2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Friday morning? Yes, we made it to another weekend. We are almost blowing away here in Edmonton and parts of Alberta for the second day in a row. We are less than 55 miles as the crow flies from the site of some huge wildfires. Extinguishing them in these winds would be a might feat and I would think darn near impossible. I pray for those out fighting the fires to keep us safe. My daughter and her family are less than 40 miles from the fires. The skies are filled with deep dark rain clouds and we have had a few drops thus far. I pray for some rain with no lightning. Is that possible? I hope so. Even one of the matts I had on the deck blew down to the lower part and yesterday one of my garbage cans sitting by the fence on the deck blew over. They have not done that for many years. It has been a long time since we have had the strength and direction of these winds. I feel that the winds are getting stronger. Hopefully all the shingles and roofs remain intact.

Yesterday at noon we met up with Alvin’s best friend Teddy, his little sister Kobi and Mom for a lunchtime walk. We had a great visit with physical distancing. At the beginning of the walk we bumped into Bailey with her Grandpa out for a walk. Bailey saw me and pulled her Grandpa to cross the street. Alvin said hello and then the love fest started with me. Bailey gets so excited when she sees me and squeaks and little barks telling me so. I love her. I always feel so good after seeing them. When we got to Teddy and the gang, both Teddy and Kobi ran to me with fully extended leashes and before we knew it were all tangled up. Alvin had one of his paws caught up and I know just how sharp they are when pulled tight. Leashes, the thin ones can actually break open the skin (I know from personal experience). Anyway we fixed the situation very quickly before any damage was done. Alvin let me know what was going on even before I saw the leash wrapped about his paw/leg. It was very windy on our walk but we managed. When going to the Vet after work to pick up food for Alvin came up in our conversation, Iris offered to give me a ride to the vet. I am not sure how I would have carried a case of canned food and a small bag of dry food home in that wind and it is even worse today. After I picked up Alvin’s food and put in the trunk of Iris’s car, I slipped into the deli “The Careit” to pick up something for supper as I just did not feel like cooking. I could not decide but in the end decided upon a chicken pot pie and a ceasar salad and a small bag of two bite brownies to the tune of $32.00 and change. I almost had a coronary. I knew the chicken pot pie was $14.00 but there was no pricing on either of the other two items. Anyway, sometimes you have to support local businesses and they looked delicious. Iris told me when I told her the price “You bought them so now enjoy them.” She was right there was no reason to go on about the money spent. Sometimes! Anyway after we got home and I fed Alvin, I warmed up the chicken pot pie and while it was warming in the oven, I mixed up half of the salad. By the way there was enough for two meals so on that note it was way more economical and oh, my goodness so good. Very much worth the money. Money well spent. First bit of meat in a long time, the chicken that is.

This morning in less than one hour both Teddy and Kobi are coming to spend the day with us while their parents go to a townhouse that they own to clean it up as their renters moved out. To prepare for new ones. I love having the pups here and with the day being so stormy we wouldn’t be walking anyway so I am glad that Alvin has company. I forgot to tell you that on our way home from the walk yesterday, Alvin’s were actually blowing up in the wind. Never remember that happening before.

Time to head downstairs. Plug in the coffee and couple things before starting work. Have an awesome Friday.

Be safe and be well.

Oh, one more thing. There was a knock at the door just a few minutes after we go up from the sofa and I still had my pj’s on …. I looked out the window to see a white SUV and thought OH my goodness, did I get the time wrong for the pups to arrive and realized it was a different car. I opened the door and looked around to see nothing. Then out the window to see a woman staring at the house and pointing. I opened the door again and saw an express post packet sitting on the bench on my porch, I picked it up and waved okay to her and she left. I only checked the name and address when I got back into the house because who wants to stand on the porch in their pjs in this wind or at any time. Inside the house I looked at the address and name before opening it. Good thing that I did as it is not for me and is a different address. The print on the envelope is very small and I had to look a couple of times before I saw it was one digit different than my address. Guess I will be delivering this later. Not now. It will have to wait.

Time to fly.

Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Oh my goodness, this is Christmas Eve morn.

Where did the time go?

I just got home from picking up Humphrey and doing the chores at his house.

In less than one hour my friend G is picking me up to take a last grocery run.

There are always those items that you do not wish to pick up too much in advance.

I just heard a clang in the back and looked out my window to see some lights of a truck – the garbage guys.

Today is the pickup.

I just realized how dark it is in the back lane.

We do not have any lights.

That might be something either the City or our Neighbourhood Association could put in.

At least one here and there.

Dangerous with no light.

Especially when the neighbourhood fees just rose by $25.00 to $175.00 annually per year and add taxes to that figure.

Today is not the day to complain there will be another day to vent that story.

 

Mid afternoon yesterday my friend P and I went to see the movie CATS.

It was spectacular, fantastic, wonderful and awesome.

The cast was crazy good.

James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, and introduces ballerina Francesca Hayward in her first feature-length film role.

It was well done.

The music, the dancing and the singing were fantastic.

We thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

 

I came home to Alvin and Humphrey.

Had a bite to eat (about 7 p.m.).

Made a double batch of chocolate fudge with walnuts and the honey mustard dip for tomorrow’s dinner.

Did I tell you our menu?

It is unique but every other Christmas we switch it up.

Not everyone likes turkey, I do but not everyone.

 

Menu:

What I call Chicken Fingers

Honey Mustard Dip (homemade)

Cranberries (homemade)

Mashed/Whipped Potatoes with Boursin Cheese baked in oven

Gravy (not homemade)

Stuffing (not homemade)

Buns (not homemade)

Peas

Corn

 

Assortment of goodies (all homemade) ranging from my Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip cookies and fudge to my friends Banana cake, Ginger cookies, mince tarts, and apple tarts 

and every place in between.

 

Some things made by me and others not.

A good mix.

 

We will have a hot cheese dip with baguette to snack on as well as veggies, crackers with hummus.

 

Likely too much to eat.

 

Well it is getting on here and my friend will be here shortly to pick me up for our shopping trip to Save-On and Costco.

Hopefully we will be there before the masses.

 

Wishing you a great Christmas.

The kids are dropping off Aspen and Milo about 2:30 p.m. and I will hang out with the pups until they come back for the evening.

Change of plans.

Humphrey will go home before the pups arrive.

Aspen would not like Humphrey.

That would be one scene I would not like to view.

 

I wish you and your family the most glorious Christmas ….

May you enjoy love, laughter and some good food….

If you are able to include a person(s) who does not have family to spend the holiday with, please do.

No one deserves to be alone at Christmas unless they choose to do so.

 

I hope the next two days are filled with a special kind of light that will continue to shine all year long.

The light of love and compassion.

The light of kindness and respect.

The light of generosity.

The light of you and me.

 

Merry Christmas from Carol, Mr. Alvin and Mr. Humphrey.

Me and the Boys.

Always and Forever.

………… After all…..

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning …. Wednesday finally …. December 18, 2019.

I am getting SO excited for my Christmas break.

Will be great to be home with Alvin and our little friends.

Arriving on Saturday afternoon for a sleepover and going home sometime on Sunday will be Teddy and his little sister Kobi.

On Sunday, Humphrey arrives for a week and will watch over Cinder as well.

Cannot forget about the gekko.

Aspen and Milo will be here Christmas Eve with Mom and Dad spending Christmas Day at Grandma’s house.

 

Today feels like a blast from the past:

One of my first posts from December of 2010.

What happened to 2010?

I am so pondering while writing up the letter to be enclosed with my Christmas card about where 2010 went?

It came in quietly, I barely was aware.

It snuggled down tightly and buried within …..

Suddenly March, then April and then June.

But where it did go?

As I watch from above …… July and then August …..

Summer came and summer went.

Autumn well it was spent.

Now it’s December and almost Christmas.

If you are wondering what happened to 2010

You are not alone, I share your sentiments along with another eight billion or so people.

If you noticed at the beginning of this “story” I was drafting my Christmas letter – just so that you know – it did get written and sent.

So from me and Alvin, WE WISH YOU A HAPPY HAPPY CHRISTMAS & ALL THE BEST IN 2011.

May you always be surrounded by a loving family and friends.

May you be in perfect health (focus on good thoughts, they keep the body healthy, too)

May you laugh every single day (even if it is at yourself, because if you cannot laugh at YOU, who can you laugh at?)

May you love and be passionate about all that you do..

May your life be abundant in every single way.

May your gift of smile brighten someone’s day.

May you remember to help those less fortunate.

May you always be the BEST that you can be.

Happy Holidays …..

Always, Carol and a very patient Alvin (sniffing around in the hallway, now he is in the office)…….

 

I always love to read things from a few years ago …. mostly they are more than relevant today.

Wishing you a Happy Wednesday.

Our office is having a “Christmas Brunch” for us.

Wonder what will be on the menu?

We also have an opportunity to go and check out the renovations for our newly renovated new “old” office.

We move back there in January 2020.

New space for a new YEAR.

Very cool.

 

 

Have an awesome day.

Remember even when a package takes a sharp left turn instead of angling to the right,  it will show up in time for Christmas.

We just have to laugh.

Oh, the Post Office.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 24th day of January, 2019.

Another BRISK morning ….. er, cold.

Then it is warming up.

This winter we have had quite the assortment of temperatures from one day to the next.

Thankfully it has stopped snowing and the sun shone through yesterday.

My nephew went back up north the oil rig yesterday morning bright and early.

He called last night and said it was BAD on the drive, near white-out conditions most of the way.

Thankfully he has a good vehicle and is a good driver.

 

Last night another package arrived from our friend in Regina.

Alvin was so excited.

I took a video of him but it is too large to post on FB or to email.

I guess I have to play with it a bit.

He skillfully opened the package.

One piece at a time.

Holding the package with one paw and ripping the paper with his mouth.

Spitting out the paper as he went.

He knows not to eat the paper, which is great.

I have to say that watching him open a package warms my heart and brings a huge smile to my face.

 

After we opened the parcel, I got changed and did a couple of small chores – went to pick up Humphrey.

He spent the evening with us.

Lots of company as of late.

At one point, I was outside shovelling and picking up poop and took a peek through the back door to see Alvin and Humphrey nose to nose.

Just smelling each other.

No growling or hissing.

No paws flying.

Just smelling each other.

They do pretty well other than Mr. Alvin is a tad bit jealous of attention that I give to Humphrey.

Mostly when I sit down.

As week when one was on one side of me and one on the other.

I again, wished that I could have snapped a photo.

Just did not work.

Humphrey sure likes the tablet and watched mine intently for several minutes.

He even crawled on me and up to face where he placed his paw.

A couple of times, a claw touched my skin, accidentally of course.

No major injuries.

The boys were both drawn to the living room at the same time and it looked so cute with both of them sitting in front of the window, looking out.

They do quite well together.

Will get better over time.

 

We are having company for the afternoon and for supper on Saturday.

I am trying to come up with an easy, delicious menu.

Not a billion ingredients.

I keep changing my mind.

 

Well I am grateful that today is Thursday …. I know it was an extra short work week for me.

Almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

I am going to work on getting some photos of the boys together.

The cutest thing ever.

 

Happy Thursday.

Special Hello to: my sister …. I have not forgotten …. phone call Friday night.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 14th day of December, 2018.

Another beautiful day on the way.

Almost forgot Mr. Alvin’s blanket for the floor.

Too  much on my mind.

Poor little guy is being “neglected.”

Not really but perhaps his Momma is a little bit absentminded or just mind wanders to other things.

 

How old do you have to be before you realize that you cannot please all of the people all of the time?

10? 35? 50? 66? 92?

Perhaps we always think the best of people before they whip the wind out of our sales.

I don’t know.

Just pondering people this morning.

Thankfully I am surrounded by mostly wonderful, kind, generous, loving, compassionate and supportive people.

The ones that are on the other side of the spectrum ….. they are in the minorities.

Perhaps it is those people, the negative ones that truly make us grateful for all of the others?

Thankfully the positive energy outweighs the negative energy.

But somedays that negative energy is very powerful and eats at you.

Food for thought.

 

Well this afternoon it is back to the dentist.

ARGH, having a tooth removed.

Oh well that is not so bad.

I am going to bake and ice the sugar cookies for my friend, as she loves them so much.

She buys the supplies and make/bake them with love.

 

Was able to deliver some baking to two neighbours last night and the third one wasn’t home but she came and picked up the package later.

It was so ICY, we walked on the street beside the sidewalk.

Alvin pulled and I pulled him back.

Not exactly a relaxing walk but we got some fresh air and delivered some cookies….

At my friend’s house ….. they are the ones who always come to my rescue ….. the four-legged visitor from last weekend …. anyway I said that her sister

thought it was a VOLE and  not a mouse due to size and colouring and the fact it did not make a sound.

Did that make me feel better?

Yes and No.

 

Anyway almost time to get this show on the road.

Life is crazy, crazy busy and at the end of the day “most interesting.”

I am eternally grateful to my kids for gently persuading me to adopt a pup.

Alvin has been such a blessing.

I can come home at night to this amazing creature who is so happy to see me.

He doesn’t judge.

He doesn’t suck the love out of your heart ….. he fills me up.

He keeps me on my toes.

He is my boy.

 

Okay, time to go.

I hope that you have a great Friday.

Sorry for being all over the place.

It is just that kind of morning.

There are days.

 

Where are we days to Christmas?

I have lost count.

Less than two weeks now.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister ….. my brothers …… my friends …., thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 30th day of October, 2018.

Second last day of the month.

Tomorrow is HALLOWEEN.

Are you ready?

I have my costume and accessories all ready.

In fact, I took my accessories or props, if you will, to work yesterday.

Now I just have to don my costume and I am done.

Simple and done.

Thank you to my friend “G” for lending me one of her costumes.

I am really grateful to my friends.

My friend “N” fixed my kitchen chair better than new.

I had to run over to another friend’s last night to drop off a package to be mailed to a friend in Saskatchewan.

Canada Post offers free shipping on Tuesday to all small business owners who applied for a business discount for specific posting.

While I was at her house, our friend N walked the chair over and it was waiting on my porch when I arrived back home.

I called their house right away and Alvin was barking when he heard his friend outside but no way for him to open the door.

According to his wife, he sat on the chair on the porch for a couple of minutes.

That would have been a cute sight.

I am surrounded by amazing, supportive, funny, good, awesome people that I am blessed to call my friends.

How did I get so lucky?

That is a question for the ages and one that I am at a loss to answer.

Thank you to my friends who I am over the moon grateful to have in my, in our lives.

Both Alvin and I are very lucky.

 

We went for our walk last night and Alvin turned to head home well before the half way point.

Not sure why.

Perhaps it was because when we were closer to home we saw one of our friend’s little guys outside.

He ran over to say hi to me and Alvin.

His Mom was right there and we chatted for a few moments.

They are the family with the big puppy named STELLA.

Stella is doing great and next door is a 4 year old dog named SCOOBY who is the best fit to be her friend.

He is a lively, full of energy doggie as is Miss Stella.

We were out for a walk one day and Scooby’s Dad was dropping him at Stella’s for a playdate.

How cool is that!

Guess that click on KIJIJI was meant to be.

You never know what, when or why.

But live has a way of working out.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

Have a great day.

Take time to take deep breathes and to relax.

Even if for a few moments each day.

A good reminder for us all.

 

Happy Tuesday.

I am excited for tomorrow.

 

Special Hello to: all my friends, a girl is blessed and so is her Alvin.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 9th day of May, 2018.

Some clouds loom in the morning sky as the sun rises to the east.

Cooler today as per the forecast.

Yesterday we had a bit of rain – which we need.

 

Funny story.

After work last night – I let Alvin outside as per usual.

When he was done – back into the house – dished out his supper.

My friend from Regina had let me know that there was a package waiting for me in the mailbox.

I had ordered some tupperware.

So while Alvin was eating his supper; I thought that I would run and grab the parcel.

He was standing on his chair with his front paws on the arm looking out of the living room as I came up the sidewalk to our house.

Quicker than quick – he was off the chair and at the door – jumping up.

You see he knows when a parcel arrives it is always from our friend back in Regina.

He must be able to smell inside the parcel with his extra sensitive sense of smell.

Alvin followed me as I kicked off my shoes and made my way through the living room and into the kitchen.

I placed the box on the kitchen table and went to grab my letter opener which doubles as a “parcel opener.”

He was up on his hind legs and barking.

So excited.

I barely had the box open and he was more than ready to see what our friend had sent to him.

I spotted a package with his name on it and quickly grabbing my camera from its’ perch hoping that I would be able to catch a video.

I did.

Oh my goodness – so funny.

Well I am super disappointed as apparently I cannot put a video on my blog due to security reasons.

But I can post photos – strange.

Anyway as you can see from the blue tissue paper that is what was left.

He shredded it.

It was oh so cute as he held the package with one paw and using his mouth starting to rip at the tissue paper.

He pulled at the tissue paper with his mouth turning his head and causing a thud with each movement of the package.

It was priceless.

At one point when I asked if he needed help – he turned his head and gave me a quick “glare.”

He just kept going.

Finally after ….

a more than valiant attempt to remove the ribbon but that was a bit much after 57 seconds of video, I figured he was done.

So I took his parcel and helped him open his present.

He loved his chew treat.

He would not even eat supper for the longest time.

Finally I coaxed him to eat by hand feeding him.

Okay, spoiled I know.

Then he carried it around and then he buried it.

We went for a walk and met up with friends and got home after 6:30 (we left the house at 5:15 p.m.).

Anyway had a nice walk and a visit.

When we arrived back home – Alvin was all about digging up the treat.

Then hiding it in the cushions of his chair and the sofa.

ARGH, it was dirty but I bit my lip and figured ….. I can clean up when he is done.

He went back and forth between burying the treat and digging it up, hiding it and finding it.

Finally just before bed – he ATE it.

He had several hours of pure enjoyment from that treat from his/our friend.

Thank you again for always thinking of my boy.

Me, well the Momma did not do so badly either.

Did you see the biscotti that I got?

I was only going to eat one but had to have two and put the others away for another day.

Cheese bun was perfect with supper and the dinner bun for lunch tomorrow.

Lucky we are.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who spoils us and we love her for the most wonderful human being that she is …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 4th day of April, 2018.

Starting to get light earlier now, thank goodness.

Alvin is sitting on his blanket that is on the floor in the office.

I love how he likes to be near me.

What a cutie pie.

Today feels like a photo day.

Just sharing photos of me and Alvin over the years.

Mostly Alvin but I joined him here and there.

We have been together since January 2010.

Happy Alvin Day ….

Alvin, one of my babies

Alvin at home…..

Baby Alvin

Alvin ……

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Alvin in the snow…..

Me and Alvin 2010

Me and Alvin Oct 2013

Me and Alvin 2012

Alvin opening his package from our friend “V.”

Me and Alvin 2016.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who have a puppy or two.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of March, 2018.

Well thankfully it has stopped snowing.

I do hear that the forecast is for more snow over the next few days going into and throughout the Easter weekend.

Alvin’s appointment went well yesterday.

His right ear is good and the left one is going in the right direction.

We enjoyed our day together yesterday.

 

This morning he is a bit clingy.

Stayed the whole time with me in the bathroom throughout the shower, make-up and hair routine.

Usually after I come out of the shower he goes and jumps onto the bed.

Not today.

In fact, when I left the bathroom he sat on the area rug and did not even jump onto the bed.

I suspect something amiss.

Will be keeping an eye on him.

I brought one of his blankets into the office and laid it on the floor beside me.

He is actually laying on the blanket.

Not his usual routine.

 

The time is just after 6:00 a.m. now and it is dark.

I hope that does not mean that the sky is overcast with snow clouds.

I shovelled during a break in the snow fall yesterday.

We did have some sunshine which was nice.

 

OH, have to mention our friend “V” sent us an Easter package.

Alvin enjoyed opening his package.

He actually tore open the package and was cute to watch.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Happy Wednesday Everyone.

 

Special Hello to: our Friend “V” …… thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 15th day of February, 2018.

Alvin and I had a wonderful Valentine’s Day.

We had a surprise package from our friend “V” from Regina.

She sent both of us treats and even a homemade dish for my supper.

TACO PEROGY …. it was amazing.

We are very blessed and are so grateful.

This has been such a long winter with not many walks and both Alvin and I are feeling our middles most especially expanding.

I guess it is time to break out the yoga mat and get to it.

Will have to start walking the stairs on my breaks, yes that would mean actually taking them.

I find that I spend way too much time at my desk, sitting.

I mean other than the time I am working.

I drink coffee at my desk and eat my lunch at my desk.

TOO MUCH SITTING.

This morning after looking in the mirror – it hit me – GET TO IT.

One should get to it before it gets out of hand and then becomes difficult but NEVER impossible.

Perhaps some of the goodies will be frozen and some given to my daughter and family.

At the end of it all, I am very grateful, as is Mr. Alvin.

I took a video of him but not time to upload/download it this morning.

 

Well here we are again and almost time to leave for work.

Our friends came over last night.

Teddy and his Aunt J, we had a great visit.

It was a good night.

Too many treats for the boys, though.

 

Happy Thursday.

I hope that wherever you are – that you are safe, warm and happy.

Special Hello to: my dear, to our dear friend “V” who always treats us extra specially.  Thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin