Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are well on this Thursday morning. Last night we went to bed a bit earlier than usual as I was SO tired. Lights were out before 9:30 and guess who was awake and needed to go outside at 11:00 p.m., not the Momma, lol. Up and outside we went. Someone really had to poop, there is that word again. Well it is something that every creature does in some way, shape or form. Just is. Why we have an aversion to it, well some reasons are obvious and some not so much. Back to the story. I made an executive decision to just lay down on the sofa and curl up under the red blanket next to Alvin. It seemed like I had been sleeping for awhile when was someone was awake once again, I picked up my phone and checked the time, it was 3:40 a.m. I got up and gave him his glucosamine chew and then outside, we went. Back to the sofa until 5:15 a.m., now we are up and getting ready for the day. Yesterday I was already and just snuggling by Alvin on the sofa ready to put on my coat, scarf, mitts and then boots when I noticed a text from my carpool. She had texted me at 6:00 a.m. to let me know that she had woke up with a sore throat and was going to work from home. I texted her back followed by texting my Manager and also Alvin’s caregiver. Then I went to work unpacking my laptop and things to get set up to work from home. Today we are going to the office. Alvin is confused I am sure. One day I get ready and then do not leave and the next I do!

I was watching a bit of the CMA’s, Country Music Awards from U.S. and it left me thinking after I heard them announce the nominees for the SONG OF THE YEAR – I know how these award shows work, I have watched them over the years. This time was different. Maybe I have changed, but I was left with a semi sour taste in my mouth. Here we are giving awards to people from writing a song granted that song has to likely sell so many copies or be played on so many radio stations but REALLY, we are awarding people for writing a song. Just seems a little sad. So many people the world over do important work and never hear anything positive much less receive an award. Perhaps I am overthinking things, I do not know but it does make me a bit sad. The other thing that makes me wonder is all the glamorous costumes and outfits that entertainers wear and on some of these television shows, what a waste of resources. More stuff for the landfill. Now I am not trying to rain on anyone’s parade, I am just stating facts. Perhaps we all need to take a step back and see how much waste and unnecessary use of resources there is and maybe do something about it. Just a thought!

Back to my reality. Alvin is laying down on the rug outside the office door as I type/key these words. I am surrounded by plants and things. Even at home, I am aware of how many things I have that really are not necessary to live my life and I am not adding to those things or at least very minimally. We all have things we only use once or twice a year and to be honest most people hang onto to things that they used once a decade ago and never recycled. Remember your “unused items” may be someone else’s treasures. None of us are perfect but we have to try to be better citizens of this planet.

Time to head downstairs and have Mr. Alvin go you know what again, P&P. Maybe that should be the new code word, lol. Anyway, I think I need a coffee as this post has really got off track.

This date is really important to me as it was the birthday of my brother Jeff who passed away over a decade ago. I miss you buddy and wish you were here. Happy Birthday our Angel. I think of you often.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thinking of all our Angels today ………

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing pretty well. I will admit to feeling just a bit tired. Lights out at 10:00 p.m. last night and then we were up at 2:00 a.m. and then up to stay up at 5:30 a.m., so all in all not a bad night. I think that it will take a bit of time to get adjusted to this new normal and hopefully it will remain this way until I retire. Having some extra days at home is great and will be most appreciated come winter time. The coworker that I am carpooling with will be taking some vacation days in November and December to use up days before end of the year. I will need to secure another way to work for those days. Might be possible to take some of the same days off. There are others that have vacation time to use as well. So we will be even more short staffed for some time over the next few months. I was thinking about it being October 6th already and that I usually have my Christmas tree up and decorating the house starting on the first day of November, 2022,

I am excited for that time although I do not wish to rush the days away. Time to start hauling the “summer” ornaments/decorations to the basement and bringing up the rest of the fall items. My fall things go into Halloween. All works together.

Alvin did good yesterday. He could have drank more water but I understand. It was the first time that a “man” has come over to check on him. Usually it is a “woman” but as usual he was more interested in the food aspect than the actual visitor. Husam told me that he had been laying down when he arrived and after saying hello, Alvin led him to the kitchen and directed him to the top of the counter where his “treat” was waiting. I think it is going to take him a bit of getting used to different faces coming and going. Today my neighbour Sonja will take over the Alvin responsibilities for the rest of the week which is a change from the original plan. Whenever possible always better when it is Sonja as she knows Mr. Alvin the best. Also she is able to check on him more than once during the day which is great for my heart. It is difficult to leave your beloved pet home alone after he has got used to you being there 24/7. I am not sure how we did this before the pandemic but now he is almost 14 and that is a total different story. He needs to be able to go outside and pee, he needs to drink a certain amount of water each day. I will say this, I am so grateful to my friends in the neighbourhood for taking on this added responsibility. I do have the best friends and neighbours on the planet. This is a fact.

Alvin was even more clingy last night and I am sure that will be the case from now on.

Back to the office for the second day in a row for this month. I will say that the noise level during the day is too much, too many distractions, and listening to people coughing and such, does not give me a good sense of well being. Definitely going to take some adjustment but if this is what has to be, then I will just suck it up and get it done. I know that at least I do not have to work for too much longer which is good to know. I am grateful that we have two days at home each week and hopefully they will leave that the way it is.

The best part of going back to the office honestly is free coffee.

Time to head back downstairs and take Mr. Alvin outside for one last pee before I leave for work.

I am grateful that I am carpooling with a gal from work. That is so great.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: tomorrow ride home with my daughter and she will be staying for a sleepover which means I have a long list of things to do this evening, yay. I cannot wait.

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing great! Yuppers, I said “GREAT.” Sometimes you forget just how many selfless, wonderful people surround you and you temporarily wander to the dark side, feeling down and thinking “what am I going to do.” We were supposed to have friends over for tea and to discuss the situation with Mr. Alvin. We had to cancel as Alvin had a less than perfect day on Sunday. So we rescheduled for last night. I am over the moon happy to say that my friend from down the street has graciously accepted my request to help out with Mr. Alvin on those days when I need to go to the office. They are such a wonderful family and I am truly blessed and grateful that they are in my life. They are the family belonging to the little girl named Cookie that stayed with us last Christmas for two weeks. I immediately volunteered to look after Cookie anytime they go away. She is full of energy and would be good for Alvin. So with one less thing to be concerned about. I can now concentrate on some other matters. There are always matters but nothing that I cannot handle. Did I say that I am grateful, I will shout it to the heavens in a songful chorus. It is such a relief for me to know that I have someone who can keep an eye on my boy when I am not able.

I was also thinking that you know how “thoughts become things.” It really does work. I always say that I have the most thoughtful, loving and supportive family and friends and neighbours on the planet and I really do. Wherever near or far – they rock! How about trying an experiment about bringing something or someone into your life. You have to be positive, to visualize, to dream of that with a heart full of love and a mind of positive thoughts, and it will happen. I know that it works. The part that is so important is to keep focused on the positive, on the love, and know that it will come forth. Sometimes our minds, our thoughts travel to the gray in between but bring it back to the light. We can do this. Life is wonderful. We just have to keep saying it, thinking it, believing it and acting like it and it will be!

Yesterday we went to go for a walk in the morning but only got a few houses away and Mr. Alvin turned around and headed for home. He is the boss so we came home. I got to enjoy some coffee before work. We sat on the front porch at lunchtime enjoying the fresh air. Alvin happily devoured a little biscuit of his while I checked personal emails. After work we went for a walk and went as far as our friend Pauline’s house. I am happy that tomorrow after work we will be meeting up with Pauline and her grandpup Georgie for a walk and then after supper our friends Ali and Bailey will be coming over. So lots of company, great company and great friends. So happy.

The sun is rising but not up and bright just yet. But it will be.

I am looking forward to trimming the branches on our tree, winterizing and cleaning the outside plants and flowers, bringing the dresser to the house from the garage (for spare room), doing laundry (always), walking and giving Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath and vacuuming. Lots to do but that is okay. I feel energized. Plus I love this time of year.

Well time to head downstairs and put on the coffee to perk. I love that first cup of coffee.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: maybe I will trim my hair …… as I will be giving our tree and Mr. Alvin a trim, lol.

Surrounding yourself with friends……

Mr. Alvin while I work

Alvln’s Birthday party

Friends

Teddy & Kobi

Humphrey & Alvin

Humphrey

Cuteness

Alvin & his BF Teddy

Milo and Aspen

A proper Gentleman

Me and my Alvin

Humphrey & Al

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? The sun is shining this morning so we are off to a great start. Today is Wednesday. Another great thing about having a long weekend. Short work week. The sky is a glorious powder blue. I could see my breath outside earlier this morning which is not great for the plants. My geraniums are not doing great. I should have taken them in and out for a few days. But who knows, maybe they will make a come back. I hope so. I have had those plants for over two years now. They have brought me great joy with their beautiful green leaves and pretty pink flowers. Fingers crossed. Most of the other plants look to be doing okay. I hope that we are in for some nice low 20’s celsius temperatures from now on. Perfection.

Mr. Alvin. He always seems to have it the worse at night. I think he is tired now, too. He can doze on his bed but I have to work. Which is sooner than later. I slept in. The SNOOZE BUTTON is way too easy. Not a good thing either. But anyway, I am grateful that we are both breathing and are here for another day on this beautiful planet. We did get out for a walk yesterday. The whole route. I was a bit apprehensive because of his recent issue with his front paws. I cleaned them immediately upon our return home. I cannot see anything “pink or red” so hopefully all is well. If he licks his paws or is out of sorts today, I will call the vet right away. We should get a “family discount.”

Not much new in this house. I am happy it is Wednesday and that I have ground coffee beans to make myself a wonderful cup of perked coffee. The best coffee ever.

I hope that you have a wonderful day. Perhaps you planted your garden and flowers on the weekend or maybe you are waiting until the beginning of June. Our growing season is so short here in Western Canada that as soon as we can – we plant.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Sunday morning? I will admit after a pretty good night sleep, I found it hard to get my fanny farkle off the sofa. Thank goodness for Mr. Alvin’s persistence otherwise I would like still be curled up under the blanket on the sofa. Oh well, I am up and getting to things. Figured better to write this post first and then have a shower and get on with this day. I am going to make lemon pancakes for breakfast (something different) and I have a short list of things to do. Big thing on the list is to clean the upstairs bathroom ceiling fans and the main floor light fixtures. We will get a walk. Oh, I forgot to tell you that yesterday when we went for a walk in the afternoon – Alvin wanted to keep on walking so we did our usual route. We haven’t done that walk since June. We saw someone that we knew that we had not seen since June and he was surprised to see us so we chatted for a few minutes to catch up. Funny how many people you get to know while out walking. We were home for a little bit when I noticed that the boy was limping just a little but it was short lived and hasn’t happened since that moment (thank goodness). We slept upstairs last night and as I have been doing I carried both up and downstairs. Better to be safe than sorry. I cannot go through this all over again, once is enough. Having an injured dog is not much fun for him or for the owner. It seems like forever since we had any kind of normalcy and I guess that could be held true for the last almost two years now. I guess timing is everything in a way. Had this happened before the Pandemic, I am not sure what I would have done. Taken a leave of absence and had no pay. How would that have worked? It would have been brutal. I am over the moon grateful that we are working from home. Not because of the reasons why. The sun is up and shining brightly. Earlier when we were outside as the sun was rising. The sun was coming up on the horizon and shining on the deep blue clouds giving them the appearance of a top coat of pink. Absolutely breathtaking. I could see my breath again this morning but no frost on the ground.

Yesterday I cleaned out my front flower bed. I snipped off the marigolds and dainty yellow flowers (do not remember their name) and make a small bouquet for the kitchen table. I laid down some fresh coffee grounds in the bare dirt. Cultivated the dirt somewhat. One more thing off the FALL TO DO LIST. I still need to put my summer sandals and shoes in the basement. I sure do not wear many different shoes or use many purses since I have been home or jackets. So many choices and not enough times to use them. I will leave the front closet until the bitter end …… because we all know that once you put the you know what in the closet ….. those things will be there till next May or so. LOL.

Today is the One YEAR ANNIVERSARY of my friends and neighbours Jessica & Eric who tied the knot on this date last year. It was a small wedding but so beautiful and I am so grateful that I was able to attend their special day.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by wonderful people. Truly I have the best neighbours on the planet. Last night I spent some time with Humphrey and Bogart and Cynder as their parents were out and about.

Time to hit the shower. I hope that you have a wonderful day. Have a nap if you need it. I am looking forward to tasting lemon pancakes.

Happy Sunday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday er I mean Tuesday morning? Alvin and I are just back from a walk. No one out there except rows and rows of garbage bins and bags. The same two families as last week don’t have their bins pulled to the street, not facing the right direction and not the right distance between, go figure. Don’t people pay attention. Even if I didn’t read the instructions which I did several times to ensure I had it correct, I would have noticed the other 50 neighbours. Made me smile. Kids are out in masks with backpacks on their way to school. It is a beautiful sunny slightly cool morning. Mr. Alvin has been over the moon with walls to the park. A few more weeks and we should be able to increase the length. I was thinking walking to our friend Pauline’s house and back home. That is roughly half of our regular walk. I cannot wait and hopefully we will have a long fall-autumn.
Every day he gets stronger. Today after work Alvin has his fifth laser therapy session. He needs his nails trimmed but that’s next Monday. Slowly but surely we are getting back to our normal. So happy about that and I cannot wait till we can sleep in our bedroom and not in the living room. I am grateful for a comfy sofa.

On this Tuesday I wish good and happy thoughts to and for everyone. Can you imagine the state of things if just for a few moments every single human on the planet had good thoughts. Might just turn things around. Would be great.

Remember it all begins with me and you!

Time to go and get the coffee poured and turn on work computer. Have an awesome day!

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

Always Carol&Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Happy Sunday and I hope that you are all doing great? We are doing well and will be going for a walk after I write this post and wash off the charcoal mask from my face and get dressed. I guess going for a walk in my pj’s would not likely be a good idea. Someone might think that there is something wrong with me and report me to the authorities, lol. The sky was overcast earlier, it rained overnight and then sun was shining brightly and there are now clouds moving in. I think it is supposed to be another “rainy” day. We need the moisture well actually the ground needs the moisture so that the plants, grass and trees can grow and thrive. Always better when we have rain as opposed to watering them from the tap. I love sitting on my back deck taking in the beauty of the flowers and marvel at how much they grow. They seem to have grown overnight. Actually I think that they prefer the “rain” than water from the tap.

I hope that you had a great Saturday. Ours was quiet. We walked in the morning, did some laundry, I actually did some work with photos on my phone and computer. Trying to delete the duplicates and get both cleaned up. I do not need to have so many of the same shots and also need to delete the bad shots. Will get there. Today after our walk and coffee and breakfast, will work on the photos for a few hours again. One thing about working on the computer the time flies and what feels like ten minutes has been three hours. It is a “good” way to lose time but necessary in this case. I also did some writing ….. just a little….. some ideas ….. oh, that was yesterday. Will have to bring up the laundry from the basement that has been drying since being washed yesterday. Oh, yesterday on our second walk, we stopped at Alvin’s best friend’s house. He always wants to go in and I have to say “not today” as we cannot stop everyday. We had a nice visit and I had tea. When we arrived it was starting to thunder which would have lightning involved so Teddy’s Mom said she would drive us home and she did.

Dreaming, man have I been doing a lot of that lately. Strange dreams. I remembered a bit when I first got up and now have forgotten. I know that Alvin was in them and some folks that I have not seen for many years.

Last night I watched another David Attenborough movie on Netflix. This was about the past, current and future of this planet. Very interesting. I just wished that everyone was on the same page with respect to our planet. Clearly we are not. I am with him.

Here are some statistics from his movie that were interesting and downright scary:

1937 – World Population: 2.3 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 280 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 66%

1954 – World Population: 2.7 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 310 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 64%

1960 – World Population: 3.0 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 315 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 62% –

1978 – World Population: 4.3 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 335 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 55%

1997 – World Population: 5.9 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 360 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 46%

2020 – World Population: 7.8 billion, Carbon in atmosphere: 415 parts per million and remaining wilderness: 35%

You should watch these movies they are so interesting and informative. We cannot survive without the biodiversity of the wilderness. Something to think about.

David was 93 years old when he made the movie.

I do hope that you will watch them. We all need to watch them and step up.

Time to wash off this mask and get out for that walk before we have some more rain.

Wishing you a great Sunday.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – Last Quarter

Good Morning All. We had some snow for awhile yesterday that reminded me of being in the centre of a snow globe. Those big delicious snowflakes. I did not make it out time to shovel the whole front before one of my neighbours shovelled for me. We have unexpected company. Teddy and Kobie came later last night as their parents had to go to the farm for today and wanted to get an early start. Everyone is fine except for Alvin who is barking as I am upstairs and he is not. So this will be short. Just wanted to let you know that we are doing well and just have company.

I will be back tomorrow with some stories for sure.

Until then, please spend your day with kindness and respect for yourself and others. This is the time that we all need to come together and be good to one another and all creatures inhabiting this planet of ours.

Take Care.

I/We shall remain, as always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Folks,

Well today is September 19th, 2020.

The sun is supposed to be shining but instead the sky is filled with smoke.

I cannot even imagine the smoke as one continues south.

I cannot even imagine all of the loss of animal and plant life.

We hear about the loss of human life but not often is the loss of animal, bird and insect and plant life spoke about or mentioned in a news article.

My heart breaks for every creature and for the plants and trees.

I have been listening more and reading as of late about climate change.

Sadly we are not doing enough to combat these changes ….. is it too late?

I do not know.

I have also been thinking as of late about all of the disposable masks and gloves that are making their ways to the landfills.

I have seen a great many disposable masks lying on the ground in my neighbourhood.

I can only imagine the increase in to go containers from restaurants that are making their way to the landfills.

This pandemic has increased our “carbon footprint” not lessened it.

If we all work together and use less single use plastics.

Buy masks that can be washed ….. take the time and wash them.

If you are going to eat out ensure that the to go containers are made from materials that are biodegradable.

There are lots of things we can do.

Purchase less items wrapped in layers of plastics.

Buy fresh fruits and vegetables and cook instead of using prepackaged meals.

We have to work together.

Now is the time.

Leave the lights off when you leave the room.

All of the little things that we can do will add up.

We can come together and get things done.

It is not totally the responsibility of governments to save the planet although they should be speaking on our behalf and collectively doing what is right.

This is my opinion.

Food for thought.

 

This morning I saw a video about this Vet from the United States that was mentioning about the dry kibble food that we feed our dogs.

He mentioned if your dog has bad breath, joint pain, smelly and or runny poop that it is due to lack of proper nutrition.

About how the process of pressure cooking the food leaves bad things in the food.

He talked about this supplement to sprinkle on the food that gives them vitamins, omegas and more.

One thing he mentioned was that the length of a dogs life has decreased after the 70’s.

Making dog food is big business.

More food for thought.

 

My head spinning …..

I think about the animals and plant life lost and injured in the fires.

I think about all of our dogs that are not living the best lives due to lack of proper nutrition.

 

So much to think about …..

Where do I go from here and where do you go from here?

 

We should be constantly learning new things and benefiting from the knowledge.

We should be working towards a good future for our children, grandchildren and our furbabies (to name a few).

 

I am working on making a difference.

Do not think you are only one person and that you cannot make a difference.

We can all make a difference.

We can all do our part.

Come together …..

 

 

Trying to live our lives with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning,

Another beautiful morning.

Alvin and I headed out for out walk just a tad earlier than usual.

Today is my late start.

I start at 11:00 a.m. and end at 7:00 p.m.

I join three coworkers on our after hours phone line from 4:00 till 7:00 p.m.

Thankfully the high for today is to be 25 degrees celsius.

The house remains a bit warm from yesterday but I have the windows open and some of the fans going to circulate the cool air.

 

I wanted to mention something.

One of my friends and coworkers from many years ago in Regina, lost her husband, he passed suddenly.

He was far too young and she is far too young to be a widow.

Their three children are adults but not older.

I knew her husband and he was a sweet and all round good man and human being.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

My thoughts and heart goes out to his family.

 

Yesterday I was chatting with a current coworker trying to get caught up with changes that occured during my vacation.

We have very busy jobs and often put in extra time to keep our heads above water.

Not just for ourselves but for our team and our clients.

In a time where businesses are laying off employees due to the downturn in the economy and employees in turn, having to pick up the extra work.

It is more important than ever for us to look after our physical and mental selves.

If we do not …. no one else will.

In reflection and from a comment that was made, I have decided that although I like my job and always 150% everyday – that adding hours to some days is not the answer.

I am and have always been a hard worker, I don’t waste time, I seldom chat with coworkers – my head is always down working.

So I will continue to give it my all during the hours for which I was hired and will take my breaks.

Life is too short.

When we pass on …. is your employer going to acknowledge all that extra time you put into the job?

Really is anyone going to care that you worked late to get the work done?

Will your clients notice that you worked on a the weekends and until late in the evenings?

I do not think so.

At the end of the day, I want to and will continue to do the best job that I can do within the confines of the hours that I work.

I want to enjoy my remaining time on this planet.

I have a dream to write a book and be published.

I want to spend time with my friends and family whenever I can.

I want to read books and live my life.

I want to be healthy in body, mind and soul.

I have to let go and realize that sometimes you cannot get everything done.

 

Well it is time for coffee and I want to run to the vet and pick up food for the boy.

I start at 11:00 this morning so have some time to do that.

 

Living each day to the best of my ability.

Trying to be the best human being that I can.

Being respectful and kind to the world.

This is me.

This is who I am.

This is who I will continue to be.

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Enjoy that cup of coffee chatting with a neighbour over the fence.

Enjoy that walk with your pup in the early morning.

Enjoy that piece of chocolate cake.

Enjoy your life.

We only have one go at it ….. enjoy it.

 

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin