Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Morning started out bright and sunny and the clouds are now rolling in.

Mr. Alvin had us both up most of the night in and outside.

This morning he was sick to his stomach.

A little while ago he ate his breakfast and seems better now.

I feel like a zombie.

Clicking away on the computer.

 

This morning was/is our girls coffee date.

I am going to pop over to see them for a few minutes.

Need some coffee….

Alvin seems fine.

Perhaps he will finally settle down and sleep.

I am going to sleep like a baby tonight.

But if I lay down any later this morning …. I am afraid that I will be awake tonight.

That would not bode well for working tomorrow.

 

Thankfully I did all of the cleaning, some yard work and laundry yesterday so today is an easy day.

Oh and I transplanted all my house plants except the big one in my office.

Into the nice new plant pots from IKEA.

Just have to bring up the laundry that is hanging to dry in the basement.

Go for a walk later.

 

Do you have a pet?

Alvin has been with me for over 9 years now.

He is family.

When he is not well ….. it hurts my heart.

I try to do the best for him.

HE goes to the Vet on a regular basis as you know.

Yesterday he actually went for his regular 5 week “pedicure” and “anal gland check.”

I will say that he was a bit more mellow when his nails were being done ….

 

The house phone rang a bit ago and I jumped up from the sofa where we had finally fallen asleep but did not see who was calling because I did not have my glasses on.

A few minutes later Humphrey’s Mom was a the door.

We chatted and she said that Humphrey was a bit off his game as off late so perhaps it was just a bug or something they ate.

She had popped over to see if I had any of her boy’s treats as she was out.

Yes, I did.

 

Anyway, never a dull moment.

I am going to go and see my friends as my mental health is important as well.

He seems fine and I will not be away for long.

Also need coffee – although I could easily make myself some.

 

At the end of it all ….. it is always a good thing to treat your four-legged companions with love and respect.

They are just as important as we are …. maybe more.

He brings me such great joy and is such a good companion.

All he asks is for food and me.

He doesn’t gossip or treat me ill.

He is always here.

 

Well I am going to go downstairs and wait a few minutes to see how he is…..

Then pop over to my friend’s house where the girls have congregated.

 

Happy Sunday.

Always be kind and respectful of yourself and others.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 14th day of April, 2019.

The sky is partially covered with clouds.

I am planing to go and pick up the trash in our neighbourhood as this week the street cleaners are coming.

I like to have the garbage picked up at least once before they arrive.

Then they can get the leaves, sand and dirt when they give it the spring cleaning.

My daughter mentioned she might be coming for a visit.

I have the ingredients for pancakes so I will go and prepare them in a few minutes.

Another busy day on the way.

I took Humphrey back home while Alvin and I went to his regular five week appointment at his Veterinarian.

He had his pedicure done and his ears checked and “stuff.”

Once back home, I went and picked up Humphrey and brought him back to our house.

Then put on the coffee and called the girls to come on over.

At one point Mr. Humphrey was trying to make a getaway as he started to move the rocks from beside the back gate.

I caught him in the nick of time and put the rocks back in place.

What a guy.

Now have to keep an eagle eye on him.

Had a great visit with the girls.

One of the girls surprised us with an Easter Treat.

Chocolate of course.

I am going to save mine for a bit.

After our visit with the girls; carried on with the laundry.

Raked the back yard once again and swept the deck.

Over the course of the day went for a walk with Alvin; our neighbour and the doggie that she was away looking after, Luna.

As she had come back home to spend the night.

Luna is a big LAB and is full of energy.

We only walked our new route before returning home and they continued.

Once back home I raked the front lawn and made a big pot of chilli.

After supper and the final loads of laundry.

Went to the grocery store with my neighbour.

I drove her car on her insistence.

Seemed strange but always good to keep up your driving skills.

Then back home.

We had a quiet evening.

Watching a bit of television before heading off to bed.

That is our life.

Pretty low key but I love it.

One of my favourite parts of the weekend thus far was Humphrey the Cat digging the rocks out by the fence.

He has done that at his home.

Well I guess time to get dressed and get the pancake batter made.

Ready for company?

Yes, we are.

Always.

 

I hope that you are having an exceptional weekend.

Maybe a nice relaxing mug of coffee on the deck.

A walk to your nearest park.

Snuggles with your puppy.

How about giving your puppy a massage (Alvin likes his neck and upper back massaged).

Maybe you raked your lawn.

Finished all the laundry yesterday so that you can walk today.

Reach out to a friend or loved one.

Reading your favourite book.

Cleaning out your closets and preparing bags for charity.

Happy Sunday.

Have an awesome day.

 

Special Hello to: all the women in my life ….. my daughter, my sister, my aunt, cousins and friends and co-workers.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 24th day of November, 2018.

It remains dark outside at 8:01 a.m. in the morning although there is a bit of lightness beginning to happen.

Our days are getting shorter and shorter until the shortest day just a few days Christmas.

 

Alvin has his regular pedicure etc. appointment this morning at his Doctor Karen.

Teddy will be here in less than one hour and he will accompany us.

I was so grateful when my carpool was able to stop at the Vet last night so that I could pick up Alvin’s supply of food, toothpaste, shampoo and treats so that I would not have to carry

all those items and wrangle Alvin and Teddy.

There really isn’t too much wrangling going on but always good to have some control of the boys.

 

I love having coffee on the weekends.

I perk freshly ground coffee in my electric percolator.

Makes the best coffee.

Reminds me of the old coffee percolators that sat on the stove top.

Mmmmmm.

 

Today I must get the photos to COSTCO on-line to be printed.

These are the photos that will accompany most of my Christmas cards.

Also today will be the perfect day to get writing cards.

I feel as though I am late.

The time passes so quickly ….. evaporates one might say.

 

Mr. Alvin is laying on his belly on the hall carpet.

Not on his blue blanket, odd or not.

He will be most excited to see his friend Teddy.

 

Well time to fly here and get a load of laundry in before our guest for the day arrives.

Lots to do.

I am always happy to have Master Teddy in our house as he brings excitement and added joy.

 

I hope that you all have a great day.

Remember to hold dear ones close.

Tell people that you care about that you love them.

Tell those people that perhaps you are not perhaps “not fond of” – something nice.

Really it never hurts to just be nice, be kind to everyone.

Regardless of the relationship that you share with them.

 

Happy Saturday.

Yikes, Christmas is getting closer.

Baking and Cards ……

I have to sit down and figure out how much baking that I have to do.

Another item on my list for today.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who are stuck today …. just look in the mirror and say to yourself …. I can do this….. Remember you can do anything you put your mind to…..mind over matter.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

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

The sky is blue with nice white clouds and the SUN is shining.

It is a bit later than yesterday as we were up earlier and then elected to hit the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

There is a breeze.

Today with some reluctance I will pull my flowers and prepare for winter.

Not all of the flowers but most of them.

The snapdragons are just starting to get nice so I will leave them and try to protect them from incoming frost.

I also want to research how to preserve the LAVENDER plant that I have and how to make little Lavender packets or bouquets.

Last night was beautiful.

Teddy went home just after 6:00 p.m. after a great day with the little guy.

The boys played but mostly just hung out.

Teddy accompanied us to Alvin’s regular appointment to have his pedicure and stuff.

Alvin and I went for a lovely walk after supper.

 

We, I just had an easy day.

Cleaned out the pantry and shelving by the back door – nice to have restored some kind of order.

The tea cupboard has also been cleaned out.

Laundry or some of it done.

 

AND I set up the JENGA game on the counter and then on the table …..

In between I played JENGA.

Oh, how I love that game.

One of the few games that one can play by themselves.

I could play it all of the time.

One of my co-workers, actually one of the managers gave me the game as a “late birthday gift” as she knew how much I loved it.

Also I never seem to get to a place that would sell games.

So grateful to her and know that I am truly blessed for such generosity.

I find it relaxing and truly FUN.

If you are living by yourself – it is a great game to have set up.

You can play it over the course of the day.

Or you can sit down and play.

If you have someone at home to play with you, that is great as well.

 

Well there is a list of things to do and I see that the sky is beginning to cloud over.

I know that the forecast calls for clouds but I was hoping that the sunshine would have stayed longer.

Guess I had better get dressed, eat and make coffee and then get to the yard work.

ARGH, I wanted the sunshine to be around for today.

Perhaps it will come back.

I hope so.

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister (I had a great Friday and weekend).

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 8th day of September, 2018.

The sky appears to be multitude of pinks, greys and blues this morning as the sun begins to rise in the morning sky.

Yesterday was over 26 degrees celsius and we enjoyed it.

Today is forecast to be around 20 degrees celsius and then we have rain with mid teen days.

I hope that all of the farmers out there were able to complete the harvest of all their crops.

Sounds like British Columbia is having rain and rain in their forecast so hopefully the fires will all go out soon.

Today Master Teddy – Alvin’s BFF is coming to spend the day with us.

His Papa is going to the farm and his Momma is working so he will come and keep us company.

Just a great play-date.

He is such a happy little guy and always brings such joy to our house.

Both Alvin and I love to have him here.

Bundle of energy that one.

Alvin has his regular 5 or so week pedicure and check-up so Teddy will accompany us.

 

Oh, I did not have to catch the bus home last night as my daughter picked me up from work.

We went to COSTCO.

COSTCO was busy as usual.

For some reason it took us longer than usual.

After my daughter dropped off me and the groceries and said HI to her little brother.

Alvin of course had his supper.

I put away all of my purchases.

Then went to change out of my work clothes.

After our usual Alvin go round the table or actually under the kitchen table, he was in his harness and we were out the door.

Just Alvin, his water bottle and me.

Poop bags and keys in hand.

It was so beautiful last night.

We thoroughly enjoyed it.

When we arrived near Teddy’s house we saw his Papa outside walking back toward the garage.

Alvin made a dash for him and our friend yelled out in his soft voice “Alvin, hello.”

He invited us into the house.

Teddy ran and jumped up into my arms and gave me a kiss.

He is so darn cute.

I quickly undid Alvin’s leash and he was off – checking every place for food.

Teddy eats a bit here and a bit there so they leave his food out all day.

Not me Alvin.

He eats whatever is out and then looks for more.

We had a nice visit and then off as I needed to get the lawn mowed.

Last night mowed the front and back, trimmed some of the plants in the front flower bed and watered everything as no rain in the forecast until tomorrow.

Well here it is almost time for Teddy to arrive and I need to put on a load of laundry and get that part of the day going.

I hope that you have an amazing Saturday.

Take some time to “stop and smell the roses.”

We actually have roses lining the entrance to our park and I always stop.

It is a reminder to be still and enjoy.

Take care.

 

Special Hello to: all of my friends all over the world.  Thank you for joining me on this adventure called “life.”

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 14th day of April, 2018.

The sun was shining brightly when we got up for the day.

Now it is slightly overcast.

They were forecasting a temperature of +8 celsius for us in Edmonton, today.

We shall see.

Anyway the snow melted considerably yesterday and soon we shall see blades of green grass coming up.

I love those first blades of green grass, so fresh and beautiful.

The buds on the trees are exquisite.

As a child, spring captured my heart and imagination.

The fields full of purple fuzzy flowers named crocuses.

The buds on the willow trees in and around the sloughs (ponds).

Rabbits at that in between shade between white and brown.

Birds returning home to nest.

My favourite being the Robins.

I love ROBINS.

Babies being born on the farm.

Calves were perhaps my favourite but the pigs were also very cute.

We temporarily had the runt of a litter come join us in our house.

That little pig.

I can still seeing him trying to run on my Mother’s waxed living room floor.

I am certain that we gave him a name but some 50 years later, I have forgotten the name.

As we get older it is more important to write the stories of our youth as we might remember the story – just not all of the details.

I also remember the snow melting and water running and the smell.

There was a definite fragrance to spring.

That has long since gone.

I am not certain if it was a farm thing or a young girl thing or a young girl’s imagination.

So on this Saturday at the mid point of April, I am just going to enjoy and appreciate this time, this spring.

 

Alvin has his regular “pedicure” appointment this morning.

He needs more food, imagine that.

Lots to do this Saturday.

Laundry, clean the house and just be ready.

 

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: my sister and brothers ….. thinking of the good old days.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 18th day of November, 2017.

YAHOO, it is Saturday.

The sun is coming up and the sky appears to be clear.

The winter sky which definitely looks different from the summer one.

Which is strange ….. because it is the same sky?

Life is wonderful.

I love looking at the sky ….. the clouds …… the variation of colour.

 

Alvin has his regular “pedicure” and other thing this morning.

I do not like to say what it is – not that is is bad but all the same it is personal and I would think Alvin would prefer me not to say anything about it.

Alvin does love his “J” who is the daughter of his Doctor.

All I have to do is mention her name and he gets so excited.

When we leave the house he even knows which way to go.

So cute.

 

Well I guess I should get this show on the road.

I had a phone call in between this post.

My clothes dryer is on the fritz and one of my friends is going to take a look at it.

I am so blessed to have such kind and generous friends.

 

Have an awesome day.

Happy Saturday.

 

Special Hello to: all my dear friends all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 13th day of May, 2017.

The rain has definitely set in ….. no clear blue sky to be seen.

The sky is a light grey colour.

A bit on the windy side.

Perfect for our walk to the Vet this morning.

Mr. Alvin has his 6 week pedicure and bum squeeze (perhaps that is a bit personal, sorry Alvin).

We will don as close to rain gear as we have for our walk.

I am very grateful that Dr. K. is only a ten minute walk from our house.

 

Will enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee on the return home.

 

Looks like this is going to be an indoor kind of weekend.

Although I may just go out and clean up the walk way.

I was thoroughly disgusted last night as I walked through on my way home.

Even if I just clean that up I will feel better …. wet and heavy, I do not care.

Has to be done.

Just getting worse.

Perhaps if people see me out in the rain …… they might think twice.

Likely not but one has to remain positive, right.

 

I hope that you all have an awesome Saturday.

Whether wet or dry.

Be kind and generous and POLITE.

Please.

 

Time to go and capture Mr. Alvin to don his harness and jacket.

He is going to love that….. not really.

 

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: friends and family – family and friends all over the world.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 24th day of September, 2016.

Well we had rain overnight and it was raining at 5:30 a.m. when Alvin and I first were up and about.

Later being now 9:00 a.m., the skies have cleared and the sun is shining.

We are just getting ready to leave for our regular six week pedicure and “anal gland squeeze” for Mr. Alvin.

Oddly enough the bum thing does not bother him but his nails being trimmed does.

Now I do get it as a couple of times they have nicked the quick (passed the nail).

His “quicks” are longer than usual.

But I think it startles him more than actually hurts too much.

They are so good at our Vet and treat us, him like family.

He is good for his shots and the bum thing but just does not care too much for getting his nails done.

Funny thing too …. at the Doctor’s they clean and check his ears and he does not fuss too much but at home YIKES.

Later this morning Elton is coming to spend part of the day with me and Alvin as his parents are taking a nephew mini golfing.

Nephew’s birthday was beginning of September but it is sometimes hard to schedule with kids these days.

They are so busy with all of their different activities and their friends.

I am happy that it is the weekend.

Pleased that the sun is going to shine as I must start preparing things for the next season.

I do not wish to trim and pull flowers and bushes because they are looking so good as yet.

With all this moisture they are lasting longer.

As I was reminded by one of my gardener friends …. most years we stop watering once the temperature starts to cool off and that is one of the main

reasons they are finished.

I must trim my big tree out front.

Last year I did it a couple of times by now and this year with all of the rain I have not.

Well it is almost time to leave for the Vet.

I hope that you all have an amazing Saturday.

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: my fellow bloggers …. keep writing.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 14th day of May, 2016.

A sunny Saturday.

The sky is blue and the sun is shining brightly.

Great way to start the weekend.

Actually last night was so gorgeous ….. absolute perfection.

Temperature right.

No breeze.

Enjoyed some time visiting out front with my neighbour.

Soon they will be moving into their new house and a new chapter will begin for each of us.

I/We, me and Alvin will miss them.

But as I have found nothing lasts forever.

They are not moving far away so we will keep in contact but it will not be the same as living next door to each other.

I truly have been blessed on the neighbour end of things.

Always had awesome people surrounding me wherever I have lived.

How about you?

Do you get to know them?

Do you socialize with them?

Do you like them?

 

Two of the gals in my neighbourhood that I have become good friends with over the years are coming for coffee and a visit this morning.

They are super nice.

With them being younger and having smaller children it has kept me feeling younger.

Surrounding yourself with the younger generations is great.

Almost all of my friends are about my daughter’s age.

I have two friends closer to my age and then two friends older than me.

The rest are younger.

But no matter.

Always good to surround yourself with different perspectives.

 

Well time to go and get the laundry started as Mr. Alvin has his 4-6 week pedicure and “stuff” at the Vet.

His favourite thing to do.

I have a garage sale to plan and get ready, tea sales to obtain, housework to do and the list goes on.

It would be nice to have a personal assistant or someone.

I was chatting last night on the bus with a lady that I have got to know and we are both single.

Although I do not mind living on my own there are times that having someone would be a great help.

 

Okay time to go.

It appears that I have more to say but that will have to be for another day.

Sorry for the jumble jumble.

 

One more thing …. Elton is doing so much better and sounds like they are coming for a visit tomorrow.

So excited to see our boy.  Have not seen him since before his surgery.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

I am going to enjoy the visit with my “peeps.”

 

Special Hello to: all those single people out there doing their thing alone.

Always, Carol and Alvin