Living … One day at a time

Hello, good morning …. I miss the early morning sunrises.

Yesterday was the OFFICIAL day of FALL / Autumn.

My tree out front has almost entirely turned to a beautiful yellow.

Some of the leaves have fallen to the ground covering the green grass with a crunchy yellow gold blanket.

I do love the colours of fall.

Warm and rich.

I am going to stay positive with the hope that the weather will hold for a few more weeks at least.

It would be wonderful if the days would remain the same as this past weekend.

We had in the mid 20 degree days with lots of sunshine.

So beautiful.

I am so grateful that we had lots of walks.

I had extra ones with my grand pups here on Saturday.

 

I was looking at my flowers in the front and back raised beds and the ones on the deck.

Soon it will be time to trim them back.

Soon I guess with a tear in my eye it will be time to put away the patio furniture and prepare for that next season.

There was not even a day (except for last weekend) to put out the white and blue patterned pillows for the second patio set.

They remained in bags in the garage all summer long.

Our summer was more like a combination of spring and fall with flowers.

My SNAPDRAGONS insist with the recent sunshine to bloom in all their glory.

A beautiful site to behold.

 

The marigolds are doing quite well, too.

 

On this Tuesday, I think about how very blessed I am.

I live in my very own home.

I have Alvin as my steadfast companion.

I am surrounded by great friends and neighbors.

I have the best family on the planet.

I am employed.

I am in good health.

Feeling very happy and blessed.

 

 

Remember most people and animals are drawn to those who are kind and respectful.

Why not take the time, make the time.

To treat every being you encounter with kindness and respect.

Why not?

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well it has been raining for what seems like forever.

Rained overnight.

We were so lucky to get a walk in last night between rain showers.

Me, Teddy and Alvin went for tea & birthday cake to a friend’s home a few doors down the street.

Then we came on our walk.

My friend has a doggie who is 14 years old and has a heart condition.

So we had to watch Teddy around her as she is not good “meeting” new doggies and cannot get stressed due to her condition.

But Teddy the ever gentleman spent most of the time in my arms/lap snoozing.

Alvin on the other hand … in and out …. looking for treats.

We had a great time.

 

Well definitely coat and shoe day today.

 

I have some photos to share from last night at bed and this morning.

Guarantee to bring a smile to your face.

I know some days we just need a boost.

I hope that you have an awesome Friday.

Just one more you can do it.

Today is going to be a fantastic, awesome, amazing DAY.

 

Photos in the first row: last night before bed.  Teddy loves to roll around and get into the pillows and blankets …. Alvin just watches.

Photos in the second row: this morning.  While I was in the shower Teddy was playing in amongst the pillows.  Alvin was in the ensuite with me as per usual.

I couldn’t hear anything but deep breathing and quietly peeked out from the bathroom to the bed and saw Teddy curled up sleeping surrounded by pillows.

Taking a chance I ran to the office and grabbed my phone and snapped these photos.

Then Mr. Alvin jumped up and took a peek.  OMG, so cute.  Bringing massive smiles to my face.

Well time to fly.

With two babies …. the time passes extra quickly.

I hope that today is over the top great for you.

Will be thinking of you today.

 

Remember always go through each day with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin and Master Teddy.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Welcome to the last day of June 2019.

How did that happen?

WOW …..

Bright sunny morning with a bit of a breeze.

In about one hour – Master Teddy will arrive to spend the day with us.

I, we always love to have Teddy spend time with us.

He brings an instant joy and energy wherever he comes to our home.

I dare not mention him before he comes or Alvin will spend the time at the window watching for him.

Same goes for Teddy.

Except Teddy will just run around making it hard to catch him.

So his Mama does not say anything until they are on their way.

Although I am pretty sure he knows at that point that he is coming to our house.

It is so amazing that these wonderful beings are excited to come and see us.

I love being surrounded by these amazing creatures.

They don’t care what you are wearing or if you have on makeup.

Doesn’t matter if you have dishes drying in the sink or if you have a pillow out of place.

There is no judgment of any sort.

They just love you for you and perhaps a treat or two.

If you treat them with respect, kindness and with love they will be loyal for a lifetime.

They do not ask for much.

Animals are more forgiving than humans.

It breaks my heart to read stories about the horrible treatment of animals whether domesticated or in the wild.

But why?

Why do we always have to do such things.

We could learn so much for all of the other inhabitants of this earth.

So on this last day of June take note of how you treat all of the non-human creatures on this planet.

If we all change our ways just a bit ….

Can you imagine what a wonderful world this would be?

If we treat animals better … then we treat each other better.

Be kind and respectful, always.

 

Happy Sunday.

May your day be filled with sunshine and rainbows.

May you be joyful and surrounded with laughter and abundance.

Life is good.

 

All my babies and me.

They bring such joy to my life.

And no matter what …. there is kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Beautiful bright sunny blue sky kind of morning.

Hallelujah, it is Friday.

How about some photos kind of Friday post?

I snapped these photos just before my carpool arrived yesterday morning.

The brilliant GREEN brings joy to my heart and soul.

In the 4th photo you can just see Alvin watching me out of the window as he always does.

I wave as I get into the car.

To say good-bye – see you later.

 

Last night was a busy night.

After arriving home from work – Alvin and I went to the Vet to pick up his food, toothpaste and some treats, of course.

Then supper.

Then Teddy and his Momma came …. his Momma had tea ….. his Momma left and Teddy is with us until Saturday evening.

First night last night of the sleepover.

Final big thing ….. I got my hair cut.

Wanting some radical ….. something different in recent years for me.

A version of Anne Hathaway’s short hair cut.

Look how much hair was chopped.

I am not great with selfies.

This morning it looks totally different.

Before I had a shower …. well let’s just say that both Alvin and Teddy were a little scared to look directly at me.

Last night the first two photos and then the remaining ones this morning.

Teddy loves to throw the pillows around.

I love where he ended up …. at the head of the bed.

Well that is it for me for Friday.

Almost time to leave for work.

 

One more time to take pups outside.

Have an awesome Friday.

I will get better taking photos of myself.

Maybe ….. giggling aloud.

 

This weekend is me and the boys.

Tomorrow Humphrey joins us ….

So excited to spend some time with Alvin and his friends – our friends.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin & Teddy

Thoughts for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of January, 2019.

Still dark out as we are up earlier than usual for a Saturday.

We were awake at 4:30 a.m. – Alvin outside.

Bathroom breaks for everyone and Alvin had his glucosamine chew.

 

Followed by a couple of hours or so on the sofa.

Our sofa is so comfortable and quite often my sleep even though the time is shorter on the sofa – is a better one.

I think that I sleep well but it is BETTER on the sofa.

I need a mattress that replicates my sofa.

Isn’t that funny how most of us can sleep better and fall asleep more quickly on the sofa.

Why is that?

Because it is not in the bedroom, where you are typically supposed to sleep?

Because you know it is for a shorter time?

Because maybe it is more comfortable than your bed?

Because you are more relaxed on the sofa?

There is no television on when I sleep on the sofa in the morning.

There is no music playing.

I do not have a special pillow.

Why? WHY? Why?

All I know is that when I sleep on the sofa – I fall asleep right away – I dream lots – am super comfortable.

Alvin loves the sofa, too.

Although he can sleep pretty much anywhere (like right now on his blanket on the floor).

So this is the thought for the day.

 

Well this is going to be a busy weekend.

This morning: after finishing my post – need a shower – eat breakfast (both of us) – go to the Vet for Al’s regular nail trim and extras, he needs food, toothpaste and some treats – laundry – groceries –

house cleaning – put away the Christmas decorations that were banished to the basement and whatever else I can get done.  There is also more snow shovelling to do as well.  Tomorrow I was invited to

a baby shower for the daughter of one of my friends.  Have not been to a baby shower for years.

 

Time to fly here.

While the momentum is there.

Sometimes all we want to do is veg.

Alvin has moved from the office to the hall (there is carpet there and definitely more comfortable than the floor with his blanket).

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

The debate will continue between sofa and bed – bed and sofa.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. SKYPE time, let me know?

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 5th day of January, 2017.

Another warmer day …. YAHOO.

Alvin and I enjoyed a nice walk although not as long as our regular one it was still nice.

He sniffed the ground and I smelled the early evening air.

Always a bonus to have walking weather in the winter.

Another morning on the sofa for a few minutes and Alvin as if on queue laid down beside me on the pillow with no wiggle room.

Thank goodness for longer pillows.

So nice to have that snuggle in the early morning.

Great way to begin the day.

He certainly has a way of melting one’s heart.

He is my buddy and I appreciate him.

Sometimes we annoy each other but that is to be said for most relationships.

The good times certainly out way the less than perfect ones.

Isn’t that the way with us all.

Does not matter if it is with a two-legged or four-legged relationship.

I wish you all a great Thursday.

May you be surrounded by snuggles, warmth and love.

Special Hello to:  All those celebrating a birthday today.  Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of April, 2014.

It is quiet here in the house as “me Alvin” had a sleepover at his sister’s house.

Work at the store last night was great.

I always enjoy going there …… my co-workers and management are wonderful, the work is great and I get to meet people who are there to shop.

I have always loved to shop.

Some parts of my life I was able to shop more than others but nonetheless I do love the experience.

Whether I buy something or just look.

Now at this point in my life there isn’t too many things that I really need or even want for that matter so I use my imagination.

I picture myself in that new outfit from head to toe.

I see those new pillows adorning my chairs and sofa in the living room.

I love to see all the people who come into the store and sometimes catch a glimpse of those walking by.

Being at West Edmonton Mall there is never a shortage of interesting people going by.

Every kind of outfit and look possible.

We see it all.

I love it.

Oh, and I see the sun starting to break through the morning sky ….. YAY and YAY.

I am just on way downstairs to have a quick bite to eat before going out for coffee to my friend’s house and then shopping for beads with my daughter and groceries.

What a perfect day.

There will be laundry and cleaning in there somewhere but the high points are above AND drumroll …… I will have a nice walk with me Alvin after supper.

Time to go and have some breakfast ….. the most important meal of the day.

So given the opportunity just go to the mall and shop with your eyes …..

Picture yourself in that new dress from your favourite store or those new jeans or whatever it may be.

DO NOT BUY ANYTHING ….. just look.

It can be most enjoyable.

Just to pretend …..

If you go into the store looking as though you could or would buy anything in the store but then decide not to ….. it is a great feeling.

Have a great Saturday.

Spend time with friends and family ….. always good to do on the weekend.

Thanks for reading.

Special Hello to: all the shoppers out there ….. the real shoppers ….. you know who you are……

Always, Carol and Alvin

Story Line by line – November 28, 2013

Chapter Four:

November 1, 2013

Oh, how I loved that dress, and my mind flashes back to the junior high school dance where I first wore that beautiful pink and then I see my favourite books floating in mid air and my best friend “Dee” is there.

November 2, 2013

Alvin is staying very close as we begin to take in this enormous space, and our nervous energies feed each other, and I think of Alice in Wonderland, and  what shall our next move be as a bright purple balloon drifts by.

November 3, 2013

It is absolutely amazing the dress, my friend, balloons, family, old boyfriends, my house, Christmas, all of the things that I have loved during my life are appearing as Alvin and I make our way through it all.

November 4, 2013

I realize throughout all of the memories that my “four” are no longer walking with us and have disappeared.

November 5, 2013

“Where did they go?” I mutter aloud as if I half expect Alvin to answer and yet I know that we are “down the rabbit hole and things are about to get very interesting.”

November 6, 2013

What do I do – what can I do – nothing makes any sense – why would they do this – am I a guinea pig of sorts – are they watching us – who are they – are the questions that flood my mind as we just walk not knowing what will happen next.

November 7, 2013

As we walk further into this new world, I begin to notice that we in fact are not alone.

November 8, 2013

I do not see anyone but I can feel “eyes” watching us as we go deeper into this place, and then out of no where the thought of “YOU ARE NOT ALONE” comes to my mind; like something out of a movie.

November 9, 2013

Carefully I look about not wanting to miss a single thing, and carefully monitoring my thoughts with hopes that I can find out my location without disturbing my “hosts” when in the distance I see a dim light.

November 10, 2013

As I approach the location of the light it becomes brighter and brighter with only about 50 footsteps away I can begin to see what lies ahead of us.

November 11, 2013

Could I ever have imagined this in my wildest dreams, I think not, as the images begin to sharpen and come into focus.

November 12, 2013

I stop, we stop, and I rub my eyes in disbelief as I look ahead and see what appears to be a glass wall with images of ….. ME.

November 13, 2013

There, only a few feet in front of us are ME at different ages, different stages of my life with some I recognize, and other versions are new to me.

November 14, 2013

I am shaking in disbelief and wonder at what is ahead of me; am I dreaming?

November 15, 2013

Alvin has been quiet for awhile just sniffing around the space when suddenly he yanks hard on the leash pulling me off balance knocking me to the ground.

 November 16, 2013

As I lay there collecting my senses, Alvin rushes back to me tail wagging and licks my face; I giggle, looking up completely stunned, I see myself.

November 17, 2013

Wow, is that really me I think to myself and then utter a soft “Hello”  as the other “me” smiles back at me…… 

November 18, 2013

“Please tell me where I am,”  I say to her, and as I utter the words, she tells me without speaking that I am wherever I want to be.

November 19, 2013

Okay, I think let me give this a try as my mind unleashes the imagination that has been locked up as of late and before I could say anything we are curled up on a oversized leather sofa in front of a fireplace looking out of an enormous window to a breathtaking view of the mountains which are covered with snow; my heart leaps with excitement.

November 20, 2013

I had this dream when I won the lottery, and our family spent Christmas in this huge log cabin celebrating and being together it was amazing … oh, I feel so good.

 November 21, 2013

Happiness, I feel an overwhelming sense of pure joy as I continue to take in my surroundings but then boom I come to my “senses” and wonder where is everyone?

November 22, 2013

Almost as quickly as that thought occurred  …. out of the corner of my eye I see my nephews James, Henry and Blake walking toward me, and there in front of me is my daughter; “Oh my god” I squeal with delight as I run to her, and squeeze her tight.

November 23, 2013

 “I have missed you, my darling” I whisper in my daughter’s ear and she says “Me, too Mom.” and as I stand back to take this all in – Alvin jumps up on his “sister.”

November 24, 2013

Alvin gives her a kiss as she leans over to him; “this seems real, isn’t it,”  I think to myself as I watch in silence.

November 25, 2013

As Alvin and I both relax and bask in these moments of such serenity and peace; I am so grateful for this time whether it is real or not, and I will find out where this place is….

November 26, 2013

My mind seems to go to the oddest of places but then again why wouldn’t it with all that has happened to us and when will it end?

November 27, 2013

I have no answers, and I seem to be feeling more and more confused as I try seemingly in vain to figure out how to get home, or am I home and just having a bad dream?

November 28, 2013

Just as I am thinking of dreams there appears in front of us a huge bed covered with the fluffiest white blanket and pillows; it is then that I realize for as long as this journey has taken us we have not slept and I am tired, so must Alvin be,  and we shall sleep.