Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! Looks like November is off to a wintery start for us here in Alberta. We had a stormy day yesterday but we made it to the office safely. Most people elected to stay home. I spent lots of time shovelling between early morning and after work. This morning it is cool but at least the sky has cleared.

Well Mr. Alvin was throwing up at 5:00 a.m., and I listened when the vet told me not to feed him for awhile. So I have to wait and monitor him and see if it happens again. He has been peeing and pooping okay but I did not want to leave him alone especially when I could not feed him. He has not drank any water since that time so I have to see if I can get him to drink and monitor that which is more important than the food at this point. I hope it was an one off situation but who knows. So I am working from home today.

I apologize for the shortness of this post but I am running late and cannot be late for work.

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

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! What a wonderfully cool Monday morning this is. The sun is starting to rise, the sky is a pale blue as the night leaves for morning with pale orange hue on the horizon away from the sun. Beautiful. The house is cool this morning and I even forgot to open our bedroom window last night. How did that happen? I even got up just before I turned the lights out to turn off the fan which I had briefly turned on at the lowest setting. I have closed the bedroom windows and blinds except for the office one for now. I will close them once I am done writing this post. Monday morning here we come. I am so happy that Mr. Alvin slept until almost 4:30 and then he woke up at 5:57 (still beat the alarm). So we have been up for a few extra minutes. Today is shower so I need a bit more time and we are still walking in the mornings due to the heat at lunch time and after work. Yesterday when we went for a walk in the mid morning, it was so beautiful out that we just kept walking and before I knew it we had walked our whole “old” route. This time it took us 45 minutes. Alvin is slowing down. We used to do it in 25-30 minutes. But I figure 45 minutes of fresh air, sniffing in that beautiful air, checking out the grass, the trees, the flowers and just being together is great. I am happy that he is still able to walk. I am so proud of Mr. Alvin. We bumped into an older gentleman with his dog, a girl, I do not remember her name now but Alvin liked her. She was 9 years old, I think the man said. Anyway, Alvin took a shine to her and she was timid but did not seem to mind the attention. The love fest carried on for a few minutes before we both went on our way. So nice. Whoa, the sun is coming up and reflecting off of the neighbours garage, looking oh so pretty. I am glad that we are up and getting things done.

A good weekend and I am so grateful that the temperatures were less hot. Way less hot. Yesterday I spent some time cleaning out some of the flower pots where most of the flowers had already passed on. I also did some rearranging and cleaning of the garage preparing for putting the patio/deck furniture away. Won’t be for a bit but not too far off, I would think. I have already prepared the front flower bed except to trim back the perennials that remain. There are three of them. I was going to clean the blinds on the main floor and that did not happen. Just putzed. It was a wonderful day.

Off the subject, I have had this computer (new) in 2009. It is a 2009 model. So it has served me well. The computer can no longer accept updates so it remains behind. I have an Apple iMac. I have been researching to find out which would be the best one to get and am shocked by the results of my searches. I found that the Shopping Channel had some on sale and you can pay for them by interest free monthly payment which would be ideal for me. Upon some research between myself and my daughter (whom I could not do anything technical without), found that the newer Catalina operating system will not be supported after this year. So I do not know if this means that there would be no more updates. Who wants to buy a computer that is basically obsolete before you even pay for it? The new ones that were made in 2022 are thousands of dollars. I love Apple products but seriously do we need to charge so much. Aren’t the Apple people rich enough. How about making things a bit more affordable. You have the “customer base.” Anyway, I have some serious thinking to do before I spend any money. More research and time. I hope this old gal can work for some more time. She has done pretty darn good. Fingers crossed.

Well time to head back downstairs and go for a walk with the boy. Alvin is resting on his bed in the office here beside me.

I hope that you have an awesome day. Cannot believe that the long weekend in September is only a few days away. September, FALL ……. I love fall.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: I am so grateful to be working from home ….. I love that we can go for a walk and come home and then I can plug in the coffee pot and then start work. I love that I can drink home brewed coffee all morning long if I chose.

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! What a beautiful morning it is! Alvin and I left the house at 8:10 this morning and arrived back home at 9:30. We saw our friend Lucy out working in her garden. She is a neighbour of our friends Pauline and Al. Lucy has such a beautiful garden. She keeps it immaculate, there is not one weed in her lawn. I wished that I could say the same. Her roses are still blooming although they have slowed down. Her tomato plants are huge and are bearing lots of that delicious red fruit. We had such a lovely chat, I always love stopping when she is out in the yard and catching up. Alvin say patiently while we chatted. We must have been talking for over 30 minutes when he decided it was time to go. So we said our goodbyes and were on our way. We walked to Pauline’s before turning around to head for home. Pauline’s garden as I have mentioned on several occasions is my “happy place” and it was nice that when Lucy and I were speaking about gardens she mentioned about how beautiful Pauline’s garden is and that it makes her feel so relaxed and healthy when she is standing there. I told her that I felt the same and that always refer to it as my “happy place” and we had a giggle. Well today is my second last day of vacation so despite the temperature today, I have to get busy and get some things done. According to the forecast it is not going to be as hot. Lucky for us and for all our furry friends everywhere.

Birthday at the lake

Leftovers from Birthday supper

Backyard at lake

Looking for stars

Pretty plant

Alvin

Aspen

Milo

Milo & Aspen

Campfire

Fire pit out front

Pauline

Caught a fish

Al

Well it is taking forever to upload photos from computer to this post. I noticed that it does not appear that any of the photos from my photo uploaded/downloaded with me catching the fish. Honestly I did catch four.

Pelican

Bedspread – Bday gift

Birthday Flowers

Okay, I have been working on this post for over two hours now. Some photos from my birthday week. How can you tell I love flowers?

Back to getting some work done.

I need another cup of coffee. I am going to work up the front flower bed. There needs to be another plan for what to plant next year or buy some shrubs for the bed.

Have an awesome rest of the day.

I had the best birthday. 65 is off to a great start.

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

PS: Some new neighbours that moved to Canada from Germany lost their cat. It escaped through the A/C in the window. Prayers that they find it soon.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Trust you are all well. Alvin and I are doing well. The sun is rising and the skyline is absolutely gorgeous. Pinks and oranges. It sure seems like spring is in the air.

Today is the 65th Birthday of my friend Terry from back home. Happy Birthday my friend. Wishing you a great day and many more happy, wonderful healthy days ahead.

Also today is a special day to all those people with Irish Heritage. I am one of them. This goes out to my sister do you remember the Irish Concerts at Corning Hall when we were little girls. I love our blouses and skirts and dancing. A great memory. I have always loved a good jig. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Well my second day at the office yesterday went okay. It was good to see some of my coworkers but I will say that I got stuffed up/congested being in the office. Dry air and paper. Of course, I was working with a lot of paper so that did not help. Otherwise it was okay but not as good as working from home.

I had a hard time stop hitting the snooze button so definitely need that good cup of coffee this morning.

This is going to be really short, I am sorry.

Celebrate with your Irish Family and Friends!

Remember when Irish Eyes are Smiling – Sure, they steal your heart away!

Have an awesome day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Are you wearing something green today?

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are well. Had kind of scary few moments earlier this morning when I let Alvin outside realizing that we had freezing rain earlier and the deck was a sheet of ice except for a smallish pile of snow. Alvin had to go out and I figured he would stand a chance of remaining upright but the poor little guy slipped about trying to go down to the grass area and then trying to go up the steps to the upper deck while I called out to him to “STOP.” I was so scared that he would slip and wrench one or more of his legs and then we would be right back to where we started from or worse. Luckily he ended up over by the snow and of course had to walk into it but in the end he had a pee. It was horrifying for a few minutes before he got safely back to the house. Just after we got up, I quickly went outside stepping onto the mats on the deck just outside the door with ice pick and shovel in hand I got to the snow and starting shovelling and throwing it all over the deck. Hoping then he would have some traction for his next visit outside. It is warm out so unfortunately it will likely melt but with the plus temperatures over the next few days – the snow will likely all melt on the deck anyway. The sun is beginning to rise with the blue night sky slowly starting to dissipate. Well I will have a shower after this post. Followed by some cleaning. I brought up and put away the last of the laundry that was hanging to dry and put away before I started this post. Made the bed and arranged the pillows. Does anyone else make their bed anymore? It seems like most of the younger ones do not but I like it made. A personal preference or perhaps a generational thing, I do not know. But anyway.

I forgot that my friend Gillian’s husband celebrated a birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday.

I received a message from Teddy’s Mom saying that they were coming back into the City and could Teddy spend the night. I hope that this freezing rain stuff does not stop that from happening. Safety first, of course. Not sure what the highway is like. I know that the QE2 (Queen Elizabeth Highway #2) had a major accident yesterday with several tractor-trailer units. I hope everyone is okay, I was scared to check further. Teddy’s Mom also mentioned that perhaps while she ran errands tomorrow that possibly Kobi could stay with us. I said “YES” of course. Alvin will be over the moon to have his best bud sleep over and visit. I cannot wait, fingers crossed that the roads are okay. Coming in from the country you never know.

The Christmas Cards were all done yesterday and then last night I thought of two more, one to post and one to hand deliver. Just two so that is not too bad. I am mailing 33 I believe and hand delivering 16 for a total of 49 which is the least amount that I have ever done. I used to write up cards for my coworkers and some others from work that I know well and that was a big number and I used to mail 75-100 but there are cutbacks everywhere including my Christmas Cards. Besides the ones to the office, I don’t have people’s addresses except for one. So I am mailing her a card. Everyone else will receive a verbal “Merry Christmas” and “Happy New Year.”

Well I suppose I should go and hit the shower followed by some coffee and breakfast and then do some cleaning.

I hope that you have a wonderful Sunday wherever you may be!

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

Always, Carol

P.S. I am going to put on some Christmas music ……

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. I cannot believe how much snow we got, well actually I can because I shovelled like a ton of it, lol. As I turn my head and look out of my office window I see the sunrise. The horizon is filled with light pastel colours. A happy palette. They bring me joy. I wished that Alvin could see colours, he would definitely love the sky. Late yesterday afternoon the sky cleared and stayed clear overnight as I saw the stars in the sky when we were outside at 2:30 a.m. Yes we were. It is the age thing and the bathroom. I cannot fault Mr. Alvin as I am usually up at least once during the night to “pee,” so what can you do! Life is life. Sometimes I get “bent out shape” over things because I am an emotional creature. I don’t mean that I do bad things to Alvin or to people but I cry easily and I have raised my voice to both Alvin and people. Not that I am proud of those times but I am human. I apologize and move on. Trying to better the next time. Making those times fewer and more far between. One thing is I do not raise my voice to Alvin when he gets up during the night to go outside, I do not. Sometimes he whines when I am doing things, usually because he wants to eat or wants some food that I have ….. there has been the occasional time that I have raised my voice but not often. I guess I am feeling guilty this morning because I did raise my voice to him yesterday. Bad Momma. One thing that I have to remember to do is to take four deep breaths and count to ten. Distracting myself from the situation and that would help with my job as well. Somedays I want to scream at certain situations. So you see, I am not perfect and I am human. I try to be a good neighbour, good Mom, good friend, good coworker and good person overall.

Well I took all of my writing time “venting” on this post. I apologize for that. The words just tumbled out onto the page and I am always writing in the moment. The things that come to my head, to my mind. Sometimes there are “raw feelings” that emerge onto the page. Thank you for reading my posts and for continuing to fall my post. It is appreciated.

Wishing you a great day.

Time to go and make some coffee and start work in a few minutes.

Continuing to live this life with respect, kindness, compassion, patience (work in progress), love, laughter, and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I just realized when I sat down to write this post that I left my eyeglasses downstairs. Distances I can see with no problem but close up is another story. I am going to try and do this post without wearing my glasses. If I go back downstairs I will just disturb Mr. Alvin and he is being so good. We slept six hours in a row, up and he had his breakfast and we went outside (starting to get cool overnight) and then back to the sofa. I know not likely very good to eat and then back laying down but sometimes cannot be helped. Anyway I am so happy that we have been able to sleep in our bed. We are getting there. Last night the Alvin got away on me and hopped all the way upstairs, he did not go fast but he made it. I know he is not supposed to do that many stairs yet but only been the second time since his surgery. He did not seem to have any issues although I am not going to let that happen on a regular basis. Sometimes I am not fast enough. We are enjoying our longer walks. Not the full walk but we walk as far as Pauline’s house and then turn around and come home. We will continue this length for awhile. I am so happy at his progress and his strength and his ability to do things. He is one strong old guy.

Yesterday shortly after we left the house there was a young many coming toward us on the other side of the street, Alvin stopped and looked at him for a minute or so and was wagging his tail. I stopped of course, the young man happened to glance over our way and noticed us stopped and looking in his direction. He said “Hello” and came over. He was so handsome and sweet. He bent down and said “Hello” to Alvin and gave him some pets and Alvin was so happy tail wagging away. I told him it was odd for Alvin to stop and stare and wag his tail at someone especially a guy with no pup to boot. We had a laugh. Chatted for a moment longer about weather and such and then we were on our way. He was so nice. Younger remember, too young, lol. Still nice of him to come over and say hello. Reminds me how nice strangers can be. What a great way to begin our second walk of the day. At noon when we walked we bumped into friends that we have not seen since June. We used to see them all the time. Makes a difference when you do not walk very far. So happy to start connecting again with people in the neighbourhood. I think that people were beginning to wonder and they are happy when I relate the story of our summer.

Well this is becoming increasingly more difficult to do and the words are so blurry so I had better stop. I should have gone downstairs and got my glasses although if I close my left eye it is not so bad. LOL.

I hope that you have a grand Tuesday. Remember to get out and take that walk at noon if you are able to or after work. Good for the body, mind and soul.

Almost time to get that coffee on to perk. Another workday ahead. Looking forward to an extra long weekend ahead, Thanksgiving weekend. I am so grateful.

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 today? The sun is shining bright here in Edmonton. Alvin and I are finding our way through all of this. He is doing very well. Even climbed upstairs with the cone on a couple of times. He does not like the cone on so whenever I have 100% time to devote to him which has been pretty much always, he can go without the cone on. Today I have to do laundry so he will have to wear the cone for a bit. I just wanted to check with a progress report. I likely won’t be writing my post everyday it will depend. I do plan to go back to work on Monday which I am so grateful is from my kitchen. At least I can stop when he needs me but he will have to wear the cone as I won’t have my eyes on him all of the time. His incision is so long, I had no idea just how long it would be and in a couple of weeks when everything has returned to normal, I will post some photos and more details. Just wanted to check in and make sure that you all are okay and to give an update on Mr. Alvin. He has definitely been a trooper. He was a bit disappointed when I had some raw carrots with my pizza last night. I made sure that there are no bananas around as those were his favourite and if it means giving them up I will do so. Time to head on downstairs.

Oh, he is healing well. Eating and drinking and all of that.

We are both doing well. Thank you to all of our family and friends for their love and support. Special thank you to Amanda and Steven.

The boy is beginning to get frustrated so better get going as the cone has to stay on and I have to start laundry. He might have to go outside as well.

Living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? Friday morning no less. The weekend fast approaching. Mr. Alvin whining loudly from the hallway. What is wrong now? He just was outside a little while ago, actually just moments before we came upstairs. We were both out on the deck. Bogart from next door was doing his walk on his deck railing. He finally stopped and perched looked like an owl still and perfect in one spot on the end of the railing. I thought he may fall as I watched in silence. A couple of minutes later he moved back onto the railing with such perfect balance. I was in awe. Cats are amazing. I cannot imagine Mr. Alvin trying to walk the railing with the expertise of a tightrope walker. I guess cats have been doing this longer. The sky was overcast but is beginning to clear as the sunrises. I guess this shall be a short post. I am not sure/certain what the boy needs/wants. I do need coffee. We had a night of up and down every couple of hours. A boost of caffeine will be required to keep me going this morning. Temperature to be plus 1 degrees celsius today so we will be going for a walk.

I hope that you all have a great Friday.

Living with respect, kindness, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

“Sleepless in Edmonton”

Baby Bogart is all grown up now. I need some new photos.

• 

  Mr. Alvin while I work

• 

  Baby Bogart

• 

  Mr. Alvin

• 

  Baby Bogart

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Well today is my late shift and as always we were up extra early to start (@ 3:54 a.m.).

So of course, after Mr. Alvin had breakfast and made a trip outside with me, of course, we went back to bed.

Usually we hit the sofa for more zzz’s but today as he forgot a chew treat upstairs, we just went back up to “bed.”

We were up again and then to the sofa but I just wanted to sleep.

So finally at 8:30 a.m. – time to rise and shine.

The sun is shining and there is quite a strong breeze.

The trees out of my office window to the south have turned started to turn this beautiful yellow and are twinkling as the sunshine touches them.

So beautiful.

Alvin is laying on his little homemade bed of blankets and towels.

A reminder that it must go into the laundry this weekend.

Always keep clean.

 

So my late shift has me starting work at 11:00 a.m. and working until 7:00 p.m.

Today we have a team meeting at the actual physical office.

We are to meet at 1:30 p.m. and it is scheduled to run until 2:30 p.m.

I will be shocked if it only goes for one hour.

We have not been altogether since March 19, 2020.

I will miss my first 15 minute break of the day as I will be in the car going to the office.

One of my team lives a short drive from me so she offered to pick me up.

I will say that as our team is down a couple of members, will still 8 in the meeting room.

Which to me is a lot.

Other than shopping …. this is the most humans I have been around since March.

My 45 minute or lunch break will fall at 3:00 p.m. so likely that will be pushed forward.

I want to take Alvin for a walk then.

I suppose we could have gone this morning had the Momma been more on the ball and likely still could.

Sometimes it just feels like a lazy morning ….. write …… shower ….. have breakfast and coffee.

Oh well, such as life.

My top ten list of things that I have love about working remotely:

1.  Being home with Alvin
2. Drinking my own perked coffee
3.  No commute to work
4. Sleep in later
5. Can walk at lunch break with Alvin if we choose
6. What I wear to work
7. Just being at home
8. Less distractions
9. More time in evening
10. More time in morning
11. More time to read (just had to add)

 

Actually I think I could do a list of more but will leave it at ten.

If you are working remotely, are you happy or are you missing work?

Personally I love being at home and if possible would love to continue to work from home.

I do miss my coworkers but with technology we do have the ability to see each other via video.

 

Today is also the 12th birthday of one of my closest friend’s daughter.

I cannot believe you are 12 Miss Madeline.

She was just a toddler when I first met her.

WOW, time flies.

 

Just about forgot to mention Alvin’s visit to the vet yesterday.

I was told beforehand that Dr. Karen would be away and that another Vet would be there.

So I was prepared for a new person.

One of the staff showed us to one of the patient rooms and we waited for a few minutes.

I tried to give Alvin some water but no.

He was a bit anxious but settled down.

When the Vet entered the room – I knew things were going to be different.

He was carrying his tools with him.

He said “Hello Alvin.”

But Alvin first.

He squatted down to Alvin’s level.

Said hello as he gave him a little check over while asking me if he was okay.

I told him the reasons for our visit.

He checked his ears and said other than a bit of wax in the outer part there was no redness and they did not smell of infection.

YAY.

As we chatted, he clipped Alvin’s nails.

He was almost finished the first paw before Alvin even noticed.

I could not believe it.

He did not put him up on the examination table ….. the whole visit was done at Alvin’s level with him staying on the floor beside him.

I can not imagine being able to stay squatted in one spot for that amount of time.

Even when Alvin starting to “make some noise” about the nail trim ….. “Greg” just kept on going.

Yes, I could not remember his last name so I asked his name.

He was gentle and kind.

Actually can I have a crush on the Vet, cause I sure do.

He took it all in stride saying that Alvin is all talk and no follow through.

Which was good as I think follow through meant struggling and perhaps getting vicious.

I did mention that usually Alvin is up on the examination table and his reply was “I like to change things up.”

Whoa, that was great.

He checked his anal glands and said they were empty.

I was duly impressed with Dr. Greg.

I love his regular vet Dr. Karen but Dr. Greg, I must say brought a whole new experience to Alvin’s appointments for both of us.

 

 

Well time to hop into the shower and get this day going.

Starting to feel energized.

 

We wish you a great Thursday.

Take Care and Be safe.

We shall continue to live with kindness and respect.

As Always, Carol & Alvin