The Next Chapter

Good Morning! The sun is rising and it is Saturday. I am so happy that it is the weekend and that we survived another week. I think that for most of us that is a huge deal. I am grateful for the weekend and that I am able to be at home, in my safe and happy place. Surrounded by the warmth of souls that have come and gone and by memories. Oh, the memories do truly help keep you warm at night and give you the energy to get going in the morning. Happy Saturday.

Last night our friends Iris and pups Teddy and Kobi came for a visit. At first the pups just ran up the steps and into the house with every bit of energy in them and back and forth once inside from back door to front door. Then they stopped and started to sniff about and we both knew they were wondering where their old friend Alvin had gone. Teddy and Alvin have been best friends for many years. They used to have sleepovers and Teddy was here for special occasions and just for visits with no reason other than to see his buddy. Iris could not even mention Alvin’s name before they got into the car because he would get so excited. Iris is energy sensitive and reminded me that she could feel Alvin all around and where else would he be but in his house with me. She always makes me feel good and she gave me wonderful comforting words of encouragement and support and love. They are family to us. In between the tears we even managed to have some laughter. Where are the tears without laughter. Both are so important to us all. I love watching Teddy and Kobi as they ran about. They went outside at one point shortly after arriving and were sniffing around as I am sure they could smell their friend. Kobi loves to watch the neighbourhood out of our front window and she stood on her hind legs and took in our world. Teddy played with a toy of Alvin’s. Joy returned to my house for a few minutes. I am so grateful that they were in the city and stopped by. Iris and the pups had walked over as she did not have her car in the city only her husband’s truck. I decided that it would be nice to walk them home. So we chatted and walked. I ended up staying at their house chatting until almost 10:00 p.m. and then quickly walked home. Home safe and sound. Our neighbourhood is good but you never know. Even coyotes could be out. We looked at pictures from their farm. They have two new cats and I saw videos of the pups and the new cats. The new cats were used to dogs so it was cute to see them interacting. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I cannot wait until the next time. Thank you Iris, Teddy and Kobi for the visit. We missed you guys.

Today is laundry day and some cleaning. Then back to moving photos from the old computer to the hard drive. Too bad there was not a more efficient, more faster way of doing this but alas there appears not to be. Just a footnote to everyone out there – make sure that you store your photos and edit them. Through out the bad shots, the duplicates etc. Always.

Amanda is stopping by in the early afternoon after a dental appointment and before she goes to spend some time with her bestie. Both my “kids” were/are so blessed to have good people in their lives. Alvin had a village, he had our neighbourhood. Iris reminded me that it was Alvin who brought us all together. It truly was. He was the best guy ever and my longest male relationship. I am forever grateful for the relationships that he helped me make and keep for well over a decade. Oh, how I miss him. I am excited to see my girl. Always good to see her. She is the best.

Have an awesome Saturday. Take some time to be with family and friends and for yourself. Remember better to live in the moment today than to get hung up on the future or the days ahead. For there is only today as we are not promised tomorrow. Enjoy this day!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel).

2021

Good Morning All! How are you doing? Alvin and I are great. We had a great long weekend. Even managed to give the boy a haircut yesterday minus the bath. I did take a really wet cloth and washed off the loose hair. I figured he was stressed enough with the haircut that a bath would be too much. He had a bath last weekend. I did give him an anti-anxiety pill but it did not seem to help. We had two walks. I did some yard work and finished the laundry. Popped in three times to see Humphrey and Bogart and Cynder.

Just as I cleaned up some flower pots and pulled some weeds, the sky got dark and there was the roar of thunder. I hurried up and picked up Alvin and headed into the house just as it started to rain. We got a nice shower and then the sky cleared.

We were up at 430 and Mr.Alvin had his breakfast and then did his outside business. I cannot believe we slept again till 830 (well actually 839). I guess we were tired. Doesn’t matter as it is not a work day. We will go gore a walk I a few minutes.

The sun is starting to shine although there are patches of clouds. Not sure if rain is in forecast or not.

Today I have mainly things to do on the computer so will either do in pieces or bring the boy upstairs.

Sending hugs to our friends whose grand pup recently passed away. We know he was loved. Rest In Peace, little Otis. We hope you are chasing rainbows and having lots of yummy treats.

A reminder to be kind and respectful to all creatures on this planet. Our time is relatively short so use it wisely.

I wish you a great day.

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

Love Carol&Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Well Hello, it has been a while.

My last post was August 18, 2019.

Today is my first day back to work.

ARGH, not quite certain how I feel about that but likely after a few minutes it will be like I was never gone.

I knew things were back to normal this morning when Mr. Alvin was scrunching up the bath mats after I had gone into the shower.

Life is as we knew it.

 

To Honor:

I would like to take this time to speak about two of my BEST guy friends that passed away.

My friend Les passed away the day before we left on the girls trip.

He had been battling multiple illnesses for many years but never let anything get him down.

Les was perhaps one of the most positive, happy people that I have ever known.

Always kind and generous.

Before life changed our geographical positions we would get together for coffee and sometimes for lunch or dinner to catch up.

We worked together for many years.

He was a good, honest, caring individual.

Les had a way of making you feel special.

I will carry his essence in my heart until the day that I pass.

His goodness and joy with me forever.

I miss him and will continue to think of him.

To his wife and family – I will always keep you in my thoughts and heart.

 

My friend George passed away earlier in the year.

I only found out when I went to call him as we were going to visit him during our last road trip.

He was another man that was always filled with joy, kindness and generosity.

I met George when I was 16 years old so I have known him most of my life.

He came into our lives and was an angel to me and my siblings.

George was a great man.

He was the big brother that I never had…..

He loved to joke around.

Again geographical position changed things.

It did not matter how much time had passed he was happy to see me/us and catch up.

Truly one of the best people that I have ever known.

To his brother and his wife – I will always keep you in my thoughts and heart.

 

I am grateful to both these men who came into my life and changed it forever.

There are no words.

I will truly miss them.

It is a hard reminder that we need to keep in closer touch with our friends and loved ones.

Life can be short.

We all know that life is not a forever gig.

So we have to ensure that we are better friends and family.

 

Les and George, I salute you both.

Thank you for being a part of my life.

Miss you …..

Hugs ….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Time to go to work……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

The sky is overcast and the wind is blowing this morning.

No rain overnight.

We slept through the night.

All is well in our household this morning.

Back to work.

Canada Day weekend coming up.

Always love a long weekend.

 

Have you ever snapped photos that made you think of a different time and place.

Perhaps reminded you of a story line or gave you inspiration to write a story all your own.

These photos were taken several years ago on a beautiful late summer, almost fall weekend day.

Alvin and I were out on a walk.

We went to a park north of our home.

One place that we seldom visit.

For no reason other than it does not come readily to my mind.

It reminds me of a magical place.

A place with many trees.

The soft shadows.

The colours of the trees that were already beginning to turn.

I love the way the sun creeps into the space.

Lightly touching the trees and grass.

 

I know that it is barely the first week of summer but somedays you just need to see a magical place.

A reminder of the beauty of a single day.

A day with your buddy.

Just hanging out.

Taking in the spirit of the day.

We all need these days.

Reminder to self to go on this walk this coming long weekend.

 

Happy Monday.

Mr. Alvin seems to be back to his own self.

We had a good sleep.

 

BE Kind and Respectful to yourself and to others.

One small thing can make such a difference in your life and in the life of another.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 4th day of October, 2017.

Dark outside but will lighten as I travel on the bus to work.

Another gorgeous day on the way.

We are grateful.

This morning I am thinking of those affected by recent tragedies in Edmonton and in Las Vegas.

A reminder.

 

IF I HAD KNOWN

Looking at photos of us when we were kids.

It seems like only yesterday,

but it was a lifetime ago.

Things have changed.

We were five now we’re four.

How I long for those days.

When we were all together.

When playing school, all sitting in a row … I’d be the teacher…

Running about the yard playing in a nearby slough looking for tadpoles …

Playing in the dirt ….

Imagining driving to far off places in that old black car, and eating Mom’s homemade french fries and pumpkin pie.

Playing hide and seek and watching Disney on Sundays.

Was what we did, when we were just kids.

Now we’re grown,

Time has past.

If only I had known,

We would be four and not five.

I would have taken your hand.

I would have told you how much I loved you every day.

I would have loved you better.

I would have visited you more often.

I should have tried.

I would have known your pain.

I would have understood.

I would have known your favourite song.

I would have known your favourite colour.

I would have known you better.

Now we’re four and it’s too late

For me to take your hand.

To share your pain, and to comfort you.

I wished that I had knew you better.

Between the pain and the laughter.

You were a man, and I remember the boy

The little boy with a zest for life.

The little boy that always seemed to find a way ….. now that’s our secret….

That irresistible little guy that made me smile.

The little boy with such a big heart.

That much I did know when the boy became the man.

I feel that I let you down, but it is too late

I wished that I knew your favourite song.

Or what you made you cry late at night.

Why the time passed so fast.

Now we’re four instead of five

What did you think?  Your thoughts?

I wished that I knew.

If I had, I had only known  the man, not just the boy.

Written by Carol Yvonne Lewis, January 8th, 2010

 

Take care on this day and each day to follow.

Hold your loved ones close.

Know them and love them, no matter what.

 

Special Hello to: all my family and friends all over the world.  Stay safe and I love you with all my heart.  Alvin says DITTO for him.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 29th day of September, 2017.

Another beautiful day on the way….

Yesterday was spectacular ….. about 24 degrees.

 

Well I am running way late this morning.

Decided to catch a couple extra zzz’s on the sofa and now it is almost time to go.

 

A friend at work reminded me when I am feeling less than positive and sunny ……

To read my blogs as they are positive and will lift my mood.

Note: to self READ WHAT YOU WRITE.

DO AS YOU SAY …..

 

Have a wonderful Friday.

Special Hello to: my friend “K” who always gets me back on the right path …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 7th day of September, 2017.

Dark still and the air is cool which is wonderful as it is to be plus 31 degrees celsius today.

Wow and it is September 7th …..

Funny how it cools down at night and can be so warm during the day.

 

Last night my daughter picked me up after work and we went straight to COSTCO.

Picked up some items and then off to our VET to pick up food, glucosamine and treats for Mr. Alvin

Then home to a happy boy.

My daughter stayed for supper and was happy to share the fruit crisp that I had made on the weekend.

I made it with fresh apples, rhubarb and cherries – all of which were grown local in Edmonton.

It was super delicious.

After supper we visited before she gathered her fridge food items from COSTCO and was on her way.

I always enjoy our rides as we have some of our best conversations in the car.

Thank you once again my darling for a perfect visit.

We always love having you here.

 

Dreams ….. do you dream?

I dream lots usually.

Sometimes I can remember a flicker of what I dreamed and other times I wake feeling sad, anxious or super recharged and over the moon.

Speaking of moon …… I noticed a FULL MOON last night.

That would count for some things.

 

Well almost time to head out the door.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

Remember (reminder to me, too) to be KIND and LIVE EACH MOMENT WITH CARE AND INTENTION.

Once those moments have gone – they have gone.

No turning back.

We want to live with no regrets.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. Happy September ….. when is G’s birthday?

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 26th day of June, 2015.

YAY, it is the weekend.

It is a gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

Few clouds clearing up from our rain and lightning storm overnight.

Sun rising.

Breeze keeping it cool for now.

Forecast is for another hot day.

Yesterday on the bus ride home ….

Several times over the radio a female voice announced to the drivers “that another driver was pulled over and sick to their stomachs” …. she also reminded them to keep hydrated and if they feel faint or sick to PULL OVER.

Our bus driver comments “they are dropping like flies.”

That is a great reminder to everyone in this heat “KEEP HYDRATED” ….

That is also a HUGE REMINDER to those people who have children and pets …. KEEP THEM HYDRATED.

I was kind of upset as I noticed on my bus ride home all of the people out walking their dogs in this heat.

Honestly some people do not think before they act.

Hot weather is not great for anyone, and can you imagine with a fur coat.

That is why animals in the wild stay in the shade during the heat of the day.

Hopefully today people realize that and keep their pets cool and hydrated.

Also not one of those people owners had water with them.

Well it is almost time for me to leave to go to work.

I am so grateful that I have central air.

I am so grateful that Mr. Alvin will be home and comfortable.

We always wait and walk later in the evening although I am sad to say that we have not walked the past couple of nights.

But better to be healthy than suffer from heat stroke.

Animals get heat stroke, too.

Same as us.

Special Hello to: my sister who is leaving Regina for Calgary this afternoon …. safe drive, you guys.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 17th day of June, 2015

This morning I awake to rain…

Today as always, begins in a state of gratitude.

I begin each day writing as a physical reminder.

This morning part of my bus route is being detoured so I am catching the earlier bus.

This morning there is a Memorial March for a fallen Police Officer here in Edmonton.

Police Men and Women will come for all over to participate to show their appreciation and support.

I am grateful to the men and women who work to protect us all from harms way.

It does always make me think “but why?”

We should not have to place other human beings in harms way from each other.

You would think after how many thousands of years that we would have evolved to be more peaceful.

I am disappointed, but yet hopeful, that someday, perhaps not in my lifetime,it will happen.

So on this day I would like to say thank you to all those people out there who work to keep us safe.

I do appreciate your time away from your family, and to those who were taken from their families much too early you have my eternal gratitude.

Please take a few minutes today to show your support.

Our neighbourhood,and many others in our City have wrapped blue ribbons around trees and posts to show their support.

Special Hello today:  to all of our women and men in blue ….. you are the best.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 2nd day of April, 2014.

How are you this morning?

I am doing pretty GOOD.

I think.

Although Alvin has been sniffing again …… oh, please …..

I wish with all my heart and soul that the only living breathing beings in my house are me and Alvin.

I am listening to the song from the movie FROZEN ….. “Let it GO” …..

It is a reminder to let it go …….

Only keep what you need and want …..

Let the rest of the stuff go.

I know it is not always easy.

I can tell you from my heart …..

It is not always easy but you have to let it go.

Keep the good stuff.

When Alvin does his thing ….. or else I hear a noise that I am unsure of ….. my mind wanders to that bad place…. you know …

I would love to shut down all those silly voices ….. throw away those thoughts …..

Each day I work on ME.

That is all you can do after all.

On the UP side last night Alvin were out for a walk after supper and while out met a nice couple from the United Kingdom (England).

We chatted for a long while ….. they are moving to Canada for work.

Now listening to “HAPPY” by Pharrell Williams.

Good song to listen to ……. I like the line “if you feel like a room without a roof” …… if you feel like happiness is the truth …..

Listen to your favourite song or perhaps a new one.

Always good to expand.

Have a wonderful day.

Special Hello to: my friend “P” from back in Regina …… I didn’t forget your birthday …. Happy Birthday…

Always, Carol and Alvin