was so enjoyable. I had supper with my friends Pauline and Al and another neighbour of theirs and friend, also, Lucy. We laughed and laughed. Al cooked us a “fish fry” ….. nothing like fresh fish from this summer’s catch (froze till now). The food was great, the company even better. We learned a new card game which was so much fun. I am grateful to have such amazing friends.
Monday morning, I woke up with a sore throat and headache. Not a great way to begin a week but nonetheless, it did. Thankfully it is over now and I feel close to normal. Refreshed from the shower. I drank lots of tea with ginger when I was awake.
I just wanted to reach out so that you did not think that I disappeared. I am here. Mr. Alvin just sauntered into the office wagging his little tail and walked onto his bed and is sitting there looking at me. I wished that I knew what he was thinking. Er, maybe not.
Time to head downstairs and perhaps do a couple of little things. Not going to overdo it, no, no No.
Have a great rest of the day!
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! Looks like another beautiful fall / autumn day on the way, perhaps it is already here. Everything is great at this very moment in my world. Alvin is/was napping outside the office door but he heard something and his head has perked up while my daughter is catching some final zzz’s before getting up to start her day. Life is great. I have both my “kids” here with me. Alvin and Amanda. The lights of my life. I should include my son-in-law and my grandpups as well in that “lights of my life” statement as they are definitely included. Last night we had Pad Thai for supper (my first attempt) and apple crisp for dessert. Supper was great. We had tried to take Mr. Alvin for a walk when we first got home from work and almost had to drag him to the park. He just did not want to walk. But we did get to the park. When he does not want to go – he is very firm about his decision. I thought after missing his noon walk that he would have loved to go but not the case. I am so grateful that Amanda was able to sleepover. Nice having her here with us.
Yesterday on the way home from work I was able to stop and pick up spare house keys so that whomever is watching Alvin has their own key and then I do not have to run about the neighbourhood picking up and dropping off keys. Much easier. Also, if someone ended up being sick or unable to watch Alvin at the last moment, then I would just have to call the phone list to see who could come over instead. A good plan. We also stopped and picked up lottery tickets and I may very well at this exact moment be a multi-millionaire. That changes everything. I would instantly retire, pay off the mortgage and just enjoy the rest of Alvin’s days and do the things on my bucket list like: publishing a book. I would also love to visit the East Coast of Canada and the Northern Territories, perhaps go to the United Kingdom (Ireland, Scotland and England), Italy and Greece and back home to Regina. Not all at once but I would definitely do this. I have always wanted to go to a tropical place so I would have to decide on which place: Hawaii, Bahamas? After that was all done, I was be more than happy to stay home or at least keep the travel to within Canada. Of course, who would not like to go on an African Safari or visit the Amazon in South America or the vast expanse of Australia. But I am being realistic in my choices. Besides I am not too keep to travel too far from home.
Well it is Thanksgiving weekend in Canada. I celebrate and give thanks for my life. I am grateful that my little buddy Alvin is doing well healthwise at this moment. I am grateful to be surrounded by loving, kind and supportive family, friends and neighbours. I am grateful to be in good health. I am grateful to live in this beautiful home with a nice yard. I am grateful that I can see and hear and have the ability to smile. I am grateful that I can dance and sing and enjoy life. I am grateful for walks with Alvin and with friends. I am grateful for quiet moments and loud ones. I am grateful that I am living my life to the best of my ability and beyond. Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian Family & Friends. May you be of good health and surrounded by love and kindness and respect. Happy Thanksgiving!
Photo by olia danilevich on Pexels.comPhoto by Element5 Digital on Pexels.comPhoto by Caleb Wood on Pexels.comPhoto by Tomas Anunziata on Pexels.comPhoto by Anna Tukhfatullina Food Photographer/Stylist on Pexels.comPhoto by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Always, Carol, Alvin & Amanda
PS: there will be raking in my future with some laundry and putting away patio furniture!
I just realized that I do not have a pumpkin pie, oh no!
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing great. Last night we were in bed by 9:00 p.m. as I am working from the office today. About 11:50 p.m., Alvin wanted to go outside so downstairs we went. He had a pee and then we were back in the house where we laid on the sofa. Thank goodness for a comfortable spot. We were just settling in when I heard a noise coming from the front porch, as I was half asleep, I did not think too much of it. Maybe a cat. Then a little while later I heard my phone ping several times, notification of someone texting me. Did not think much of that either. Then off to la la land. Alvin wanted to get up a couple of times before the alarm went off but I managed to coax him to lay back down. We were up to stay up at 5:00 a.m., after I gave Alvin his food, I checked my phone to see a text from the neighbour in the other half of the duplex. She had texted me at 12:33 a.m., she had heard someone on our front porch but did not know if I had company that was just leaving so she did not go outside. Now that is so funny that Mr. Alvin did not bark or make any kind of movement toward the front door. Very strange. Whomever it was did not try the door handle or I would have heard so what were they doing on the porch? I did turn on the porch light once I had read her text to see if someone had walked off with one of my potted plants or the wreath from my door but they were all there. Kind of gave me the creeps. Definitely will ensure every night that I lock the front door. I do but there has been the odd time where I noticed it unlocked in the morning, especially when I had watered the front flowers in the evening. Anyway, that was my excitement. NOT.
I am starting to get a bit anxious about next week as that is the start of three days each week back to the office. I do have someone to watch over Alvin but it is not the same, it is not me. Although I am very grateful that I have such amazing friends and neighbours who are helping me out. Soon, I hope I will be retiring and then it won’t matter. Soon cannot come soon enough, lol.
This weekend we have to go over the schedule with my friend and neighbor who is helping with Alvin.
Well I am going to go downstairs and outside with the boy and ensure that the main floor is as cool as I can make it. I will close all of the blinds so that it keeps the coolness in as it is supposed to be another hot one today.
I hope that you have an amazing day. Sure cannot believe this weather but am grateful for it. Last year when we were out to see the kids for Thanksgiving it was nice out as well.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! As the mornings begin to be progressing cooler and the daytime temperatures slowly start to return to normal (not for today, tomorrow, or Sunday) we breathe a collective sigh of relief. I am not saying that folks do not like warm temperatures but there are hot temps and then there are HOT temps. 30+ celsius is way too hot. Thankfully with the cooler mornings and having had the windows opened last night, it is quite cool in the house this morning and hopefully it will remain comfortable as the day progresses. I have noticed over the past few weeks how our daytime highs seem to be hitting so much later in the day. I wonder why that is? Note to self: google it.
This has been a transition year for so many people as some people are making their way back to their “offices” to their jobs at their place of employment. We have been working from home with the minimum attendance at the office. Our productivity has been off the charts and minimum use of sick days but at the end of the day our management team has decided that they “need” us back in the office. The reasons that we were given are “social” – better to have face to face with other teams and your own teams, training is easier and they want to see us. There has been much debate and many tears as we crumble to the decisions made by others. After coming up to three years of mainly working from home, we would we turn back? As one team member said “why fix something that is not broken.” If it is training that is an issue, staff could go to the office to be trained. I am so filled with emotion over this decision. At first we were told that effective immediately we go to the office “three days a week” and now didn’t that put everyone into a tailspin. How can people get child care and other arrangements in place over a long weekend? Not likely very easily. The decision after some discussion was changed a few times and the end result was one day at the office per week for September, two days per week in October and then transitioning to three days per week come November. I am not quite sure how I am going to be able to manage these changes with Mr. Alvin and his health issues. One day per week and possibly two, I may be able to get a friend to come and check on him at lunch time but that is quite a time commitment and I have not got my head wrapped around this. There are other options but I am not ready for them at this point in my life. They would mean major changes. I have had plenty of major changes over my lifetime. So anyway that is the story. We will be back into being crammed into an area that has very little natural light, packed in like sardines as I like to say (well maybe not quite that close but very close) and the noise level when everyone is back makes it difficult to talk on the phone. Anyway the decision was made and that is that as they say. I am grateful for the time that I have been able to work from home and yes, it would have been perfection to continue until I retire. I guess unfortunately for most of us this is not a perfect world. Not where close.
The back to the office also adds with it, additional costs. Parking/transportation/long commute. Poor Alvin, I worry about him. I worry for all those pets now being left alone once again. Did you know that they will not drink or very little if they cannot go outside to pee? Or there will be accidents. I wish in hindsight that I had known to train him to pee on pads, then some of the stress would have been relieved.
Well time to head outside for a walk. I am only working this morning as Mr. Alvin has another vet appointment, this one is to trim his nails etc. His regular appointment. It has been a stressful and financial straining week.
I look forward to a hopefully quiet and uneventful weekend.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. Lots of coffee!
Good Morning ALL! What a wonderful morning! We were up at 4:30 to go outside and then back to the sofa until 6:30, I cannot believe that Mr. Alvin slept until 6:30. Then we were up at he had his breakfast and then outside for a few minutes before returning inside. The sky was slightly overcast at that point and the air was cool and refreshing. I could have laid on the deck and just been so comfortable. Once inside the house we “hit” the sofa for some more zzz’s because it is Saturday and I was still tired. Next thing I know it was 8:30 so up we got. The sky still overcast with rain in the forecast for this afternoon, I thought that I would just get dressed and we would head out for a walk. So upstairs, I went to get dressed and afterward happened to look out the window and the pavement was dark, say “what?” Well shortly after that it really started to rain and now it is pouring as the rain bounces off the roof of the garage. We desperately needed some moisture but I worry and wonder about the farmers and their crops. Now the sky is that foreboding gray which makes it appear that the rain is here to stay. So much for getting out for a walk this morning or perhaps it will just stop as quickly as it started. I am concerned about Mr. Alvin as he did not poop since last night and it is not fun going out in pouring rain. I guess we will figure it out as usual, grab that trusty umbrella and hope for the best. It is windy outside. I certainly do not wish to be Alberta’s version of Mary Poppins, lol. Now that would be a sight. Feels like the time for a cup of hot coffee and relaxing. Will be nice to be able to do some cleaning and things with the temperature decreasing in the house. I think that someone is squeaking so likely has to go downstairs so this will be quick.
Last night only one of my friends was able to attend the potluck as the other had fallen ill. I hope that she is feeling better today. We, two had a good time. Way too much food but lots of leftovers so no cooking this weekend or even Monday so that makes me happy. Next week is forecasted to be hot again. So not really looking forward to that. One more thing about the potluck, I should have been clear that I was bringing supper items and not just dessert and beverage. For next time, lol.
Okay, sorry we have to go.
I wish you sunshine and rainbows. Beautiful walks with a friend or your pup.
Happy Day.
I can hear thunder in the distance.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Life is what you make it.
Today is wonderful and I am so happy for the rain. It is still raining.
I guess I should check the main floor windows especially the kitchen one as it opens out.
Always, Carol & Alvin
PS: We are what we want to be. If you slip off that place, then pick yourself back up and try again to be where and what you want to be. We are responsible for what we put out into the universe.
Good Morning ALL! Another beautiful bright sunny morning. Welcome to Sunday. We had actually a good sleep. It was about 3:30 and then 5:00 (I managed to coax him to lay back down) and then up at 6:00 for Mr. Alvin to eat and then up to stay up at 7:30. So much better. There is quite the breeze this morning. I noticed when we were outside earlier that I could see my breath, no wonder my plants are having a hard time. My tomato plants do not seem to be doing very well. I guess I should investigate further. They have a white coating on some of the leaves. Hopefully they are okay. I paid $11.99 for one of the three plants. The plants out front and the violas and pansies in the back are doing well. I cut down the geraniums and even though it has only been one day but two nights, they already seem to be doing better. Fingers crossed.
This morning as I was laying on the sofa and looking out through the open blind, I thought if I were a painter I could paint each little area separately that was showing in each section of the blind OR what if the blind were a puzzle depicting life. Each section is a day or year. My mind was turning up all sorts of wild ideas. I love my sofa, it is so comfortable and cuddled up under the blanket just being, was amazing. Alvin by that moment had jumped down and was laying on the yoga mat beside the sofa, patiently waiting for me to get my Fanny Farkle/Farkus up and get going. So I stretched and got up. I went into the basement and fetched the rest of my clothing and unmentionables that had been drying and some NORWEX cloths and Alvin’s special towels that were air drying and brought it all upstairs. The load that I left drying last night is having an extra tumble this morning to completely dry. Then the laundry is complete. After that, I opened the door and let Mr. Alvin outside while I made a pot of coffee. I can smell it already perked just waiting for me. After that, Alvin was ready to come in so I grabbed the clothing etc. and came upstairs to put it all away. Made the bed. Now writing this post. Sounds like I lead a pretty ordinary life. But isn’t that great!
At 12:30, our friend Signe is hosting Gillian’s birthday party. So I will have a couple of hours out of the house on my own. Just enough for me to have some time out on my own but not enough that I will be worried/concerned about Mr. Alvin.
Once home from the party, I will take him for a walk. After that, will see what time it is and then perhaps do a bit of gardening, take some things out to the garage. I have to sort out the garbage and see what I can fit in the big bin for Tuesday. With only having it picked up every two weeks and having filled it the one week with the garbage from the neighbourhood pickup, I don’t think that I can get it all in. I might have to ask one of my neighbours if I can put some in their bin(s).
The leaves on the trees are beginning to fill out, and it will not be too long before you cannot see through to the other side. I love leaves. Some of the trees are in flower at the moment and the scent is fantastic, so pretty. The flowering cherry trees that line one of the neighbouring streets are out in bloom. Such a short time but oh so beautiful.
Well time to head on downstairs and have that first cup of coffee. I am debating if I should get out of my pj’s first and get ready for the party but that would delay the coffee by 15 minutes. PJ’s it is. Nothing like having a cup of coffee in your pj’s. I don’t very often so this will be a treat. I want to have breakfast early as we will be having cake at noon. Usually I don’t eat lunch but this will be dessert! Cannot wait to see the girls.
Have a great Sunday. If you ever think that you are just ordinary – then think about how wonderful that is! I do. I am.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laugher, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.
Always, Carol & Alvin
P.S. Alvin decided to come into the office and lay down on his bed. How sweet!
Good Morning ALL! Looks like another beautiful day on the way. It was actually not bad out earlier this morning when we were out in the backyard. Warmer than Saturday morning as there was frost then. No frost this morning. Alvin is hanging in there and me, too. Couple more days wearing socks when he goes outside and we should be okay. I have tried to examine the bottom of his pads but it is difficult by myself. Anyway, we are doing well. I am so grateful for the second day in a row for the sun to be shining so brightly. Thank you for the blue skies. There is a breeze but I think that is going to be part of the norm now.
Yesterday I cleaned out the office closet, went through all of my jewelry (which was huge), went through the spare bedroom, laundry and mowed the backyard. Not a huge amount of things but things done. Today I want to wash down the deck, sort through some of the things in the garage. Then basement left to do. I want to have everything ready for the garage sale. I have a pile of things in the spare bedroom to go downstairs and to the garage for the sale. But will leave them for now. Also do some vacuuming as well. I also moved the desk (table) that was storing my jewelry from the spare room to my room. My room is a bit more full than I normally would like but it is a nice change. I can put it back at some point.
It will be done in chunks as Alvin has to stay in the house unless I can keep an eye on him. Those dratted socks will not stay up all of the time. They slip from time to time. I am proud of them for at least allowing me to put them on his feet each and every time we go outside.
Yesterday there were two little blue/black/white birds flying about the birdhouse that I have in the backyard. It sits up on a pole that sits on the upper deck. The only thing is one of the birds kept flying too close to one of the glass windows on the garage. I was worried that it was going to knock itself out but gratefully it did not.
The neighbours are outside raking their lawn and doing outdoors things.
This is the time of year that most people if not camping for the first time this season that are out raking, going through their garages, getting things ready to haul to the Eco Station (not sure if it is open on the long weekend or not), and all things outdoors.
Tomorrow I am planting my flowers. I checked the weather station and looks like we should be okay for overnight temperatures. YAY. Cannot wait.
Have an awesome Sunday.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.
My New Life @ 51 