Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! As the month is winding down it is time to reflect on what has been. October was a good month with warm days, some rain, leaves turning colour, meeting old and new friends on our walks, spending time with friends and family, enjoying those days that we can work from home and just breathing in the breath of life. Wow, today is October 28, 2022. Almost Halloween! I am working from home so have decided this year not to dress up. One of the few times that I have not dressed up on Halloween and that may change. I would not dress up until later in the day if I changed my mind. Yesterday at lunchtime, I decided to walk over and pick up Alvin’s two cases of canned food that was specially ordered in for him. Firstly, I stopped at the convenience store close to the vet clinic and cashed in my lotto tickets (won $2.00 yay) and picked up some tickets for tonight and tomorrow. I love money. I called the vet to let them know that I was outside as this has been the protocol for quite some time as they leave the front door locked so they can monitor the amount of people in the clinic at any one time. Makes it safe for the staff. “B” opened the door and greeted me, once inside she grabbed Alvin’s food for me while I picked up a bag of the treats that he is allowed. Do not want to run out of them, lol. The girls were concerned about me carrying two cases home but I reassured them that I had brought with me two bags and could carry one in each hand. I would be okay. Just then I heard a voice and out from the back came Dr. Karen with her coat on and purse across her body “saying that I can give you a ride home.” I was very grateful and of course took her up on the offer. I said goodbye to the girls and made an appointment for Alvin before I left for 30 days from his last appointment for his ears. If he needs to go back soon for his nails etc., then I will take him. On the way home we talked about Halloween. Dr. K mentioned about how they decorated the house (outside) and I was blown away when she told me they usually have over 300-400 kids/people come to see the house and for treats. WOW. She does not live far from me but I was not quite sure exactly the location. Karen said “we can just take a quick trip over and then you can see the house.” Well it is definitely within walking distance for us. Her house was done up to the ten’s. OMG. So well done and they were only 2/3 completed. Very impressive. I told her that we would pop by after work on Monday as I work from home. It will still be light and before the kids come over. She said that she would have something for Mr. Alvin. Then she took me home. I hope that the weather holds for Halloween. It rained sometime after the first time we were out last night and there remain some dark rain clouds in the sky. Fingers crossed for nice weather for the kiddos and parents on Monday.

I took today off and I am so glad that I did, as we enjoying some extra cuddles on the sofa before getting up to start this Friday. One of my friends needs some help trimming her tree and needs my ladder and tree trimming tool so we will do that a bit later when it warms up although it is not cold outside now. My daughter is stopping by after work and a trip to COSTCO to have supper with us. I have planned to have some roasted root vegetables, a salad with raspberries and biscotti for dessert. Almost time to head in the shower and then get this day going. We will have time for a walk this afternoon. I have a few other items on my to do list for today and this weekend. Next weekend the decorations for Christmas begins so I want to clean the blinds and wash the baseboards this weekend, some extra cleaning.

We were outside a little while ago when I noticed that a piece of my neighbours’ siding was loose and blowing in the wind. I ran back into the house and grabbed my phone to take a photo and send it to them. I would not want them to open their patio door just as the siding fell down. It could injure someone and also if they can rescue that piece and with a ladder, move it back into place, then they will not have to buy a new piece. Siding may be hard to find and in this colour.

I hope that you have a great Friday. Enjoy.

Off to have a nice warm shower and then have coffee before getting down to business.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 25th day of January, 2020.

Last night my daughter gave me a ride home from work.

I always enjoy our rides and visits, catching up.

Cannot believe that we have already been in the newly renovated old office for one full work week.

 

Today, this morning, in about two hours; the pups Teddy (Alvin’s BF) and Kobi (his little sister) are coming to stay with us for one week.

Mom & Dad are going to Mexico for a vacation.

We are excited to have them stay with us and I am a little afraid of the unknown, like our first night together.

Kobi sleeps in her own “condo” at home which is basically their front entranceway.

Their front entranceway is like a room with a door so it is easy to block it off.

I borrowed a metal enclosure so that I could set it up and put her bed and things inside.

It will go in the kitchen which is the biggest area on the main floor.

I will set it up after supper tonight.

Apparently she chews baseboards and stuff.

The stuff I know as she took my shoes from the back door and was going to chew on them.

Alvin never did that although I will say that when I adopted him he was closer to a year old.

But he did always have hold of my pant leg.

Perhaps it was for fear that I would leave or just anxiety.

Puppy power.

So many things we never think of but Kobi’s new parents are learning with each passing day.

Last time she was here, there were three pooping accidents, so eyes need to be open and paying attention.

Which I did think we were but apparently not.

My hope that is Mr. Alvin sleeps through the night otherwise it could be several early mornings.

Tonight will be the test.

I surely hope it goes smoothly.

I love these little guys but need to have sleep.

So please Mr. Alvin no repeat of last night, er, this morning.

Looks like a nap later this morning.

Well life is full of lessons and learning.

I am excited to have that little bundle of fur spending time with us.

She is so full of energy and happy.

There will be three juggling for a spot beside me.

Good thing that Kobi will be sleeping downstairs (she has been used to that since the first weeks she came to live with Teddy and his family).

She likes having her own condo, her own space.

Teddy and Alvin like to sleep with me.

So that all works out, just fine.

 

Well time to go and change bedding, get dressed, gather towels and get that laundry going.

Today will be quiet.

We have spent a day together so this is not new.

 

Our friend, Alvin’s girlfriend’s Mom is going this afternoon for a visit.

Feel so sad about losing Miss Abby.

I am now spelling her name correctly.

I apologize for the wrong spelling in prior posts.

Past coworkers and friends are coming to visit tomorrow afternoon.

We are going to visit and have a round or two of JENGA.

So excited to see them.

Time for some puppy love.

One person for each pup.

That works out well.

 

Well I hope that all is well.

If I have a day that I cannot get to the post, please forgive me.

I will do my best.

 

Have an awesome day.

So happy this weather is mild.

The pups can be in the backyard for a bit.

We can go for walks.

 

Happy Saturday.

Fill it with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, yes it is Thursday morning.

Dark outside and will be for several more weeks …. months but that is okay.

It is almost dark by the time that I arrive home from work.

In a short time it will be dark before I arrive home.

Last night I hitched a ride home with my daughter.

So nice to catch up and talk about what was on our mind.

Some work talk and Christmas.

After my daughter continued onto home; I ran, no actually I walked and picked up Mr. Humphrey.

He was to spend the evening with us.

After I brought him to the house a short while later, Alvin and I went for a walk.

Another short one but still fresh air and some exercise.

If Alvin wants to go home I let him lead the way.

I do not want him to get cold.

After we got home, I got Alvin settled in the house before going outside to the front to shovel the sidewalks for us and for Humphrey’s Mom.

I am so grateful that I have great neighbours.

Humphrey’s Mom shovelled the walk before I arrived home from work on Tuesday night after the large snowfall.

 

We had a nice evening.

Me and the boys.

I wrote some more letters for my Christmas cards.

Writing letters is a dying art form.

Most people do not send Christmas Cards.

They tend to send emails or a shout out from Social Media.

Maybe a emoji or GIF (is that the correct term) of something Christmas.

I will always send some Christmas cards and letters as long as I can hold a pen and write.

Sometime tells me that I have MANY good writing letters and cards left in me.

I would like to be doing this at 100 years old.

Wouldn’t that be awesome.

In fact, I started making cards when I was 8 years old.

The first card was a Valentine’s card for my grandparents.

Decades later when I was looking for something in my Grandma’s dresser drawers; I found a box with some cards and one of them was this card from 8 year old me.

She had saved most of the cards that I had sent to her over the years.

The Christmas Cards, the Birthday Cards, Mother’s Day and the letters that I had mailed from wherever I was living over the course of my life.

I spend a few years living with my Grandmother after my Grandfather died so she was like a Mother to me.

 

Well looks like time to sign off for another day.

I wish you well.

Happy Thursday.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog, I am most grateful.

 

Special Hello to You ….

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 14th day of September, 2018.

WOW, is it almost mid point of September.

Seems like only yesterday it was the first day.

We woke up to no additional rain/snow so that is good.

It is extra warm in the house so  am thinking it did not cool off much last night.

I caved and turned on the furnace a few days ago as it just was not worth freezing or having to always have socks and a sweater on.

I pay the bill so figured why not.

I keep the temperature at a constant temperature so it will be okay.

I am grateful that it is Friday and tonight my daughter is giving me a ride home.

Carpool has an appointment this afternoon so is not able to drive me home.

I always love spending anytime with my daughter.

All that time is extra precious.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket.

It is a habit now.

Along with having a massage everyday.

Funny how that works.

I need to form a new habit and get on doing some pilates and yoga.

No time like the present to start something new.

 

Was thinking yesterday that we kind of skipped fall and went right to winter.

I changed my door wreath from summer to fall.

We are not even officially finished with summer, fall has not come to the calendar yet and winter officially does not come until December?

Not quite ready for the winter one yet.

My poor sunflowers are drooped over and looking so sad.

Grass and trees are mostly still green under the skiff of snow.

Not totally covering the ground.

Sidewalks and streets appear to be dry.

Looks I know can be deceiving but I will soon find out.

 

Does it sound like I am babbling?

Well I kind of am.

Just typing what comes to my mind.

Isn’t that more fun?

Just to see what DOES come to mind.

You never know.

 

I am excited to see my young girl friends for coffee here at my house on Sunday.

Haven’t seen them for what seems like forever.

 

I guess this will be the weekend to switch closets over although I was thinking of doing something different.

Leaving all tops in my bedroom closet and placing all dresses/skirts/pants/jeans/shorts in the spare room closet.

Might be a nice change.

There are so many things that I wear all year long.

Time to put away sandals and bring up winter boots, argh.

Winter coats, scarves, mitts and hats, yuck.

I pulled out a pair of mini gloves and have been wearing them the past couple of days.

Please do not think that I am not grateful to have more than one winter coat, mitts, hats and scarves and winter boots; I am most grateful.

Just seems so early to be wearing those items.

Although next week is still forecasting to be in the teens and that will feel like summer once again.

 

Well time to finish getting ready for work.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

I have lots to do at work and am going to get SO MUCH done today.

Feels like a great day.

No interruptions.

That would be lovely and perfection.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who is always busy and one of the most thoughtful people on the planet.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 22nd day of June, 2018.

HOT temperatures blasted our City for the past few days.

Thankfully it has been cool to walk in the morning.

 

Thankfully during the night we had some rain and it has cooled things down outside a bit and there are crashes of thunder happening now.

Looks like more rain.

We opted for no walk this morning as with the rain comes mosquitos as that was apparent in the back yard.

We will go for a walk tonight.

 

Cute story from yesterday morning.

AS you know I caught the bus to work.

On the way to the office I stopped by a nearby 7-11 to see if they had bus tickets.

They had tickets on hand,  so I decided to also grab a cup of coffee.

I almost pulled out a row of cups for the cool drinks with my bag, how funny.

Just call me “Grace.”

After I decided on which blend of coffee, I poured the size that I wanted and gingerly carried the cup to the other side to grab a wrap to put around the hot container.

There had been a young man on the same side pouring his coffee so that is why I went to the other side for the wrap.

After I slipped the piece of cardboard onto the cup, I looked for the lids.

Did not see lids?

So I asked this very handsome young man “Excuse me, do you know where the lids are hiding?”

He smiled and replied “Over here” and as he carefully grabbed one he said “Oh, I am sorry if I got germs on it.”

I replied “No worries, a few germs don’t hurt you.”

He laughed.

We carried on a conversation about germs until we reached the counter.

He got there first and started his transaction and then told the cashier that he would pay for my coffee.

I blushed and said “thank you but I am getting bus tickets so that is okay, but thank you for making my day.”

We went back and forth for a few more seconds before he was on his way.

Polite young man.

He had said that someone recently had out of the blue paid for his coffee and he was surprised by a stranger’s generosity.

Nice to see such kindness.

He made my day for sure.

I will continue to speak to strangers and ask questions about coffee lids.

 

Yesterday the power went off in the late morning at morning and with it the A/C.

So home we were sent.

I was signing leases when the power first went out and managed to finish them.

Thankfully one of the higher ups gave me a ride home so that I would not have to wait for the bus.

 

With this heat one’s energy seems to drain quickly.

Alvin and I had a long nap yesterday afternoon by the fan.

 

Teddy, our little four-legged friend arrived last night and will stay with us until Saturday.

So grateful that Alvin has company.

 

So important during the summer heat to keep hydrated.

Keep animals and children and seniors and YOU out of hot vehicles and hydrated.

If you think going for a walk is nice when it is HOT – your small children and DOGS do not.

They can get very sick or every DIE from being OVER HEATED ….. heat exhaustion/heat stroke are real.

Another real situation is the burning of a dog’s pads on their paws.

 

A few years back we found a lost dog wondering by our house on a hot, hot day – we managed to secure the poor one and bring into my back yard.

I had Alvin and also my daughter and two pups visiting with other family members.

Back yard was a good choice in the shade to check the doggie.

This poor dog was in bad shape.

We had no idea how long she had been outside in the heat without food or WATER.

We gave the doggie some water, slowly and found when checking that the pads on the bottom of her paws, were raw from the HOT PAVEMENT.

We took this dog to the EMERGENCY VET Clinic for treatment.

 

PLEASE be aware that when you are walking your dogs on these incredibly hot days whether on the sidewalk or pavement that it is BURNING HOT.

How would you like to be forced to walk in your bare feet on scorching hot sidewalks and pavement, you know that you would not.

Be KIND.

So please either take your dogs for a walk early in the morning before it becomes too hot.

Walking in the early morning is so relaxing and enjoyable.

Always have water with you regardless.

Keep everyone as cool as possible.

BASEMENTS are a good place to relax in the heat.

 

Have a great Friday and enjoy summer.

Special Hello to: all my friends and family.  Keep cool and safe and hydrated.

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 27th day of February, 2018.

Almost the end of February.

Another beautiful day on the way.

My daughter gave me a ride home last night.

Home extra early which was nice.

Alvin had did his business, had supper and I got changed.

I have found a non-salted route for us to walk.

We had the best walk in a long time.

I think that Mr. Alvin was beginning to think we were not going to walk again.

Poor little guy.

 

When Teddy and his Aunt came for a visit and supper on Sunday, “J” brought us some beautiful Daffodils.

I wanted to share them with you.

Feeling like spring.

There is nothing like the yellowness of the Daffodils to get you wanting to do a HAPPY DANCE.

Adding this: the stems are the most perfect spring green.

I am dancing in my chair.

Swaying my body and feeling good.

I shall visualize these flowers all the way to work.

Enjoy.

 

I hope that you all have the most wonderful Tuesday.

One thing that I have learned to make certain that I do is to “keep an open mind.”

It is far to easy to get stuck in a mindset and not give people and situations a chance.

How about we try on this Tuesday to “keep an open mind.”

We will add this to our “kindness” and “respectful” philosophy.

We will grow each day.

No matter our age or status.

 

Happy Tuesday.

Special Hello to: all those people who continue to learn and to grow.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 26th day of February, 2018.

Another gorgeous day on the way.

Yesterday was so beautiful.

We/I had the best weekend.

Started off speaking with my sister for her birthday.

She was at her son’s home so I had the great opportunity to speak with my nephew and his wife.

Great way to begin the weekend.

Saturday night out for dinner and a movie with my friends.

Sunday morning my daughter brought Mr. Alvin home and also brought along grand-pup Milo.

We had pancakes together and a great visit.

In the afternoon, Teddy and his Aunt came for a visit and stayed for supper.

Teddy’s Aunt brought the fixings for a supreme TACO meal.

OMG, so good.

Absolutely delicious.

I supplied dessert which was pineapple and my homemade chocolate chip cookies with Steeped Tea’s “Coconut Key Lime Dip” added.

Best two days.

Both Alvin and I had a mini break surrounded by friends and family.

We are so blessed.

Hard to believe it is Monday morning already …. where does the time go.

 

The Olympics are over …..

I am very proud of all the Olympic Athletes for their participation in the games.

So very proud of our Canadian Olympic Athletes who came in 3rd in the overall medal count.

It is great to see the world come together and share such an amazing experience.

 

Well here we go again, almost time to go and catch that bus.

My daughter is giving me a ride home (YAY, Momma).

Last week I got a ride home every night.

So lucky.

 

Have an awesome day everyone.

Be kind and respectful.

Do your utmost best to be a good citizen of this planet.

Be there …. show up …..

 

Special Hello to: my friends and my family who made this such an amazing weekend.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 21st day of February, 2018.

Today was my Grandmother Stella’s Birthday.

If she were alive she would be 117.

I miss my days with her.

She taught me so much and sometimes said things that I did not wish to hear.

Happy Birthday Gran.

 

I would like to think that it is warming up but not sure at this point.

Yesterday was cold.

Who knows.

I do know one thing – spring is right around the corner.

Just a few weeks until our time changes.

We put our clocks ahead one hour ….. now that takes some getting used to ….. losing an hour.

 

Last night as I was chatting with a friend at the bus stop.

A bus stopped, and I had not really been paying attention when my friend “C” appeared in the door way of the bus.

She said …. “Come on, wanna a ride.”

I quickly said “Have a good night to my other friend” and hopped onto the bus.

I also thanked the bus driver for waiting and he said “No problem, there was a red light.”

Made me giggle.

 

What a great Tuesday I had ….. I got so much done at work …… more than my TO DO LIST.

Today will be even better.

Stay focused and give it my all.

 

With being home so early and able to see the ground beneath us, I figured it was time to walk.

The weather has been cold, icy and on those nice nights too much salt on the walks.

We made it to the park and home but my poor Alvin seemed to find all of the salt.

I did my best to steer him away and when he stepped on it, I quickly wiped his paws with my mitts and scarf.

I guess I should take a towel with me.

During my ride home last night we chatted about the salt and walks.

Came up with an idea ….. baby socks ….. I should try them.

I am pretty certain that Alvin will not keep them on his paws but you never know.

At least it may help.

That way if he wears them …. I would know okay to purchase actual booties for pups.

 

Well time to get this show on the road once again.

I truly hope that you have a fantastic Wednesday.

Yesterday on my bus ride to work I repeated my mantra over and over.

I tell you …. certainly helped me get through the work day.

Try your mantra ……

If you do not have one ….. make one up…..

You have to start somewhere.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” ….. finally tried all of the items in the Valentine’s gift box and everything was AMAZING.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 24th day of January, 2018.

My fingers still from time to time, want to stop on the 7 instead of the 8.

I guess it takes a few thousand times of keying, writing 2018 to get it right.

Oh well.

Another gorgeous day on the way.

So grateful to have these days and to my friend who gave me another ride home last night from work.

It makes about a 40 minute difference in the length of my evening before bed.

I have been able to take Mr. Alvin for a walk and to be able to see where I am walking.

I can see if the sidewalk is icy or not.

More easily to avoid the icy spots.

Thank you “C.”

It is funny the difference between the car and the bus.

 

Last night I was dreaming and I kept waking up.

Finally at 4:00 a.m., I guess Alvin decided it was his turn to get up.

He tried before …..

So we got up and then after he was finished eating, drinking and going outside we hit the sofa for almost 90 minutes.

Which was glorious.

But guess what I fell back into the dream world.

Crazy.

 

The dream(s) were good and I woke up happy.

Maybe I won the lottery.

My friend is picking us up tickets for a few draws starting with the one for tonight.

That would be wonderful.

You never know.

Financial freedom would be awesome.

First always is good health and then financial freedom.

For me.

Well time to get ready for work.

The minutes in the morning always seem to zip by.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful Wednesday.

Keep dreaming …. visualize.

I do try but need to do more until I master the art of visualization.

Thoughts become things.

Visualizing just enhances the experience.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister ….. H-Allo

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 12th day of January, 2018.

Last day of the work week, yay.

Been a cold week but a good one.

I was so grateful to have another ride home last night with my friend.

So grateful not to be standing out waiting for the bus for a long period of time in this cold weather.

Tomorrow is to be “0” …. I guess we shall see.

I hope so, Mr. Alvin is going just a little stir crazy with no walks.

I get that.

 

I was reading one of the books that I have written by Mike Dooley “Thoughts from the Universe.”

These books inspired me to write my thought for the day.

I used to receive a daily email from him but as of late or actually quite a while, now that I think about it, have not received them.

I miss them.

This weekend I shall look into it and see if I can once again receive them.

Or perhaps there is a charge now – they used to be free.

 

So many things in life come with a price tag.

Very sad.

 

Well almost time to get this show on the road.

Takes me a few minutes to get into all of my winter apparel.

I hope that everyone keeps warm and safe in this frigid weather.

We welcome warmer temperatures and hopefully with clear skies and sunshine.

 

Special Hello to: Mike Dooley, somewhere out there writing on behalf of the Universe.

Always, Carol & Alvin