It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Tuesday Morning.

Overcast but warm here in Edmonton.

There are patches of clear blue sky up there but mainly deep dark rain clouds fill the sky.

Some of our neighbours have trees that have beautiful white flowers and they have a sweet pretty scent.

The only thing is I have an allergy to them.

Congestion, oh well.

They look so pretty and smell so good.

Earlier this morning when we were outside the birds were singing away.

I know why Alvin likes to just sit on the deck with eyes closed and sniff.

He is relaxing …..

 

 

Happy to report that Alvin has had some real good poops, thank goodness.

The “D” word is one word that I hope I never have to hear again.

My poor little guy, he has been through a lot.

Thankfully he is on the mend.

 

I was thinking the other day about things that I have not done for the past almost 2.5 months, here is my list:

1. not using my “work” purse(s).
2. I have used a small one three times when went to the vet with/for Alvin
3. good shoes/sandals
4. make-up (only a few days have I applied other than eyebrows)
5. work clothes (I mainly wear work tops but more comfy bottoms as I had been going for walks at noon and hope to soon get back to them)
6. had coffee at work (I make coffee each morning and have gone through more coffee beans than ever)
7. car pooled to work
8. drove a vehicle once since I have been at home
9. gone to a grocery store
10. left my neighbourhood (gone to vet but they are 6 minute walk from our house)
11. work jacket
12. had to pay for carpool or bus tickets
13. no commute

Changes in our lives in the past 2.5 months:

1. home with Alvin 24/7
2. can walk multiple times per day
3. can wear whatever I like to work
4. fewer visits with family and friends
5. higher water and electrical bills
6. bought more coffee beans to grind
7. not been shopping at all – other than vet
8. working from home
9. my office is for personal and for work
10. with no commute to work, more time to live my life with Alvin (we have over 1.5 extra hours each day)
11. can enjoy more time in nature
12. can enjoy more time in my back yard

 

I am so happy that I have been home for Alvin while he has not been feeling his best.

There are likely a great many items that missed the list as you know I write this off the cuff in the morning before work.

Now I am writing about one hour later than usual.

 

Time to go and grab that cup of coffee.

I can hear the garbage truck clanging away in the distance.

They just picked up on our back lane.

I only have garbage every second or third week.

 

Wishing you a wonderful Tuesday.

Filled with love and laughter.

We just gotta laugh, for sure.

 

Living our lives with kindness and respect,

is the only way to live our lives.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, sorry but it is late afternoon already.

Yesterday first thing in the morning my son-in-law dropped my grandpups off for the day.

After I got them settled, I went for a walk with Miss Aspen.

She is the Yellow Lab Shepherd Cross.

This was just a few minutes after 8:00 a.m.

Our walk took us to our nearby park

We had some fun.

There was a Bunny being chased by some very aggressive Magpies.

We should have turned back but this silly Grandma thought we could scare the birds giving the Bunny time to make his escape.

It was a great plan in theory.

The reality was a far different story.

Needless to say I found out the hard way just how strong my girl Aspen is as I almost did a head plant into the sidewalk.

But managed to stay upright as I made that sill trip after her.

I was very careful during the rest of our walk.

Once we arrived back home I went into the backyard with Aspen, Alvin and Milo.

Humphrey the cat was in his backyard.

Aspen was trying desperately to get to him.

She would have pushed her way right through our fence.

She was very determined and she did not want to visit or make friends.

When she was a pup during her first year of life the poor dear had to fend for herself.

So she will go after rabbits, cats and birds.

She is fast and they do not stand a chance.

Needless to say I am careful with the cats and wildlife.

I did figure that the birds had a better chance of escaping.

Anyway it was an exciting way to start the day.

After that, I needed a COFFEE.

So perked up a pot of coffee and had a late breakfast.

We just had a quiet couple of hours or so.

About noon I went for a walk with Alvin and Milo.

We stopped by the garage sale.

Yes, the same one that I attended last weekend and Friday night.

They were happy to see Milo and Alvin.

We, I took a check around and picked up a couple of items.

Alvin and Milo and I continued on our walk after the garage sale.

We were on our way to the park when I heard my name being called and turned to see our friends had stopped in their van.

So we walked back to their vehicle.

They were wondering if I had a six foot high ladder as they were putting up Christmas lights and their son had borrowed theirs.

I just happen to have one and told them I would take it to them after we got back home.

When it arrived near Alvin’s Best Friend Teddy’s house we saw his Dad or actually Alvin spotted him up a ladder.

We were invited to go into the house so of course, the pups were up the steps in no time.

It was nice to see Teddy and his Mom.

We had a little visit and of course the babes had a treats before we continued on our way.

Stopped briefly at the garage sale and picked out one more item.

Leaving them there for pick up another time.

Which reminds me I have to go and pick up my items.

After we got home – I grabbed the ladder and walked it to my friend’s house.

Had a short visit and then back home.

We had a quiet rest of the afternoon.

Eating supper early.

Followed by some quiet time and then another walk with Miss Aspen.

Our walk was filled with more adventure.

While walking around the park there was a bunny running through someone’s backyard.

I managed to hold onto Aspen.

This time it was short lived.

After that a couple of small dogs who seemed friendly …. well ended up one was not.

So we carried on.

On the home stretch we walked by our new friend John’s house with Bug the black cat who spends some time on a leash basking in the fresh air.

Now I was watching for the cat as I know Aspen and cats.

I did not see her but Aspen walked close to the bush that circles their front yard and all of a sudden I heard a hiss.

Quickly called Aspen and pulled her back.

There was Bug in the bushes.

Everyone came out safely.

Thank goodness.

Finally back home …. we just had a quiet evening.

The kids were going to pick up the pups last night.

They ended up staying over last night.

Poor Miss Aspen was up at 3:00 a.m. with diarrhea.

Is this a reoccurring thing at my house?

Seems like poop and more poop.

Anyway it was poop and more poop throughout the night.

I felt so terrible as she had been whining/crying for a few minutes before I got my backside out of bed to take her downstairs.

Of course, we all went outside.

After that, we spent the rest of the night/morning on the sofa which was closer to the back door.

Poor Aspen.

Bad Grandma.

I texted my daughter about 8:30 a.m. to let her know about Aspen.

She came a bit later and spent some time here which was great.

Well that was my excitement.

Time to go and check on supper.

How about some photos?

The first photos from out on the deck were from yesterday and I am not sure what they were seeing?

I did not see anything but the pups certainly did.

Inside photos were from this morning while we were waiting for my daughter to arrive.

Well what a wild and wacky weekend we had …. I learned several valuable lessons.

1. Always wear running shoes not flip flops when walking with Miss Aspen.
2. When Aspen whines/cries in the middle of the night – Grandma needs to get the heck out of bed right away.
3. Pups make me happy.

Time to fly …. Alvin wants his supper.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning ….

What a glorious Monday morning it is.

When I was outside with Alvin about one hour ago it felt warm considering I had a nightgown and sweater on exposing my lower legs.

So off to a great start.

Each weekend or the time off that you have from work is precious.

Most of us have a billion things to do on the weekends or on our time off away from the job.

There is always laundry, cleaning, yardwork, shopping for groceries at the minimum.

If we are able to take time to relax …. that would be in front of the television watching a movie or the like with a glass of wine or your favourite beverage.

But is that really relaxing?

Not really.

But we ALL do the very best that we can.

I am more fortunate than most as I do not have children at home although some would say that Alvin might rank a close second.

He is my partner in crime that requires help being fed and bathed and groomed.

But other than that …. I have more flexible time.

I can/could sit on my bed, in the middle of the floor or sit on a comfy chair and just meditate for some time.

But do I do this on a regular basis …. not really.

I did for a time but find it difficult to sit “quiet” without doing something.

This week I am going to make a point of sitting “quiet.”

Quiet means with NO outside distractions.

Now Alvin I have no control over but I will say if he has been fed and gone outside, he general would lay down beside me if I am on the sofa or bed.

So this is the week that things change.

I have also done quite a lot of reading and everyone says that it is important to do some weight bearing exercises as you get older.

So this week I am going to start doing some of those.

Off to an easy start, nothing to crazy.

I have some hand weights which will be perfect.

Now just for some proper instructions and I will be off to the races ….

We all try to do the best that we can.

But I think even though we think that we do – there is always room to pump it up a bit.

So that is my personal challenge for this week.

To start ….

More quiet time … no outside distractions like the television or phone (yes, I can see where these can get you into trouble).

Trying some weight bearing exercises.

I want to be in the best health that I can be in as I get older.

Never too late to start.

 

Okay the clock on the wall says that it is time to get this show on the road.

Well I hope that you have an awesome day.

Turn the lights out and lock the door when you leave for the day.

Remember a walk on your break is always better than a cookie and coffee.

Happy Monday.

 

 

Kindness and Respect always place the perfect reflection on you.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 10th day of September, 2018.

We did not receive any RAIN overnight and it was dry when we first were up at 4:45 AM.

When we arose from the sofa at 5:25 a.m. it was wet outside.

It is dark and raining.

What a great way to begin the work week.

I am glad that I started to do the fall cleanup yesterday.

Alvin enjoyed a nice long massage this morning.

This is begin to be a “thing.”

Something that we do almost each and every morning.

 

How was your weekend?

Did you have time to relax?

Did you go out?

Did you walk?

Did you cook?

Did you spend time with your loved ones?

 

My weekend was GREAT.

Yes, I snuggled with Alvin and Teddy on Saturday and played JENGA with myself.

I went outside.

Yes, we walked everyday.

Yes, I did.

Yes, I spent the weekend with Mr. Alvin and saw my neighbour S, and friends Teddy, his Momma and his Papa.

 

So happy this Monday as my carpool is back to work from vacation.

I enjoyed our conversations and her company.

Nice not to have to catch the bus.

 

I guess you could say life is pretty good.

No complaints.

 

Mr. Alvin is snoring on this blue blanket.

Fifteen minutes until I leave for work.

Mr. Alvin is up.

 

Well it is a Monday.

First day of my work week.

 

I hope that you had a great weekend.

That you did have fun, relaxed and all of that.

Enjoy this day as September 10, 2018 will not come this way again …. unless we get caught up in a time loop.

Well that would be scary.

Perhaps we are in a time loop.

Maybe that is why every so often things just feel the same.

Food for thought.

Enjoy.

 

Special Hello to: my son-in-law …. have a great day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

PS:  Hello Daughter …… Miss Aspen and Baby Milo…..

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 30th day of March, 2017.

Wow, where did that month go?

Yikes.

Last night Alvin and I enjoyed the most wonderful “wet” walk.

Most of the way around our lake found water on the sidewalks so my shoes got wet.

Thank goodness I wore my SKETCHERS barefoot and did not wreck my shoes.

 

I must share my experience from last night.

A friend of mine does various types of Holistic Healing which includes: Integrated Healing, Craniosacral Therapy, Lymphatics, Viscera and Energy Healing.

After my session, I felt so wonderful.

Actually during the session I could feel a difference in my energy.

My shoulders have always held any and all stress and tension.

Even if I do not think that I am stressed my shoulders are tense and solid.

After she worked unblocked the energy in my shoulders I felt so soft and good.

Hard to explain.

Funny story quickly as we were up once again ultra early and now I am running a bit behind.

After my friend set up her table in the living room and instructed me to lay down, Mr. Alvin started to bark.

We both tried to quieten him but to no avail.

This friend has the most quiet, kind manner and she just spoke to him as she wanted me to just relax.

Finally she said “Alvin, you just want to be with your Momma” and popped him up on the table with me where he stayed until almost the end of my session.

So Alvin inadvertently had a Energy Healing session as well.

It was so much fun.

I feel so good this morning even though my sleep was mixed with Alvin getting up so early.

Time to fly here.

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: my friends who heal.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 6th day of February, 2017.

It is COLD, COLD out there this morning in Edmonton.

Double digits below – 26 degrees celsius.

Poor Mr. Alvin had to take two runs at it to get outside.

He did his business very quickly.

Poor little guy.

I am grateful to have a warm coat, mitts, scarf and boots for the cold walk to the bus.

 

What a great weekend.

Yesterday we just spent inside except for some shovelling and I had to watch Alvin as it was so cold and he could only be outside for a minute or so.

Did some cleaning and watched a couple of movies.

I watched “Mother’s Day” with Julia Roberts, Jennifer Anniston, Kate Hudson and so many great actors.

I laughed and I cried.

It was a good movie.

Perfect for a Sunday afternoon.

 

Well it is almost time to hit the road ….. the cold ….. argh.

There are times these these when I wished that I was retired.

Oh well, it is all good.

 

Thank you Universe for a great weekend.

I had time with my girl, an outing, time with my boy, did some cleaning and laundry and made some jewellery and I RELAXED.

Perfect.

 

Have a great Monday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. shall we SKYPE soon …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 19th day of April, 2016.

Sometimes I think it is good to touch back and see what you were on the same date one year ago.

Funny last year the 19th was on a Sunday …. oh, thank you leap year.

Interesting …..

***********************************************************************

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 19th day of April, 2015.

The sun is up and shining.

The wind is still blowing.

It is quiet in the house except for the tapping as I hit each key to form these words.

I could even hear Alvin’s little feet as they softly walked across the hallway rug.

We both feel it …. the stillness…..

Do you or have you ever had time completely and utterly by yourself?

In a room or in a house?

No fans, no furnace blowing warm air into each room, no dogs barking or babies crying?

No laughter, no voices.

Just the sound of your heart beating.

I think it is a good thing once in awhile.

Time to reflect and think.

To get yourself in order.

I have done a lot of thinking the past couple of days ……

It is good for the body and mind.

Good for your inner being.

I feel very relaxed and calm.

Alvin, I am not completely sure how he is feeling.

Lonely ….. we both are for sure.

But tomorrow will bring routine.

Back to work.

Back to the office.

Back to the drama …..

The drama that is life.

Well I hope that you are having a great Sunday.

Finding time to reflect on the past days and your life.

Waking those dreams within you.

As have I …….

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: empty nesters …… it will be okay.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 13th day of July, 2015.

Hooray overnight and earlier this morning it “RAINED.”

How glorious …. the deck is still wet ….

The grass, flowers, crops and the air desperately needed the rain.

I hope that it rained near Jasper at the fire sites.

The smoke has been cleared for now by the rain and it is breezy.

The sun is shining through the rain clouds and not smoke for the first time in days.

Yesterday was a great Sunday.

The day started with me and Alvin sleeping in and just lying there enjoying each other’s company.

My favourite part of the day ….. just being still …. before the day takes over.

The air was very smoky and the air quality the worst in days so we did not go for a walk.

I did however have coffee with two of my good friends.

Seems like it has been forever since we had coffee and a visit.

It was a great visit ….. lots of laughs and catching up.

The balance of the day spent finishing up the laundry and odds and ends.

I am looking forward to an extra long walk tonight with Mr. Alvin.

“The days pass by quickly so it is always important to take time to do what you love, and to be surrounded by those that you love.”

We wish you a happy Monday.

Take some time for yourself ….. even 5 minutes …… breathe …… scream if it makes you feel better ….. then sit down and close your eyes …. nice.

Special Hello to: friends …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 15th day of June, 2015.

It is a bright sunny morning here in Edmonton with little breeze.

Hard to believe it is Monday morning already.

Me and Mr. Alvin had a great weekend ….. there were parts of it that I am pretty certain he would not agree were great but nonetheless it was pretty awesome.

It was almost like a spring cleaning kind of weekend.

The task that I am most proud of accomplishing was painting the porch.

It was windy and I did wear some but JOYFUL noise it is done and looks awesome.

All sparkling white and clean.

Sometimes it is those tasks that we put off because we are somewhat “nervous” or “scared” to do that gives us the most satisfaction when completed.

Now I feel like I can do almost anything.

So it was a great weekend.

We accomplished everything on the “TO DO LIST” and even had time for relaxing.

Snuggles with Mr. Alvin …..

My favourite time.

Yes, I cannot believe the weekend is over.

Time to move onto another week with another weekend coming up.

YAY.

So make some noise …. you deserve it …… you did it.

Now it is Monday …. the most dreaded day of the week.

Likely for the most part is because it falls after the weekend and most of us just want to stay home and sleep.

I do make the mistake of sleeping in ….. besides really who wants to get out of bed at 5:00 a.m. when you do not have to … well okay, I can think of one little guy ….. me Alvin …… he always wakes up early.  We always get up but not always stay up.

Well time to get this show on the road.

Happy Monday.

Just take a deep breath …..

If I can move my “Fanny Farkle” up and out, I know that you can, too.

We can do it.

Today is going to be awesome, fantastic, great, spectacular and amazing.

It will …..

Special Hello to: my friends back in Regina …. miss you all.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 14th day of June, 2015.

Looking out of the office window facing south I can see the trees blowing in the wind in bright sunlight.

Looking out of my bedroom window facing north I can see the clouds starting to roll in.

So should be enough time to write this blog, drink my first mug of coffee and get dressed so that Mr. Alvin and I can go for a nice walk.

Yesterday it rained after our morning appointment at the Vet …. for Alvin’s pedicure …. only thing was …. his nails were not long enough so no pedicure……first time going to the Vet and no charge ….. so we bought some toothpaste.  They are so nice.  It was the perfect day to remain indoors and tackle my extra long “TO DO LIST.”

I was so pleased with myself as I managed to to everything on the list.

How is that for a productive Saturday.

Today is baking, bath for Alvin and relaxation for us.

YAY ……

This morning I realized for the first time something about Alvin …… he got me up at 4:30 to have his breakfast and to go outside… then we hit the sofa for some more zzzz’s ….. he got me up at 7:30 to go out again ….. then just after 8:00 he sat there and starred at me….. then he settle back down …… then finally at 9:00 he got up barked and jumped off of the sofa …. I got up and then he jumped up into my spot.  Mr. Alvin’s way of getting me up and out off the sofa.  I had just figured that I had deserved to just relax and lay there but guess he figured otherwise.  Thank you Mr. Alvin for being such a good friend and alarm clock.

I hope that you had a great weekend thus far.

The coffee is tasting pretty good and Alvin is pacing looking for the perfect spot to “leave” his CHEWIE ….. he sure can take up a lot of time going from room to room “burying it or hiding it” …. sometimes in plain sight.

Have an awesome Sunday as we have to get the show on the road.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Everyday I learn something new ….. even about Mr. Alvin.

Special Hello to: all the puppies out there who teach their Mommas and Poppas everyday.

Always, Carol and Alvin