Last Days 2022 – December 31st.

Good Morning ALL! Well we have had a last twenty-four hours. Yesterday was quiet until it was not. I did some laundry, bit of cleaning, Alvin and I walked to the park and I shovelled the neighbours garage pad and driveway for them. The sun did shine for part of the day and it is shining brightly this morning. While Alvin and I were walking one of our friends (neighbour) was driving by and pulled over and we chatted for a couple of minutes from across the street. It had been months since I had seen her. We both said that we had a card and gift for each other. I asked her to let me know when I could pop by with her gift. She said that she would. After we got home, I decided to text two other friends that I had cards and gifts for to see when I could bring them by. Time just had seemed to got away on me this holiday season. It was cold and then Alvin was gone for three weeks and then it was cold again. So I did not get out to do much walking. Anyway, I heard back from one of the two and later in the afternoon, went over to drop off the gift. One hour and a few minutes later, I was heading back home. We chatted for over an hour. So much seemed to have happened and she wanted to tell me, so I listened. Sometimes people just need to share and sometimes we just need to listen. I did add my stories in here and there. I had mentioned that I had not seen our other friend until I saw her when we were out earlier for a walk. She seemed to be surprised by that revelation, and when I asked why, she did not want to answer so I left it at that knowing that I would see the other friend later. It was almost 5:00 p.m. when I got home to find a box on my front porch, I picked up the box and went inside. Alvin was wanting his supper so I fed him, and then popped a black bean burger into the oven. I realized that it was my new computer which had been delivered a few days early. That almost never happens so I unpacked my new pick iMac computer. A few minutes later I checked texts and messages and found one from the friend that I had seen driving earlier and she said “come over.” So I quickly texted her back to say that I could come but had supper in the oven so could only stay for a few minutes. When I arrived at her house (only a few door away), the friend that I had visited with earlier was there. I almost jumped out of my body. Not sure why I was surprised but I was. Nothing could have prepared me for the news. Our friend has breast cancer. She had a second surgery just last week and is waiting for the pathology results. I felt like I was having an out of body experience. We chatted and finally I had to go before my supper burned (no one wants to cause a fire). In between the news – we exchanged Christmas presents which seemed so surreal. Last night was odd. I could not get my friend out of my mind. I pray that they were able to get all of the cancer with the second surgery. Life. We never know.

I was going to post photos of this past year and a summary of what happened in our house. Maybe some wise words or thoughts. But now it does not seem appropriate. I know the stats of cancer, of breast cancer so I should not be surprised that I would know someone. Keeping positive thoughts for a full recovery for her, for my friend.

Instead, I will just say that it is a reminder to us all to listen to our “intuition” and go for checkups. Get those mammograms done, I will be making an appointment in the New Year. If we do not look after ourselves – no one else can.

Happy New YEAR, cannot believe it will be 2023 at 12:01 tonight. Where has the time gone. I am excited to set up my new computer but for now, I need a cup of coffee. Oh, this morning, earlier when we had come back upstairs, I had just opened the blinds in our bedroom to see one police car turn up the street, then a second and then a third. My heart went into my socks. What the heck? They stopped up the street and got out. Twenty minutes later they left. I hope that everything is okay. Seems like there is always a police car or two up the street and around the corner.

I am happy that Alvin and I are in good health at this time. I am grateful for the sunshine this morning. I am grateful for our family, friends, this house – our home, to be financial “secure,” and my life. We are very blessed. I am grateful for that. Many blessings.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. hoping to be able to set up my new computer after some coffee ……….

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 30th day of July, 2016.

Well after a sweltering day it is overcast and wet.

We had quite the storm last night ….. lots of thunder and lightning.

I took my tablet out onto the deck to get some photos of the storm but not sure what happened they did not turn out.

But I did secure some beautiful video of one of my solar lanterns that is a tear drop style and made of glass that sparkles and shines.

So it was not completely a failure or maybe that is too strong of a word and so it goes.

We are really lucky at our office and get out early on Fridays so I was home one hour earlier than normal.

After Mr. Alvin went outside and had supper I set out to give him a hair cut and bath.

Three hours later we were finished and he looks wonderful.

His front paws could use a smidge more trimmed but all in all he looks great.

Needless to say I had supper at almost 8 p.m. but that was okay.

My friend “S” and I are having another garage sale today so that we can sell all of the stuff that did not sell last weekend.

It is cooler out so perhaps that will bring people out today.

“S” and her daughter came over to bring a few things like balloons and the signs that she placed in other parts of our neighbourhood.

After they left we settled down and watched one of my favourite food shows with Guy F …. the triple “D” one …… for the life of me the title has left my memory.

Likely because I am thinking about the sale and stuff.

Anyway we went up to bed just after 10:00 and there was so much lightning and thunder that Alvin did not settle down right away and then to add to it we could hear another dog, clearly outside and

clearly scared and distressed.

We listened for awhile as I tried to ascertain where the barking was coming from and it was not until I came into my office and opened the window that I found it was coming from that side of the house.

The poor puppy had been barking for quite some time.

So I grabbed my coat with a hood as it was raining by this time, key and shoes (still in my nightgown) and went onto the deck and opened the garage door.

I quickly figured out where the dog was and went to investigate.

Within a block of my house is this poor doggie …. outside in a built wire cage.

I managed to see just a bit of the dog through a space in the fence and he was pacing back and forth.

I ran back to the garage and to my house and called 9-1-1.

First thing I said was this is not a life and death situation and explained what was happened.

The operator was a sweetheart making me a bit relaxed and advising that she would transfer me to the non-emergency police line.

I explained the situation to the male operator on the other end.

My options were limited but he could hear the dog when I held the phone to my window.

We talked for quite some time and then suddenly there was human movement.

Someone was in the garage and the garage door opened and someone came out.

The dog stopped barking.

We listened for a few more minutes and no barking.

The lights went off and I could see someone going into the house via the back door.

The dog did not bark anymore.

I asked for the phone number of the non-emergency line – just in case.

Then hung up and we went back to bed.

Alvin, bless his heart did not bark much as I guess he could sense that I was anxious.

It breaks my heart to see people not taking proper care of animals in their care.

I may not be perfect but he will never be left out in the cold or in a severe lightning storm in a metal cage.

People truly are stupid …. how could you do that.

Well I need to wrap this up as it is time to get going and get the signs up for the garage sale.

Part 2, wish us luck.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

Remember that dogs are living creatures and please respect them.

Special Hello to: all those people who love and respect animals in their care and all life whether two-legged, four-legged, winged or scaled.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 9th day of October, 2015.

What a beautiful bright sunny morning here in Edmonton.

I am so excited to have today off as a vacation day.

Went to bed a bit later, read for awhile, slept in …. lazy.

Lots to do on this long weekend.

Some work but always tempered with some FUN.

One must always have FUN.

All work and no play …. you know how that old saying goes….

The coffee is brewing while I write ….

I love the smell of coffee percolating ….

 

Last night while Alvin and I were out for our nightly walk …. at 7 p.m. which was already starting to get dark.

After planting the bulbs that my friend gave me on Wednesday night.

We proceeded on our walk when we were almost half way around the lakes we came across this woman and her dog, a large collie.

Alvin walked to them and I followed.

We sensed that they were friendly ( sometimes Alvin is cautious around larger dogs and me, too ).

Alvin did his sniffing and so did the collie ….

We introduced our dogs “Lady ” to “Alvin.”

We had a lovely conversation about so many things.

A new friend.

Her name was “D” and I told her mine, Carol.

I was holding a “bag” from a few minutes earlier so we parted and we walked to the garbage and made a deposit.

I decided because it was already dark ( I did have my little flashlight and my whistle from the police ) that we would just turn around and go back home.

We then caught up with Lady and “D.”

The conversation just flowed.

It was funny when I got to the entrance and we went to part ways ….she asked me again what my name was and I said “Carol”  and I said yours is “D” correct?

She said “yes” and “that she had a brain injury so sometimes she forgets names”

I said “I just forget names …. never forget a face but names sometimes struggle with.”

We had a giggle and said good night and see you again, sometime.  Nice lady.

I am so grateful to have met “D” and Lady, the Collie..

It was a great night ….. planted some flowers and met a new friend and got some exercise ….

You never know when you will meet someone who you just have a connection with …… could be out walking or one the bus.

By the way, I have met so many wonderful people on the bus.

Mainly women but some men.

Looks like time to go and grab that coffee ….

The smell is drifting to my nose and my mouth can taste the glorious of the beans.

I hope that you have a grand Friday.

 

Be kind and respectful of all creatures.

That is something that we all must work on ….

What an amazing planet this would be, if we were all respectful and compassionate of all creatures, big and small.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. SKYPE this weekend?

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day……

The sun is shining on this first day of autumn or fall.

It makes me want to jump onto the roof and shout to the world “THE SUN IS SHINING AND I FEEL GREAT”.

But reality checks in, and I think perhaps jumping onto the roof might be dangerous as I am not a trained roofer person.

Perhaps shouting from one’s rooftop might bring some concerned neighbours or perhaps the police.  LOL

Can you imagine the fire truck pulling up or worse yet the police helicopter!!  YIKES

So to complete this “thought for the day” …….. I am going to simply enjoy being outside.

Hope that it is warm and sunny where you are …… have a great, great day.

Always, Carol