Last Half 2022 – July

Good Morning All! How are you this morning? We are doing very well. Last night after supper I walked with one of my girl friends to the Dollar Store to pick up cards and poop bags. Guess how long the walk was? It was 6.1 kilometers and to add to that Alvin and I had a 30 minute walk at my lunch break. So I got a great amount of walking in yesterday. After we returned from our WALK, we girls sat on the deck and enjoyed an alcoholic fruity beverage. We chatted and laughed. I figured that during our walk we got even more exercise in as we chatted the whole time. That has to help the old lungs and heart! It was warm but not too hot and there was a cool breeze from time to time. Mr. Alvin was not really pleased that I had left him but he was sure happy to see me when we first got home.

After Gillian went home, I watered my flowers and plants as we did not get enough rain to really do much good. Just a sprinkle really.

This morning the sky is slightly overcast and it is nice outside. If I could have got up off the sofa we could have gone for an early morning stroll. Why oh why, do I struggle with that darn SNOOZE BUTTON! Likely because of getting up at like 4:30 ish everyday. Maybe I should start staying up. Not sure at this point what I would do and then I would be ready for bed at like 7. Yes, I do like my sleep. One of these days, I will get it figured out. Tomorrow, Thursday and Friday are supposed to be +30 degrees celsius so we will be walking in the morning for sure. I can do this.

I am so grateful to my daughter for cutting my hair and most especially the back as it was so much cooler during our walk last night.

At this very moment in time, I am feeling oh so grateful. I am grateful that I have amazing friends. I am grateful that I have Mr. Alvin for all that he is. I am grateful for summer breezes. I am grateful for pretty flowers. I am grateful for long and short walks. I am grateful that I am able to walk. I am grateful for sunshine and laughter. I am grateful for the best daughter and son-in-law in the Universe. I am grateful for good coffee in the morning. I am grateful for these hands and fingers who type these words. I am grateful for MK lip gloss, feels so nice and looks so pretty. I am grateful for my grandpups, cannot leave them out, they are the best. I am grateful for all that I have and all that I am. I am grateful for life.

I hope that you have a great Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 14 days, two weeks till I turn 65. Still cannot believe it.

OH and I love FLOWERS, oh, I did say that! I really love them.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Saturday. We are happy that today is Saturday and the weekend. We had a good sleep last night and in less than two hours we are going to have company for coffee/tea on the deck. I am so excited to spend precious wonderful time with two of my dear friends. Today is supposed to be 18+ celsius so hopefully by the time they arrive the temperature is warm enough to sit on the deck. It should be as it was a few weeks back on a sunny winter/early spring day we say outside on the deck in the morning sipping on our coffee and even had to take off our coats. The sun is not shining but appears to be slightly overcast. There was no mention of rain in the forecast. The sun will be shining by 10:00 a.m. – yes it will. Positive thinking. Thoughts become things.

Yesterday as you know my daughter was picking me up to take me to the office for the day. While it was great to see the handful of folks that were working on the floor – in the area where I was stationed; I truly missed the comfort of my home. My beautiful plants that line my workspace. I missed Mr. Alvin. I missed our walk at lunchtime. Our workspaces are small with barely enough room to turn around so having my space at home is wonderful. I am grateful that I am able to work remotely from home and am wishing with my whole heart that I am able to continue this. Alvin was more than excited to see me and although our neighbour had come over and spent time with him, took him out for a pee and gave him some treats – he still had to spend time alone. He is 12 years old now, a senior. Well I am so relieved that I had someone able to come in and look after him for a bit. I do have the absolute best neighbours. My daughter brought me home with a quick stop at the grocery store. Thankfully we were home by 4:30 p.m. First thing I did was to let Mr. Alvin outside after his quick hello and mad dash to the back door. We had a visit with my daughter before she left for home. As I had already fed the boy after my daughter left for home, we got ready to head out for a walk. OH my gosh, it was so lovely. The sun was shining down on our neighborhood so gloriously. I had changed into some capri type sweats, tank top and light sweater pushing up the sleeves and some light shoes with no socks, harness on Alvin (after spending a few moments trying to catch up to him as he ran back and forth under the table before he finally ran to the back door, where I was able to put on the harness) and then we were on our way. Yes, I had some poop bags in my pocket, along with the house keys and I put on my sunglass clips. We decided to walk around the ponds by our house. Life is beginning to stir around the ponds. I noticed a few days ago that two geese are strutting around the grassy area by the ponds (park area). Likely Mr. and Mrs. and perhaps they have already laid their eggs. I cannot wait for the goslings to be born. Soon there will be buds and leaves on the trees. The grass is beginning to turn green in spots. We walked by our friend Pauline’s house but she was not outside. I love our visits in her backyard or over the fence when we are out for walks. We continued on our way until we were coming up on Alvin’s BF’s house; at the neighbours they were having some roof work done (fixing and replacing shingles) and there was a huge truck parked partway in the street and covering the sidewalk so we had to cross the street before Teddy’s house. Alvin kept pulling like mad as if to say “why are we going away from his house.” When it was safe to cross, he pulled with such great force, he almost pulled me over. He pulled like mad to go to Teddy’s house so we went and as it was late, I thought we would catch them in the middle of supper. I was fully prepared and when Teddy’s Mom answered the door, the first words out of my mouth were “I am sorry, Alvin just had to come in.” We both giggled as Iris said “I had just called you to see if you guys were up for a walk.” I then said Alvin must have extra good intuition. So we went for a walk. Three pups and two humans. Alvin and I made up for missing our lunchtime walk. It was nice to catch up with her. Once back home, I made my supper and by this time it was after 6:00 p.m. so needless to say it was late when I had supper. But by just after 9:00 p.m., I was ready for bed. Pooped, one may say! What a busy day.

Well the time is passing and the girls will be here in just over one hour and I need to hit the shower. I found after being in the office and surrounded by paper (as I was doing a massive mail out), I just felt grungy. Fresh hair will feel good.

The other night when I was cleaning out one of my pantries, I found a box of bulbs that Teddy’s Mom gave me in the winter time or maybe it was last fall. Anyway they should have been planted by now so will plant them and hopefully they will grow and bloom, even if it is late.

Wishing you a great Saturday.

Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience. It is easy to “fall off the truck” so to speak as we are human but what makes us better is that we get right back up and do better. When you have a moment like I do, like we all do. Own it, say it and just get back to living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Future flowers – once plant bulbs

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  Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning ALL, what a gorgeous sunrise this morning. My daughter sent me a photo of the sunrise from her home. Absolutely breathtaking. Another weekend on the books. I took a day of vacation so I am not working at the “office” or kitchen table today. Good thing as the table is filled with odds and ends of items that need to be placed or hung up. Yesterday was a busy day. Beautiful weatherwise as well. We had a great Sunday. I took down all of the Halloween decorations and slowly brought up and unpacked all of the Christmas decorations. That took some time. I got quite a bit of decorating done before my daughter arrived. She had to make a couple of stops for us at Costco and Dollar Store (poop bags for you know, who?). After she arrived we had coffee and I made her lunch. I have made this yummy dish and it was a hit with her as well. Very simple but delicious. The dish was oven roasted chickpeas with yummy spice blend and olive oil, I caramelized onions and wilted spinach in same pan. When all done …. chickpeas bottom of bowl, topped with onions and spinach and then topped with some of the salsa, my good friend gave me, homemade. The jar is almost empty and I am sad. So yummy and so delicious. Back to Christmas story. After lunch my daughter checked out a couple of things on my phone and computer for me and then we were at it. First off, we moved one of my chairs upstairs to my bedroom. The green one, for those of you who have been to my house. I miss having it downstairs but is nice to have it in the bedroom. Alvin really looked at it last night at bedtime. We had our favourite “THE GRINCH” movie playing in the background as we worked. It did not take long to assemble the tree and then put on the lights. I was prepared. I decided that I would decorate the tree afterwards as she had spent so much time picking up groceries and the poop bags for us. Also I wanted to get a walk in while the temperature was warm. So that is what we did. Once home from our walk with a minor detour at Teddy’s house. Alvin also wants to go in and see his buddy. This time I let him lead the way. They as always were happy to see us as were we. At home I fed the boy and then had some popcorn and a small bag of chips for supper. Yes, I know not really supper. I also had a banana. Just wasn’t hungry for much and I wanted to decorate the tree. Before the tree I wanted to finish submitting orders for the “TEA PARTY.” So that is what I did. After I was done, it was already almost 9:00 p.m. and I already see some things that I want to change regarding the decoration placement on the tree. Always the perfectionist. But it is up and I can play with it as I usually do. The fireplace mantle needs some adjusting of decorations. I have everything pretty much unpacked and needing a bit of tweaking and then that will be done. YAY. I also want to give Mr.Alvin a bath this afternoon, rake the leaves front and back, pick up trash on our block and some odds and ends.

I am hopeful that later I can figure out why I cannot upload the photos from my phone to the computer. Then I can upload and share. One thing at a time.

Time to get this show on the road. Already past 8:30 a.m. Time certainly does fly when you are having fun. Oh and I have a couple of loads of laundry to do as well. This time I am happy that I am on the late shift tomorrow as I start at 11:00 a.m. …….

Wishing you a great Monday.

Living our lives with kindness and respect.

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

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to FRIDAY the 17th day of June, 2016.

I capitalized Friday because it is the weekend and I am ready for it.

The sky is overcast with rain clouds.

It has been raining overnight as everything is wet.

Alvin was wet when he came in from his morning constitutional ….

Another cool day …

We appreciate the moisture but are ready for some more sunshine.

I believe that the forecast is for sunny skies this weekend.

One thing I will tell you is that I am so happy that at the last moment I decided to mow the front and back lawns.

It looks so happy now with a haircut and now a shower.

I also stopped at West Edmonton Mall on my way home from work last night.

I had not done that in months.

It was busy as usual and it reminded me that I do not like crowds so much.

Picked up the “poop bags” for Alvin although I do not think that he really appreciated that as a present from my shopping trip.

Who would think that the Dollarama store had the longest lines.

I also had to stop at the store that being Bath & Body Works …. Semi Annual Sale.

Picked up a few things …. not too much …..

Felted like I had had a special treat.

While there I also went to Old Navy – just to see.

One of the young people that used to work at the GAP across from Bath & Body Works now works at Old Navy and even remembered me.

I have not worked in the mall for over a year.

Nice young guy.

Anyway it was good to try on a few things and then just walk away.

So it was a busy evening.

Now almost the weekend and the grass is cut so one thing off the TO DO LIST, yay.

A head start.

Well almost time to get this show on the road once again.

Seems like I was just catching the bus to work.

Now it is again.

I hope that you have a great Friday and weekend.

Special Hello to: all those people who take a bit of time for themselves – well done.

Always, Carol and Alvin.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 20th day of January, 2016.

WOW, the 20th day of January, 2016 ….. OMG the light bulb just came on ….. how could I have forgotten …… my baby boy’s Birthday …..

Yesterday my boy turned “7” …..  Happy Belated Birthday my darling Alvin

Here is my very first post from April of 2010 ….. “STARTING NOW”

As we start most days it is in the neighbourhood of 5:00 a.m. (just like the hours that I kept when I was working full-time, LOL). We have a routine.  He gets me up, and we go downstairs. No time to change so outdoors in my pj’s. Yikes.  Shut off the alarm.  I put on my coat.  Turn on outside light (sometimes grab the flashlight), and we go out to the backyard so that Master Alvin can perform his daily bathroom….. okay go to the bathroom.  Then we go back inside the house.  He wants his breakfast so his “Master” me serves it up with a smile or some days a little grunt.  Once he has finished the lights go out, and we hit the sofa for another two hours of sleep.  I am thinking that one of these days I should just stay up and see what he does.  Likely wouldn’t bother him at all.  It wasn’t so long ago that we stayed up.  In those first weeks it was up anywhere from 4:00 – 6:00 a.m. and we were up for the day.  Made for some very long days.  Needless to say, I was pretty cranky and overly emotional to boot.  My kids will attest to that fact.

Now we are both up, I start writing and make my breakfast.  Once done, I head upstairs (we head upstairs) to change and get ready for the day.  Most mornings Alvin helps me by nipping at my socks as I try to put them on,and then pulls on my pants as I try to get them on.  I must say it does end up being a work-out by the time I get them on.  He is so helpful.  When he goes to “bite or nip” …. he gets this look in his eyes …  kind of scares me.  Aren’t puppies fun!

Then it is time for a walk ( I have started to leave my first cup of coffee for after the first walk).  We have yet another routine.  I grab my coat.  He jumps up and grabs the sleeve or whatever part of the jacket he can get at.  I tell him “get down” or something else under my breath.  Then I retrieve my runners from the hall closet and put them on.  He is getting better.  In the early days he would run and grab my laces or the shoes making it almost impossible to actually put them on my feet.  Now he will sit or stand and watch me.  Once I am ready to go …. I grab his harness.  Usually I have to grab him as he hasn’t quite got the command “come” down pat just yet.  Anyway, his harness goes on.  Grab my sunglasses.  Hook on his leash (he used to try and eat it).  Grab the keys.  Oh, make sure have “those glorious black poop bags” in my pocket.  I set the alarm and open the door.  He will wait when I give the command “wait” and let me go out first and then he runs out.  Sometimes it looks like a comedy routine as he zooms past me and I almost go flying.  Locking the door is also a chore.  He wants to GO.  Getting better.  Then it is off to one of the neighbourhood lake / park areas.  It takes us about 35 minutes, sometimes longer.  Depends if there are people especially children out and about.  He loves everyone.  Always has to say HI.  A few days ago while we were out on a walk, we saw a pair of ducks on the lake.  He stopped and sat on his haunches.  We watched them for several minutes before resuming our walk.  I have a nature lover on my hands.  Didn’t bark or pull.  Just sat and watched them.  Very cute.  Other times he would start pulling (biting) on the leash and I would say “No”.  Finally one day, I figured out what he actually wanted.  I swooped down and picked him up and we kept walking.  He was happy.  Laid his head on my arm.  He is getting heavy so I didn’t carry him too far.  But he just wanted a rest.  There are many days when I wished that he could “TALK”.

This morning I was busy sending out e-mails to all my friends and family directing them to this blog.  Alvin is sleeping by my feet. Thank goodness for small miracles.   I do not know how many of you have had the “pleasurable” experience of owning a dog but I must say it has presented me with some interesting moments.  It is lots of work but at the end of the day, very rewarding.

Well, it is now afternoon.  Alvin is now awake and chewing on his bone.  I guess time to sign off for now.

Until later ………………….

 

 

Baby Alvin

 

Fast forward to January 20, 2016 and we are bonded and bound by time and love ….. he is a good friend and companion.  He makes me laugh and sometimes a bit frustrated so not much has really changed.  Reading over my blog from back then most of our morning routine has remained the same with the exceptions of me going to work and no work in the mornings.  I do miss that.  Well Mr. Alvin you have grown and are such a pleasure to be around and you are truly loved by all that know and meet you.  Happy Birthday Alvin.  Looking forward to many great years ahead.

Alvin at Christmas 2015

Special Hello to: me Alvin ….. Happy Belated Birthday Buddy

Always, Carol ….

Story Line by line – September 13, 2013

Chapter Two:

September 1, 2013

“Alvin, you found me”, I cry as my heart and soul are filled with a gratitude magnified by the love I have for my friend and I know we will find our way together.

September 2, 2013

There is silence between us – no words or barking – just silence in knowing that as long as we are together we will figure this all out and get back home where we belong and we continue on our way side by side.

September 3, 2013

“So me Alvin, what now?” as I search his body to make sure that he has no wounds and give him hugs  and wished that the fog would lift so that I could see where we are going.

September 4, 2013

“Well Mr. Alvin, I guess we had better get moving so maybe we can eventually walk out of this fog and actually find some help” with this Alvin begins to move forward slowly and we are on our way.

September 5, 2013

I have no idea how far we have walked or where we are but I know one thing it is getting colder ….. freezing in fact.

September 6, 2013

Thank GOD, Alvin has a fur coat and that I had not cut it recently but me on the other hand, I only have flip flops, cotton capri pants, a t-shirt and light jacket; the jacket hadn’t really been needed that morning but I needed a place to put my keys and poop bags for Alvin; my keys?

September 7, 2013

I reach into my pocket and touch the coolness of my keys; I am not certain how they are actually going to help us at this point but they give me a sense of peace in that they are our link to home.

September 8, 2013

At this point I am really grateful that I have my Alvin with me and that we are okay despite being cold and now we will just continue on – one step at a time.

September 9, 2013

As we walk along  I fight to see through the fog and in some places I think that I can see the outline of trees, but I am not sure; the only thing I know for certain is we are no longer near “home” and my heart skips a beat.

September 10, 2013

Thank GOD that I have my Alvin the best “sniffer” on the planet here with me as his nose guides us along this path to who knows where or when.

September 11, 2013

As we move along, Alvin does his thing as I listen to him carefully sniffing, and I hope that soon we find someone as we are both showing signs of dehydration, and I can hear my stomach rumble and I know Alvin must be hungry.

September 12, 2013

Out of nowhere I had a flash …. I suddenly remembered something ….. something that I knew would make Alvin one happy puppy dog ….. why didn’t I think of it sooner?

September 13, 2013

As I slowly reached into my other pocket the one without the poop bags I found a bag of doggie treats and I smiled knowing that my Alvin would have a bit of food in his belly and be happy; after all isn’t being happy all about giving something unexpectedly to others, and I am glowing.