It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and well here we are today is Thursday.

Almost one week in the newly renovated office building.

I actually kind of like my new workspace.

What is taking a bit of getting used to it is so open.

If we use the stand up desk … you can see your neighbour.

It is loud as there is are upper dividers.

Nothing on the walls to absorb some of the sound and echoes.

But all in all, it is okay.

 

Last night Alvin and I shovelled the driveway and deck.

The stripping on the bottom of the garage door came part way off so I called one of my neighbours to the rescue.

Thankfully their older teenage son was home and came to help.

I am most grateful to have such great neighbours.

After that situation was handled; I went to shovel the front.

As I was shovelling the porch I happen to look down and see that the walk and the front of my house had already been shovelled.

My neighbour shovelled.

So then I went and shovelled Humphrey’s Mom’s front sidewalk and then to the house.

I am so blessed to know and be surrounded by such good people.

Got some exercise and fresh air.

We did not make it out for a walk which was disappointing as the snow was too deep for Alvin.

Not everyone had shovelled when we would have gone for our walk.

 

I have been posting some tips for reduction of Plastics on Facebook.

Especially single use plastics.

Most people are also posting tips.

Which has been nice.

At the end of the day it is not just plastics; it is everything.

We in North America are just crazy over the top consumers.

I look around my house and see all of the “stuff” that I have accumulated over the years.

Most things I never use.

To be honest.

Some things once a year and they remain in storage during the rest of the year.

I just want to be more aware and want others to be the same.

We will not always agree on everything but we need to try to do with less.

 

Well time for me to sign off for today.

Be Kind and Respectful to yourself, to others, to animals, to the environment and to this Planet.

We only have one.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 25th day of June, 2017.

We have had a glorious weekend here in Edmonton.

The sky was a bright blue earlier but now is clouding over…

I am planning to mow the grass so hopefully if it does rain that it waits for a little while.

Yesterday morning I helped my neighbour move things about from her garage to mine, temporarily.

Alvin had some anxiety issues and one of my friends from down the street heard him and came to the rescue.

She was worried that something had happened to me.

I guess when you live by yourself having people watch out is a good thing.

He was whining and barking as I had put a little wall so that he could not come into the garage from our backyard.

I did not want him to go into the back lane and a car come zooming down …. well you know what I mean.

I had been checking on him everything I came back into the garage but he is definitely a Momma’s boy …. has to be at my side on the weekends.

He is fine during the week but on the weekends when I am home ….. I have to be accessible to him.

All is well.

We had a play date with our friend and her little dog Presley although they really did not play with each other much.

Work in progress.  We had fun and Alvin played with a toy in the back yard …. running and chasing.  So cute.

Well after spending almost 45 minutes on my COUNTDOWN: 60 Days to 60 post I had better get going.

Lots to do.

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

Looking forward to mowing the grass.

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who has the best ideas.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 5th day of May, 2016.

It is overcast here in Edmonton this morning.

The air is cool and there is a breeze.

Such a difference from the past couple of days.

I am actually cold this morning.

I only hope that it has cooled off up north where the wildfires are burning out of control.

They need a break.

RAIN and no lightning would be great.

Sounds like everyone was evacuated safely and that is great news.

My heart goes out to all of the animals in the forest surrounding Fort McMurray, Alberta.

I hope that all of the dogs and cats were rescued from the City.

We are so grateful to all those brave men and women whose job is to go into the inferno to fight the fires.

Whether paid or volunteers we thank you.

I hope they are all safe.

To all of the individuals out there who came together to offer up a place to sleep or to gather necessities for the evacuees, we thank you.

 

Well here it is time to leave for work once again.

The time always passes quickly in the morning.

I am also grateful this morning to a young man, a friend of my kids who is helping to get my computer back in full operation mode.

Thank you.

 

So on this Thursday be safe.

Special Hello to: all the residents of Fort McMurray, Alberta and surrounding areas, we are grateful that you are safe and secure.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 5th day of August, 2015.

The skies are overcast this morning and there blows a cool breeze.

Sounds nice ….. perfect for a walk to the bus.

Just about that time once again.

Mr. Alvin is laying just outside the office in all his cuteness.

Just as I type the words he jumps up and walks into the office.

Back and forth.

Smelling things.

Now he sits on his hind quarters facing outwards as if to guard me ….

Just me and Alvin in the house.

He always does this ….. makes me feel safe.

I missed me Alvin when I was away for a few days.

Good to see everyone and to get away but I always love coming home.

Home is the best place on earth.

Me Alvin:

He is my quiet guard, my steadfast companion.

He is my boy …. who loves everyone …..

He is still recovering from his adventures at his sister’s house on the weekend and then our company.

He sure loved my sister and brother.

Most especially my sister but he always has been for the ladies.

Well looks like time to head out.

I could not help but to head back to the sofa for some extra zzz’s this morning.

Mr. Alvin wanted to go downstairs at 4:30 a.m. …… back to normal.

I guess he only sleeps until the alarm goes off when we have company.

Pretty thoughtful ……

Oh, no word about the dog from Sunday so I guess he had a chip and went back to his home.

We miss her.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Wednesday.

May the sun shine down upon you.

May a cool breeze fall upon your shoulders.

May you always be surrounded by love and laughter.

Special Hello to: all those folks who rescue our furry friends and others …. thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 3rd day of August, 2015.

The sky is partially overcast and there is a breeze.

Back home again after the sibling weekend visit.

My brother and sister are staying with me until tomorrow morning.

So we shall extend our visit which is great.

Alvin was so happy to see me …. us.

Yesterday right about the time we were to sit down to a family supper … about ten minutes after my daughter and grand-pups arrived ….

My neighbour came to the door asking for dog biscuits as she was trying to rescue a dog who was in the street running between parked cars ( ours is a busy street with people driving way too fast ).

I can tell you that my neighbour, my brother and daughter were able to get the doggie to my backyard where they gave her water and food and attention.

My sister joined in with them to keep her calm …. they took a blanket for her to lay on.

They tried to contact agencies ….

She was calming down and such a beautiful dog.

She was also injured …. her paws were blistered.

She must have been walking on the hot pavement for a few days.

After being at our house for just over a hour my daughter and brother drove her to the emergency vet (this was Sunday and no other vet clinics are open).

They drove her there and the staff at the emergency clinic would not let them stay … “our girl” was anxious and peed on herself ….. they took her away.

Said cannot tell them whether she had a chip or anything due to privacy acts.

You know sometimes that is such a crime.

Everyone bonded with her and would be happy to have her live with us.

My daughter cried when they had to leave and my brother sad.

If no owner cannot be contacted within 48 hours they will call my daughter.

When they returned and we sat down to supper it was almost 9:00 p.m.

We were glad that she had been found and that we were able to assist her as she was injured.

We were pretty certain that she has a family as she had a collar, the tag for shots …. her nails were trimmed.

Well I had better get back to my company.

Always excitement ….

So glad for a happy ending.

Special Hello to: people who rescue dogs and cats.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 27th day of October, 2013.

Well we officially have snow – just a light blanket of the white stuff covering the ground.

The roofs are white as well.

Looks pretty.

I do hope that it melts for Halloween.

They have been correct with their weather forecasts as of late.

Fingers crossed.

Well on this Sunday morning I hope that you had a great weekend thus far.

I am all ready to go to work.

I wonder will the store be busy.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to: those people who rescue animals, you rock.

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Story Line by line – October 12, 2013

Chapter Three:

October 1, 2013

“Jeannie, it’s me, ” I say in a firm hushed tone as she turns her head to the sound of my voice.

October 2, 2013

Jean smiles at me with warmth but something is missing, and I want so much to believe that this is real and that we are all together again; safe and happy.

October 3, 2013

Alvin who has been still (which is highly uncharacteristic of him) suddenly pulls on his leash and brings me forward with a jerking motion, as we are now within touching range; my heart almost stops and I gasp aloud.

October 4, 2013

Suddenly I hear the sweet soft voice of my sister “Grace” telling me “Do not worry” as my mind spins confused; I do not know what to say as I just stand there close enough to smell their scents.

October 5, 2013

I can hear Alvin sniffing, and as I turn my head to see what is happening he has jumped up on Edward’s legs wanting attention, and the reaction is startling.

October 6, 2013

“Please stop”, I yell at Edward, as I dive toward them.

October 7, 2013

Edward had reached down and pulled Alvin up by his harness holding him tightly in a football hold; as my poor boy whimpered, and all the while squirming to get away.

October 8, 2013

I was only a few seconds behind Alvin as I went tumbling through the air, and much to my surprise landing in Jack’s arms.

October 9, 2013

All of a sudden I realize that other than the few words that I have uttered in the minutes that I have been surrounded by my siblings; that not one of them has spoken a word; how odd.

October 10, 2013

I now remember that Grace had told me “not to worry” but did I actually hear her speak those words, and in between the noise and confusion in my head, I hear my Alvin whimpering as he wants to get down.

October 11, 2013

At this very moment, I really do not know what to do; screaming for help will not do me much good, and besides they are my family even though I have a funny feeling they are not from here or maybe it is that I am not from here.

October 12, 2013

This just seems so surreal, and in the moments that pass I am unsure and slightly frightened by all that is happening but I do know one thing for sure – I have to rescue Alvin from his hold and soon.