The Next Chapter

Good Morning! The sky is blue and the sun is shining. I got up early for a day off and had a shower already. Last night after work I struggled to change out the new oven element for the new one. The first parts were easy of course, unplug from the electrical receptacle (of course), remove the oven racks and set side, undo the two screens that hold the element in place, done. BUT then it came to remove the element from the wire connectors. Nope they would not budge. I must have watched 20 videos and some of them twice and in all of them, the moderator easily pulled/disconnected the wires. There were some texts to friends and to my daughter. Not for me an easy task, I did not want to pull too hard on the wire connectors and wreck them. I was able to finally to get in touch with my neighbour who came over right away. Steven said that they were really tight (so I did not feel so helpless ). I then found out that I had the wrong replacement element. The one that my daughter had picked up had different way of connecting the wires. So this morning we are off to Home Depot to hopefully exchange. I have the receipt on my phone. Hopefully they can do a straight exchange and I am glad that I did not throw away the bit of light cardboard that was wrapped around part of the element with the brand name and instructions. No one’s fault, I had no idea it was different. My oven story. So instead of something that took supposedly a few minutes ended up being almost two hours ( I had to stop in between and have supper, lucky for me I had leftovers to be warmed in the microwave). My ride just said morning and I know they are early risers so I wanted to make sure that I was up early – just in case he calls and said “ready to go.” I should have asked the time but in all the shambles of the situation, I simply forgot. Oh well, definitely not the end of the world. I could likely do without the use of the oven for awhile but I like to bake or roast things more than anything. I did realize that my oven needed to be cleaned. Not my favourite job that is for sure. I spent part of the evening cleaning the oven and stove. I had to be careful because the wire connectors are exposed and I did not wish to get them covered in anything (the stove remains unplugged). Certainly a lot easier to clean without the element in place. I am so grateful to have such great neighbours. I wish that I was better at fixing things and technology. Cookie baking I got.

The Easter bags with my coworkers were a hit. Our Manager hid some chocolate eggs for us to find. Mostly around our desks. It was a nice early morning distraction from the coming day. Remember I do love the commute.

Well I have lots to do this weekend. This morning an unplanned trip to Home Depot. Then finish with the stove and then start washing walls and baseboards and light fixtures etc. I will start with the upstairs. Big job on my list is the office closet. It needs an overhauling. Also time to redo my wall size bulletin boards. Rearrange and put up some new things ….. cards for Alvin ……. Perhaps one of the boards will be for me and one in memory of him, of me “Alvin.” I sure miss him. Feels quiet and lonely in the house by myself. He is looking out of the bedroom window with his favourite Teddy Bear & Gnome by his side wrapped in his blue blanket. Life is always changing.

I look forward to coffee this morning. Wishing you a wonderful Good Friday and Happy Easter Weekend. Be safe, be well and have fun. Remember to laugh, to smile. Sometimes we forget in all of the stuff we call “life.”

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)

P.S. I hope that the Easter Bunny does not forget me this year. Not sure when the cut off is for home delivery, lol.

A New Year 2023

Good Morning ALL! Hello. I am sorry but I haven’t posted for a couple of days due to Mr. Alvin being “sick.” I guess it was just after a few hours after we went to bed on Monday night (to work on Tuesday) when he woke up and needed to go outside and that is where it started. He had to pee, so I let him outside. Most of the time I go outside with him and sometimes I just let him out and watch him from the back door. The next time he went out a few hours later, I went with him and and realized that he had diarrhea which was filled with blood. More blood than poop. I almost started to cry. That is never a good sign for anyone. Last time he had major surgery after I spotted a drop of blood in his pee and that was February of 2021. My heart fell to my knees. We were up and down, (no sleep) and then I sent a text at a reasonable hour to my Manager explaining and advising that I would not be working Tuesday. As soon as the Vet Clinic was open I called to set up an appointment. The irony was that I had an appointment for today, this afternoon to have his nails etc. done (regular). The soonest we could get in was noon which was good as I needed to find a ride to the vet. I was very lucky that one of my friends and nearby neighbours was off yesterday and was very happy to give us a ride. Then the waiting. I think the waiting is the hardest. Every time he went outside there was blood, some 24 hours later there is still blood but it is becoming a bit less. We were picked up just before noon and off we went. I totally forgot to take a mask with me and had to ask for one inside the clinic. The vet requires all humans to wear one while in the exam rooms. I explained everything and showed the photos that I had taken to the Clerk at reception desk before we went in to wait in one of the two exam rooms. Not long later the Vet Assistant came to retrieve Mr. Alvin. Then the waiting. Actually, it was not too long. So long story short as honestly it is a blur. The blood was red and not tarry which is good and there are a long list of reasons why, he was eating and drinking water and no blood in his urine, also good. He had lost a bit of weight which was good as he had put on a couple of pounds. The first thing she said we needed to do was to put him on medications to stop the diarrhea, he would need Probiotics and Fibre (age). I asked about all the blood in his stool and she said that she had seen more. For now, not to worry, we need to get his stool back to normal. He also has to go on a bland diet (chicken & rice) for a few days. So that is that. He does not seem to be in any pain. Although I would say not quite his old self. My friend picked us up after I got the medications, instructions and paid the bill. Then we were off to the grocery store as I needed rice, chicken and Metamucil (fibre). So here we are. I am not working today as I had little or no sleep again last night. I hope that over the next day or so, he is back to normal. If not, there will be more tests. Fingers crossed and saying lots of prayers.

I need coffee. On the upside my Ricki’s order arrived yesterday and the 5TB external hard drive for my photos. YAY.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. I really need coffee this morning – a bit late. With not having to work, I was able, we were able to get a bit of sleep.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are all doing well. Both Alvin and I are doing great. He slept till 4:30, then up and outside and back to the sofa. I am working at the office today so just trying to make sure that I have the house as cool as possible. It is only to be plus 22 degrees celsius with possibility of rain showers. We could use a little rain. Looking out of the office window the trees are swaying in the breeze against the bright blue sun lit sky. Beautiful. I guess we should have got up even earlier and gone for a walk but we can go after work. Just to many things to do and I have a ride so I need to make sure that I am on time. We need to go outside in the backyard again – have to make sure that he goes if he needs to and also that he drinks some water. He hasn’t had much this morning.

Some of my favs: flowers and my kiddos (one human and the other Alvin)

Time to fly.

Forgive the rather small post.

Have an awesome day.

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

I hope that the coffee is good at the office.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: wow 27 sleeps till I turn 65!

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? Today we celebrate my longest friend’s birthday and that would be my sister. We have been together since 1959. She is the best. Wishing my sister the best day. She also shares this day with two more special women. My friend Diana whom I have known since the early 80’s and my neighbour down the street Arlene. Both incredible friends and I would like to wish them a very Happy Birthday.

This is an odd day as today is Alvin’s ultrasound. I felt guilty going to the bathroom a few minutes ago because he cannot. They want him to have a full bladder and he was not allowed to eat anything after 10:00 p.m. last night so I made sure he basically had a good late snack just before ten. I went to bed at late as I possibly could hoping that he would sleep in a bit later. Sleeping is better than wanting food and wanting to go bed and you are not allowed. I feel so bad for him. I think it was about 3 a.m. when he first got up and went outside and did both, I also gave him his glucosamine chew. We then headed back to the sofa. He woke up I think about 5:00 and then kept trying to get me up until we were up just before 7:30 a.m. I thought the later / longer we slept the easier it would be on him. I am hoping that he doesn’t have to poop but if he did at 3:00 a.m. and has not ate …. he should be okay. This breaks my heart. We are getting a ride to the vet which is nice. He looks sad. I guess he realizes that something is off the norm for sure. I am keeping positive thoughts and energy for my little guy that all is well inside him. He has not had blood in his pee for at least two days now. So hopefully that is a good sign.

The sun is rising, there are clouds in the sky and it looks mixed up as I am feeling. I am happy that it is my sister’s birthday and two of my friends but then I am concerned about Alvin.

Mr. Alvin

New sweater

A proper Gentleman

Flowers for the birthday girls

Well I will go now and wish the girls Happy Birthday on Facebook and then hop into the shower. Our ride will pick us up at 9:45 a.m. and I hope that the company that does the ultrasound will come to the clinic this morning. They gave a window of 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. …… not sure why it could not be an actual set time, one would think so with the money they are charging. I am going to voice my concerns. Why our beloved pets through this. I hope it is this morning. Oh, I hope it is this morning.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Me and Alvin in the beginning of our lives together.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Mixture up above this morning.

Front of the house ….. bright sunshine

Back of the house …. clouds rolling in ….

This week, last week and the coming week ….. all with rain in the forecast.

Well for now the plants and trees and lawns are enjoying it so much as you can tell by the vibrant greens of the plants.

My IRISES are blooming.

They are a miracle flower.

The stems are so long and thin it is a miracle that they can hold up this beautiful LARGE flower.

I could not help but to snap multiple photos …..

They do not last for a long time and I wanted to enjoy them while I can.

I am hoping that you enjoy them, too.

Alvin was looking out the window from his favourite chair last night as I snapped a couple of photos of the IRISES.

The tree photos are from this morning.

So excited to see bright sunshine and blue sky.

I still cannot get over the green.

Feeling LUCKY IRISH, today.

I should have worn GREEN.

 

Back to last night.

Alvin and I enjoyed a wonderful walk.

The geese were out gobbling up food near the water at the entrance to park last night.

There were multiple families and the baby goslings all different sizes.

So cute.

I could have stood there or sat in the grass (a patch without goose poop) and watched them all night.

Alvin just sniffed paying no attention to them whatsoever.

They were watching him though.

Very carefully.

 

Lucky me, I do not have to catch the bus this morning as my neighbour is giving me a ride to work.

My carpool is on vacation, camping.

 

Well it is almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you all have an awesome Wednesday.

Yes, my friend V it is Wednesday already.

Time flies when you are having fun.

 

Reminder be kind and respectful.

It always begins with self.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Ah, Alvin is snoozing on his blue blanket beside me.

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 30th day of April, 2019.

The last day of April, 2019.

Well this morning there is no sunrise to be seen.

The sky is overcast.

White and grey no beautiful bright yellows and pinks to be found.

ARGH.

Oh well, this is the end of April and we cannot be surprised or disappointed with this weather.

It is what it is after all.

I snapped some photos to show you what we woke up to this morning.

Thankfully only a light cover.

But it is still snowing.

All the photos were taken from either the office bedroom which faces the backyard or our bedroom which faces the front of our house.

The tree is in the front.

Deck at the back.

So pretty with a light frosting of snow this morning.

The flash is on in the second and third photos giving the shingles and the lawn/tree a mystical appearance.

At the end of the day – am grateful for the moisture.

 

Last night we walked to our friend P’s house to check our her plants that she is starting in her house.

They are doing so great.

She truly has a green, green thumb.

In her outside garden there were pansies and crocuses blooming.

They did not seem to be bothered by the recent colder weather and snow.

So pretty …. and so delicate but oh so tough.

After taking in all the “greenery” we headed out for a nice long walk.

 

Humphrey joined us for a bit last night.

He just wanted to be outside.

The boys spent some time together in the backyard.

Content just to be.

 

Still snowing.

The street is wet but no snow accumulating however; in the backyard, a different story.

 

Spring in Western Canada or in Canada for that matter.

Snowing quite heavily now.

 

I guess that I had better head downstairs to ensure I am ready when my ride arrives.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Enjoy your day.

Be kind.

Live in the moment.

Breathe, just breathe.

 

Special Hello:  all those folks who are gardeners out here – you rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  the patio/deck furniture including the umbrellas look just a tad out of place sitting there covered in snow.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 18th day of April, 2019.

WOW, another gorgeous sky this morning.

The sunrise is a pale orange on the horizon reaching up to fluffy darker orange clouds filling in the dark blue sky above.

So beautiful.

How do you describe it?

Breathtaking.

No wind the trees are still.

 

Just as I was going to open the back door for Mr. Alvin a few minutes ago I happen to glance out of the kitchen window and saw a dark figure on top of the fence.

My heart fell for a moment.

As I swallowed hard trying to catch a better look at this uninvited guest.

I realized that it was a big grey and white cat (huge).

I know that Alvin and Humphrey get along but that is not always the case.

Did not want to see fur flying or blood at this time of the day (or at any time, really).

I grabbed my phone and there was static on the other end (another reason that I really do need to buy new phone or get a mobile phone) so I was unable to call my neighbour.

When Alvin and I went outside I noticed that her back door was open so I yelled to her as I knew that Humphrey would be in the back yard.

You never know how they will react to each other.

S came outside just after Humphrey let out this cry.

He was just claiming his territory.

All ended well with Humphrey chasing the stranger around the yard and into the tree and then he left.

Alvin in all of this just wanted to see the action.

He just heard what was going on.

Anyway, note to self, “Always check the backyard before Alvin goes out.”

So that was our excitement for this morning.

 

Well almost time to go and I do believe that Mr. Alvin did not “poop” in all of the excitement.

So we had better head downstairs so he can go.

Would be a long day if you had to hold it.

I could not do it.

 

I hope that you enjoy your Thursday before the long weekend.

I booked Tuesday off as well so that I will have an extra long weekend.

Oh, our all day off-site staff meeting was most enjoyable.

We had an on-staff Consultant lead a session by Sally Hogshead on how to be your best self in the workplace (there was a specific title but it eludes me at this point but that describes what it was all

about).

I quite enjoyed it.

But as always is a long time to sit in one spot and the chairs were not comfortable.

 

Time to fly.

Alvin is already up off his blanket.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter …. Hello my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 7th day of February, 2019.

Another COLD day has arrived …. actually the COLD has not departed.

When the sun shines during the day it seems like we have received a reprieve but once outside not so much.

But then again it is WINTER and part of winter is cold temperatures.

January was such a mix of temperatures.

So far this month is colder than January.

Oh well, each day the sun is rising earlier and setting later.

As always we are wishing the days away until the warmth touches our faces and soothes our souls.

Summer which is always a fleeting time of year ….. here one day and gone the next.

Or so it would seem.

Life in CANADA.

We are strange animals, we humans.

 

So onto another topic.

I took a couple of vacation days as Mr. Alvin is having surgery.

He is having a growth on his eye lid removed and his teeth cleaned.

They will also clean the anal glands, trim his nails and give him his regular vaccinations.

We and I mean, we, have had nothing to EAT or to DRINK since last night at 9:00 p.m.

We are FASTING.

Actually I tried and tried to get him to drink before bed as he could have a drink until 10:00 p.m. but no.

Poor little guy was looking all over for his water dishes.

The one in our room and the one in the kitchen.

I feel like a horrible bad Momma.

He was able to have his glucosamine this morning so that was good.

In about 45 minutes from now our friend will arrive to take us to his appointment.

I took this photo a couple of minutes of my boy.

He is not going to like me when I leave him at the Vet.

This is not the first time but this time feels different for some reason.

Perhaps because we usually walk over as it is in the summer.

Anyway, I know everything will go well and I will get the phone call to come and get him.

Last couple of times just after he woke up – they called for me to come and get him.

Keep positive thoughts for our boy.

Always good ….

Well I should go and get things ready.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Special Hello to: all those folks with beloved furry companions..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 13th day of November, 2018.

Alvin is sitting by my chair in the office as I key these words and Teddy is sniffing around the office checking things as only a couple of days ago, I changed some of the furniture around.

Only a few minutes ago as I was getting ready in my bathroom with Alvin at my side; Teddy was on the bed playing.

He scooped the pillows and ran under the blanket that lays on the foot of the bed.

Pillows flying in every direction.

He likes to play under the blanket.

When he came out from under his hair was electrified and was flying in all directions.

It was then that I realized that my camera was downstairs.

I missed such a cute photo.

But running down to grab the camera would have brought the subject in hot pursuit.

So I decided that tonight I will make sure that I have the camera with me at all times.

OMG, such a cute sight.

Oh, the boys.

Every morning Alvin gets a little less vocal and a bit more patient.

He is getting used to having a bit of Teddy’s chicken with his food.

ARGH.

They shared blueberries and a bit of banana when I was having breakfast.

Except there are always the moments like just now when Teddy wanted up on my lap and Alvin got between him and me.

He likes his BFF but there are parameters, I guess.

They are so cute.

Black and white, White and black.

Even this morning one of the times they were outside …. it was evident….. Alvin when coming toward the house turned to see where Teddy was.

Alvin came in but still watching for his Teddy.

 

Yesterday when we were out for a walk we came across a woman and a puppy.

We all stopped.

The puppy was a Tibetan Terrier.

Black and so cute.

So full of energy.

Woman said puppy was her daughter’s and she was looking after him.

Both Alvin and Teddy played together with the new friend.

 

Later after supper, I paid a visit to Humphrey the Cat.

He still wears the “cone of silence” as I call it (after GET SMART) or most commonly referred to the “cone of shame.”

I was pleasantly surprised when arriving that he was laying on the sofa.

After I took off my coat and shoes, I walked to the sofa and sat down.

Humphrey plunked himself on my lap.

Strange for a cat.

He sat there for a good ten minutes.

I stroked his neck and gently rubbed his back.

He got up and moved about and then returned to my lap.

He did this three times over the time I was visiting.

So cute.

 

What would I do without these babies.

So cute.

Such great company.

Still wishing that I had some photos from earlier.

They would have brought a smile to your face.

I am certain of that.

 

Well another beautiful day on the way.

It will be dark when I get home and the pups will be hungry as I am catching the bus today.

Both ways.

But we will go for a walk even if it is short.

Have to take advantage of this beautiful weather.

 

Well time to run as I have to catch a bus.

Will let the boys out again before I leave.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Special Hello to:  my sister ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 3rd day of August, 2018.

Well it is a much cooler morning and it is RAINING.

Our house is cooler and more comfortable.

No need to run fans or have windows open.

Nice break from the heat.

 

Last night / late afternoon, my sister, Alvin and I went for a nice walk.

It was raining just slightly when we started our walk.

But it was so refreshing.

 

My sister and I are getting ready as at some point we are going to West Edmonton Mall with her grandson/my great nephew to do some shopping.

He would like to look around as he has not been there lately.

Our ride will arrive sometime during the next hour or so.

 

Last night I made a rhubarb crisp from the rhubarb that one of my coworkers gave me.

OMG, so good.

Nothing like fresh from the garden.

 

Well this will be short.

Life is good.

Keeping busy with company and trying to keep cool (loving it today).

 

Happy Vacation.

 

I hope that you all have a great day.

Special Hello to: my friends near and far.

Always, Carol & Alvin