2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Did you have a fun, relaxing and or productive Saturday? I hope that it was a bit of everything. We all need to have a bit of fun everyday, time to relax and to be productive. Perhaps even your productivity was taking the time for yourself. Nothing wrong with that. Pulling away from the television screen, the computer screen, your smartphone is so important. We all need quality time to work on our body, mind and soul. Going for a walk in nature, reading a good book, maybe going for a manicure or pedicure, a massage, doing yoga or meditation. All of these things are relaxing and also productive. I am the Queen of watching television and I watch far too much in any given day so when I say that to step away, I can relate. We are becoming far to dependant on “screen time.” I always used to say that I did not want a cellphone because I do not want to be that accessible. I thought and felt that because everyone carried them on their person at all times – it was necessary to answer all incoming calls and emails and texts as they arrived/came in. IT IS NOT. We have become a society that thinks/feels the necessity for things to be instant. Not a great idea as far as I am concerned. Technology has taken over our lives. Most of us are “addictive” by nature, I think most if not all humans are…. we are addicted to all sorts of things and certainly does not need to be drugs or alcohol. Anyway I am not here to preach – just to relay my feelings. As I get older, I want to live a easy, less demanding and more authentic life. Being true to myself with no games. Likely I could write on this subject for a long time as most of us could certainly do but there are things to do. Alvin is also calling out for me in the way that he does. I am concerned about the human race as much as I am about myself, Alvin, my family and friends. So if there is any takeaway here ….. please be good to yourself …… go for that walk ….. have a nice long bath… go for a massage …. do something just for you ….. just for you.

The sun has been up for a bit now. The sky appears to be clear so not raining. We had a constant light rain from Friday night until late last night. We did not get any of the “stuff” that was a possibility and I am grateful for that.

This morning one of my neighbours and friends is coming for a visit and for a game or five of JENGA. It is our favourite. I did not have a chance to practice so will have to rely on my previous experience. Should be fun.

I hope that you all have a great Sunday. Wash that floor and finish the laundry but do that time to go for a walk or have that nice relaxing bath with your favourite music lightly filling the air.

Happy Sunday.

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

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this Tuesday morning? Today i work the late shift so I start at 11:00 am. We had a good sleep although to bed quite a bit later than usual.

Last night just before sunset we were out on the deck. Me watering the front and back flower beds and the flower pots on the deck with Alvin keeping an eagle eye on my every move. Once done I thought we would just sit on the love seat which happens to be the boy’s favourite spot. I gently lifted him onto the sofa and then sat next to him. He got comfortable and then started to look about. If he heard a bird his head snapped in the direction of the chirping. Me on the other hand focused on the flowers on the upper deck which are a mass of bright colours. They just seemed to blend into each other. So beautiful. No bugs to disturb our peace. We must have sat there enjoying the most perfect evening for a good hour or so. The air was cool enough for Alvin in his fur coat and I even had on a light sweater/jacket. As the sun dipped in the evening sky, I thought how very lucky am I, are we, to have this little piece of heaven to call our own.

This morning first check was on my lilies. Yes, we have lift off- they are blooming.

• 

• 

• 

  The Lilies

• 

  Thank you from Bailey & Mom

I am so grateful for all the beautiful flowers.

well time to head upstairs and have a shower.

we may even be able to enjoy time on the deck before gets too warm. Tomorrow they are coming to service the air conditioning do we will be cool with resorting to fans all over the main floor.

I am so grateful for our life. There may be a wrench thrown in once in awhile to make us remember just how blessed we truly are although I’m not sure that Alvin would agree with that assessment. Poor little guy, I did not mean that he needs to have surgery for us to be grateful. Not at all.

Wishing you a great Tuesday.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, understanding and gratitude for all.

Love Carol&Alvin

2021

Good Morning All. Welcome to Monday, January 4, 2021. Still dark outside as today is my first day back to work and it is much earlier than the mornings I wrote for the past week. I could not shut down my thoughts/mind last night so this morning came early for me. I was grateful that Mr. Alvin slept until 4:30 and that we had time to lay down for some zzz’s on the sofa. He is whining at the office doorway so I am thinking that he may have to go outside. This will be quick and I apologize but that is my life and is subject to change. I hope that you had a good sleep last night.

We had a great Sunday. Quiet and relaxing. Time for a short walk (I would have done our whole walk but someone was not into it, so we went about half way and then headed for home). I watched a couple of Hallmark Movies, baked some Gingerbread Raisin Cookies (yes, I know baking not even a month after Christmas, lol) and set up my workstation for today. I also went and changed my out of office reply and changed my phone message so that I would have time this morning. I guess prepared. First day back and all.

My daughter is coming over at noon to bring us some fruit and pick up some items she forgot at Christmas. Even though I checked, we all checked, there will still a few items that were missed.

Well I guess it is time to head on downstairs as Mr. needs to go outside.

Continuing to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Saturday Morning,

It is our long weekend ….

We were up about 4:35 earlier this morning.

After Alvin had finished his glucosamine chew, his chicken and rice breakfast, outside we went.

The air was so fresh, no sounds except for the early songs of some unfamiliar birds.

So sweet and delicate.

The sky was beginning to lighten.

There was a peace about it all.

I could have closed my eyes and stood there until the end of time.

After Alvin had finished inside we went.

Hitting the sofa for some further zzz’s.

Because there is no where on this planet that I would be up to stay up at 4:30 on a Saturday.

Okay, perhaps one or two.

But not today.

We enjoyed that quiet time on the sofa as my mind raced to the finish line.

Finally dozing off.

 

Alvin always is the one that motivates me to get going.

This morning was no different.

So up we were to stay.

The once super bright sun filled skies are now filled with some clouds.

There is a bit of a breeze but still beautiful.

While we just stepped away outside as Alvin gave me the word and downstairs we went.

He is still having gas.

His vet appointment was mainly his usual nail trim, anal gland and ear check.

All good.

His bum was tender due to his recent bouts of diarrhea.

Now isn’t that the way to turn the beautiful description of a morning out the window.

Anyway on our way to the vet he stopped and of course, as always had to POO.

Good news it was no longer “D” and starting to be normal.

Funny how sometimes normal poop can be so exciting and such a relief.

Perhaps overly describing the bottom end happenings, may be too much.

Alvin’s Vet gave him (we purchased) some probiotics.

I am glad that she did as he continues to have gas and no bowel movement since we went to the vet yesterday afternoon.

I am going to continue to think good thoughts.

 

My plants in the back garden just got a nice watering while we were outside.

Also Humphrey will be spending the weekend with us.

So I shall go and pick him up soon.

Check on Cynder as well.

First couple of things around the house.

Start laundry and such.

 

Outside the day is beginning for most people as I hear trucks running and dogs barking and law mowers buzzing.

I will say one thing.

Looking out my bedroom and living room windows this morning to see a bare street was so uplifting.

No snow, no ice …. just bare, glorious grey pavement.

The trees are beginning to bud and some are even in leaf already.

YES, it is May 16, 2020.

Life is good.

Sometimes we all need to be reminded of that ….

 

Well time to get things done.

Have an awesome Saturday.

Enjoy some time outside.

We all need to feel the sun on our bodies and the breeze on our cheeks.

Happy Saturday.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Monday morning.

Good Day.

How are you doing?

Did you have a good sleep?

The sky is overcast here in Edmonton this morning.

I had a fair good sleep for a Sunday night.

Noticed that most nights have been filled with strange dreams.

The coffee is perking away.

Always a great way to begin the day.

No wind this morning for a change.

But I will say that having some wind has definitely made short work of the snow banks that lined our side of the street.

The houses that face south have had no snow for quite some time now.

I have been gradually shovelling and moving the snow in the backyard and it is almost gone.

Leaving behind a mucky yucky mess.

Yup, yes a mucky yucky mess.

I am hoping that once the bit of snow melted back there and with warmer temperatures this week that it will dry so that I can give it a good raking.

Then Alvin will be able to start using it.

This morning he went to where the last remaining bit of snow was and then could not get turned around so he walked through some of the muck.

Luckily I was keeping an eye on him and grabbed him at the door wiping off his paws.

Usually I wipe them off when he comes in from outside as you never know what he could be tracking into the house.

This is a practice that I have always done.

Not just since COVID-19 made its’ appearance.

I do not see a beautiful sunrise anywhere as I gaze out of my office window.

Oh well, we will have sunshine at some point.

 

I am excited to have the full size computer monitor to work with today and for the remainder of my time working from home.

 

Yesterday was a great day.

I had a luxurious bath with one of our Steeped Tea bath bombs.

Strangely enough I had always bought them and given them away never even trying them.

I tried to keep one in the house so that I would try them out and then a birthday would come around and I would add one to the birthday gift.

Yesterday, I did and it was wonderful.

Unfortunately we no longer see them.

Boo hoo.

Sad about that.

I actually stayed in the tub for just over 30 minutes.

Feeling really relaxed and skin so soft afterwards.

It was great.

 

Then it was Alvin’s turn.

He did not quite have the same experience as I did but I think it was okay for him.

I made sure the temperature of the water was just perfect.

Not too hot and not too cold.

Just a nice temperature for the boy.

I massaged for quite some time the shampoo into his body and I could tell that he was loving it.

He does like to have his neck and back massaged most days.

So he did enjoy it.

Not so much the drying off.

But anyway we were both feeling pretty pampered.

 

After our baths we made some phone calls.

I called my youngest brother and my sister.

I had made arrangements to speak to my older of the two brothers after supper.

So nice to speak to my family.

Everyone is doing well.

Two of them are working from home and the other is not.

Yesterday was self care day.

Relaxing baths, chatted with siblings and followed by a walk.

I will say that our walk …. well Mr. Alvin is not quite as white as he was.

He is black and white …. the white fur is not as brilliant as it was after his bath.

Oh well.

 

Well I hope that you all have an awesome day.

It is almost time to get the other computer turned on and start this new work week.

My tea order arrives today.

Tomorrow the HELLO FRESH food order arrives.

I am excited for all of the packages to arrive.

Try some new teas and check out some new food dishes.

 

Have a glorious day.

Take some time to be in nature.

Even sit in your backyard and see if you can hear the birds.

Perhaps a Robin.

On the deck or on your living room floor (place something soft under your bum).

Close your eyes and just relax.

Self-care.

Remember to hydrate.

Very important.

Nap if you can.

Enjoy.

 

Time to go and get some COFFEE.

 

In life, with kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

As always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning ALL,

Friday April 10, 2020.

So quiet in the house.

But then again it is always quiet in our house as it is only me and Alvin.

I was thinking this morning of all those single folks such as me, sitting alone in their homes.

I have a brother and sister who are among us single folks.

My heart goes out to all those folks who are alone.

The quiet can be almost crippling sometimes for some people.

Even for me.

I am blessed to have Alvin who gives me the push to go for walks.

I do like walking and I have him to keep me company.

More and more people in my neighbourhood are out walking.

Whether they are alone or pairs or in family groups.

People are out and about ….

It is too hard to stay in the house all of the time.

As long as we practice “social distancing” when outside being outside is SO good for us.

The fresh air and the exercise and the socialization.

If it you are by yourself out walking like I am with Alvin.

Even folks we do not know we always say “hello.”

That is socializing.

We all need that now more than ever.

I do think of folks who live on farms, in small towns, in rural settings.

People who going to visit friends and neighbours was the world to them.

For the past three days we have been outside for TWO walks.

Yesterday we bumped into Alvin’s best friend Teddy, his sister Kobi and Mom.

So we set up a playdate for Alvin and Teddy.

Teddy will be coming over this morning and stay until sometime this afternoon.

I am happy that Alvin is still able to spend time with his friend.

Oh and while out on our walk after work.

I noticed the garage door was up from across the street as we neared our friends house.

So we crossed and while practising social distancing we had the best visit in their garage.

Alvin of course, got some pats and attention.

We talked about weather, the world economy and at home, getting groceries, working from home and so much more.

I told them about my geranium as we talked about our flower gardens and that they may not be.

But I said that I would gladly share some of my geranium so that she could have some pretty pinkness in her garden.

I was so happy to have a visit with them even if it was from a distance.

They are older than me and I worry about them.

Even though they are in good health.

I think that people are beginning to come with creative ways to met with friends and family during this time.

When the snows melts we could gather in garages and on front lawns.

Probably not able to have too many people but in small groups of three or four and practice the social distancing.

We can visit.

So important not only to wash your hands, eat properly, gets lots of sleep, stay hydrated but to have social contact is important to our sanity.

We don’t have to be touching to have social contact.

Just be close enough to chat which is okay ….. six feet or two metres apart.

This summer may be different for a great many of us.

Unlikely that we can run out and pick up flowers from the local nursery or maybe we will.

I hope so.

 

I was going to share some photos of my geraniums but alas I am suffering from technical difficulties.

So will do that later.

Teddy will be here soon and I still have to have breakfast.

We slept in ….. yup …. we did.

Bed later as I read until quite late.

Poop to pick up.

Toast to make.

Coffee to perk.

Quiet day ahead …. Alvin with his friend, walking and just vegging.

We have three days ahead to do laundry and do my taxes and whatever else I decide to add to the list.

Oh, the sun is coming out.

More snow will melt.

YAY.

 

Happy Friday.

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well good morning and welcome to a SNOW GLOBE.

I decided last week to take today off as a vacation day as my carpool had booked today off.

So I am at home.

We were up earlier and then went back to sleep for a bit.

It has been snowing since about 6:00 a.m.

I do love the snow.

It is hypnotizing as it falls to the ground.

Yes it is.

I see lots of shovelling in my future.

 

The plan for today was to go to the grocery store and then work on the photos.

So now with all of the snow I am a little concerned about walking to the store.

I had planned to catch a taxi home so it will be just getting there.

Before all of this snow there was a considerable amount of ice in spots.

Now with the snow covering …. makes it not so easy to walk.

So now I am thinking that I will wait until after lunch and by then there should be enough snow to make it more safe to walk.

OR not.

I will go and shovel later, not much point at the moment.

Funny how Mother Nature can change your plans just like that.

Hopefully this will not last, the snow that is.

 

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me.

I bet he is wondering what is the Momma doing at home?

 

How are you doing this day?

Are you at work?

At home?

At school?

on Vacation?

I want to wish you the best day.

Whether you are working, relaxing or studying.

Just enjoy.

 

Well time to go and have that cup of coffee.

Coffee in the morning except on the weekends.

As always I am working on drinking more water.

To keep well hydrated.

 

Happy Tuesday.

 

Filled with Kindness and Respect, Always.

Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time

Hello,

Well it is Monday and it is a day off for me and many other Canadians.

So grateful to have an extra long weekend going into my last week before vacation.

Although I must admit I am only working Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

 

The house is quiet this morning with only me and the Alvin.

We are looking after a neighbours cat Moo Moo and Humphrey will be joining us shortly.

Lots to do today.

Some laundry, vacuuming, cleaning and stuff.

Also some card writing as there are many August birthdays.

The air remains cool thus far, which is a blessing.

Although so nice to have sunshine.

 

I signed up for INSTAGRAM last night or actually my daughter started me off.

I am excited for this new social format.

Have to think exactly how I would like to present myself.

Positive is a given.

 

I have more photos and then I have to run.

Two cats and a dog for today.

One cat with us and the other will go and visit again.

 

Yesterday Aspen and I were out for a walk before 7:00 a.m.

After Teddy went home; I took Alvin and Milo for their walk and after dropping them at home followed up with second walk for Miss Aspen.

We were all pooped after that and just relaxed.

 

 

Love the lilies as the buds open wide.

 

Time for breakfast and coffee and WORK.

Oh, gotta go and pick up Humphrey.

 

The babies were all good and we enjoyed our time together.

 

Happy Monday.

 

Always filled with kindness and respect.

I have the best life.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 11th day of March, 2019.

Yesterday was so WARM with no breeze.

I decided yesterday to take Mr. Alvin to our friend’s birthday celebration.

The cats and Alvin did well.

He kept his distance.

Cricket knows Alvin but Casey has only joined their household last October (2018) and she wasn’t quite sure.

Both are used to dogs but everyone knows that sometimes there can be moments.

Casey did take a swipe at Alvin but he was not close and he retreated to the safety of his Mom’s legs.

Funny how that works.

Poor Alvin had wanted to say hello but Casey was not having any of it.

He pretty much stayed beside me the whole time except when our friend opened the fridge as he knows she keeps the treats in there.

We had a great visit and was interesting watching two cats and a dog navigate their time together.

After the visit we headed home where I quickly changed into boots, coat (had light jacket on) and mitts and of course grabbed some “poop bags.”

Our friend J had left the party when we did and by the time I stopped in and got changed she was outside with Jazmin.

She had not planned to go for a walk but when she got home Jazmin gave her the sign that she wanted to walk.

Miss Jazmin is I believe 14 years old and has a heart condition.

Somedays she just doesn’t want to go.

Yesterday she was excited to go and she tried and mostly kept up with Mr. Alvin.

They get along so well.

I was so happy to see her out and enjoying the warm day.

We had a great walk.

Perfect end to a perfect day.

 

I think that Mr. Alvin is beginning to dream “CATS.”

We were surrounded by CATS this weekend.

AND Miss Jazmin, who is a doggie.

We missed seeing Master Teddy this weekend.

 

Well back to work today.

We had a great day.

Quiet and relaxing and FUN.

 

I hope that you all had a great Sunday.

I hope that if you are in the “time changing zones” that getting up this morning did not hurt too much!!

Wishing you a wonderful Monday.

 

Listening to dogs barking in the distance.

One sounded big.

 

Happy Monday.

Special Hello to:  everyone who READS, whether it be this blog or another, a book or a magazine or a newspaper.  JUST READ.  Read to your children and grandchildren, too.

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 7th day of September, 2018.

Still wanting to type August instead of September.

WOW, a week into September.

Dark outside is the new norm for this time of year.

So grateful that today is Friday.

Even though it has been an extra short work week it feels as though it has been longer than the norm.

The forecast for today is 26 degrees celsius.

The past couple of days have been very nice.

So grateful to have this nice weather.

 

This morning Mr. Alvin asked me to massage his neck and shoulders and then when I stopped, he asked again and again.

I guess his muscles and joints must be sore.

You can tell he loves it and I must have it a habit to do every night and morning for a few minutes.

Perhaps I can show him how to paw-massage my neck and shoulders.

A girl can dream.

 

We have been going for one hour walks with our friend this week.

Sure have noticed in the sleeping …. both of us sleep quite soundly.

We changed up our route last night and went into a different neighbourhood.

They have some wooded trails and some have quite narrow barely kept paths.

It felt like we were in the countryside.

Alvin was walking a bit ahead (on his leash, of course), then me and then our friend as she has her cane.

I kept looking down and just as I was about to take a step, I saw a dead mouse and screamed.

My friend stopped and Alvin turned around …..

It just startled me.

Thankfully I did not step on the poor little one and we carried on but it take give me a start.

The walk was refreshing and I love chatting with my friend.

Feels like meditation.

So soothing and relaxing.

She is good company.

Alvin loves her …..

Earlier in the day when she was out walking she was this close to a baby woodpecker on a tree.

Can you imagine?

I would love to see a woodpecker and most especially a baby one.

She said it was so cute with its’ little red feathers on top.

 

Well here we go almost time to leave for the bus.

Thankfully the carpool is back on Monday.

I hope that you all have an awesome Friday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol & Alvin