2021

Good Morning All! How are you this Saturday morning? We are doing well. My first time in weeks using the computer to write this post and it feels a bit strange. Mr. Alvin is patiently waiting downstairs for my return. I have been upstairs for a bit as I had a shower, put on makeup (yes, I did), got dressed, made the bed (yup) and a few other little things (okay brushing teeth). I am so happy that we had our first sleep upstairs in five weeks. It did not go quite as I had planned or hoped. There was a glimmer of hope that he would be so happy to be in the bed again that he would not react to the harness and leash although he has been wearing it the previous couple of nights on the sofa. I had washed his harness and dried in the dryer. Usually I let it air dry and I think that perhaps it may have shrunk a bit. Anyway, it just looked uncomfortable. So I put him in the main bathroom while I ran back downstairs to get the one dog collar that I have and put that on him. Now he has only ever wore a collar a couple of times since he came to live with me so he was freaked out by the whole thing. Perhaps it was more that we were upstairs, I don’t know and will never really know. We will see what happens tonight. He/We slept until just before 5:00 a.m. which was good considering we went to bed at 10:00 p.m. I gave him his breakfast and we went outside in the cool morning air. Once done I thought we would have a bit more sleep on the sofa. This time I was going to try and just keep my arm over him but he kept jumping up. I honestly think that those metal gate things are giving him anxiety. So I got his bed out of the kitchen and put in the living room. I laid back down on the sofa and although it took him a couple of minutes he did lay down on the bed. So that will be our future routine when we get up in the morning. If we keep doing it he will get used to it and not get so freaked out. When we got up the second time it was 7:22 a.m. and just now a huge ROAR of THUNDER. The once clear skies are overcast and perhaps we are going to have some rain. That would be nice. Although I did plan to take him for a walk in the next few minutes and almost my friends are having my birthday party here at 10:00 a.m. It was supposed to be at Gillian’s house but with Alvin, I cannot leave him for that long or at least not yet. It is one thing being upstairs. Back to getting up…. I gave him a pain pill and anti-anxiety pill and some food. He has actually been quite good since I came upstairs. Only a few barks.

Perhaps he will finally get used to the new routine. I have to start getting ready upstairs and it would be great to do this post on the computer. I am still figuring things out on the phone. The set up is a bit different. I was not able to change the category and it has been saving as miscellaneous and things like that.

Well I had better get going. I have a few things to do before the party starts. I guess there will be no walk. Don’t need to get rained on or to be struck by lightning. Good thing that Mr. Alvin is not scared of storms.

So this is our life. Living with a senior dog and being a senior, Yes, I will be 64 on Monday. That just seems not right. My mind is still in the 1970’s most days.

I hope that you are doing well. Thank you for continuing to read my posts, I so appreciate it.

Time to go back downstairs. I am going to make coffee early ….. need some.

Feels strange to have makeup on ….. I have not even been putting my “eyebrows” on lately.

I think it is raining. Good thing that I did not have the chance to water the flowers. HAIL. It seemed like hail as coming down so hard. The party may be delayed if the rain does not stop. ARGH.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Welcome to December 2020

Good Morning ALL. If you live in the province of Alberta, Canada – we have new COVID19 Restrictions. Buckle down time everyone. Yes, Christmas 2020 will look very different for a lot of folks. I am grateful that I am allowed to have my daughter and her husband come for Christmas. They will be the only ones allowed to visit me for the next thirty days. I cannot go to their house. Our girl friend Christmas will be done via ZOOM. Thank goodness for technology. Can you imagine if this would have happened in the 1970’s? I wonder if ZOOM, Skype and the INTERNET will be able to handle all of the calls this year. Christmas may just bring down the Internet, is that possible?

This reminds me of the Christmas story of the time that Christmas was almost cancelled due to the big storm but Rudolph came to the rescue. I guess “Santa” will still be able to get through even with COVID19 although he won’t be able to come into your house. Maybe folks will need to be creative this year when it comes to Santa’s visit. Maybe he can drop the gifts in a sack on your back doorstep. Not on the front as their are always those “bad people” or “desperate ones” who have to take things that do not belong to them. Anyway, food for thought. If you have a big wooden box or better yet a big rubbermaid container with a lid, Santa could fill the container and the items would remain dry in case of snowfall. Do you think it is possible that Santa may lose weight this Christmas? It is very possible. Not all of those cookies and milk to snack on. Poor Reindeer though. Santa will have to ensure that they are well fed before they leave the North Pole on their big trek across the planet. TODAY is 15 sleeps till CHRISTMAS EVE Day.

What a year we are having!! I guess that calls for multiple exclamation points, more than two? I keep saying that as long as we are in good health, have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies and can pay the bills – then we are doing GREAT. There are so many folks that are not in good health whether COVID19 related or not, that do not have a stable roof over their heads, do not have good food to eat each and every day and absolutely cannot pay their bills. So if you are feeling less than enthusiastic about Christmas this year – think of them. This is one Christmas of many. It may be different but it will be okay. We can make it better if we choose. Remember life is about the reactions.

Well I seem to have a problem getting used to getting up early in the mornings. Of course, we were up at 3:30, 5:30 and then just before 7:00 but that is okay. I still managed to get dressed properly and put on deodorant, except no one but Mr. Alvin could smell me anyway. LOL. Time to plug in the coffee and get to work. I hope that you have a great day and make this Christmas special for your family. We can do it. It will be different that is for sure but it can still be memorable for all. Think of all those folks who cannot have visitors and will be virtually alone …. mainly seniors.

Continuing to live life with kindness and respect for all and compassion. Important that there is compassion.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Technical difficulties as I am unable to put in tags and change my heading. LOL.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Well it is raining once again here in Edmonton.

We had a beautiful day yesterday.

Sunshine but incredibly windy.

Now it is not so windy and raining.

Everything is in a great state of green.

 

Over the past several months we have all been so much incredible change and so much flux, happening almost daily.

Some folks have lost their jobs.

Others are gladly retaining their jobs but working from home.

Some families have lost family member or members due to this virus.

Some folks have been waiting to have surgeries that have been cancelled or delayed.

Families with children are coping with on-line and at home schooling.

People have had their incomes reduced.

Seniors not able to easily access food and medicines.

All folks having to go through a real ordeal just to put food on their tables.

Then there are all the folks who must go to work each day …. the front line workers.

Such a range of jobs that takes these folks away from their families into a great uncertainty each and every day.

The long hours, little sleep, not a decent meal.

Our normal celebrations with large crowds have been cancelled.

Vacations different.

So much change.

Change that literally touched each and every person on this planet in one way or another.

I know that I have missed so many different situations and if I had more time, I could likely add to this but I am one of the lucky ones.

I have a job.

I have a job that allows me to work from home.

I can be with my Alvin, my pup who is getting older and each week, month and year is precious.

So I very much appreciate this situation.

It was a transition for sure but now that I have things figured out – it is great.

 

I guess my point in all of this is – we do not know what others are feeling or going through at this time.

We must be patient.

We must be kind and respectful.

We must listen.

We must do whatever it takes for us all to be safe.

If that means wearing a mask, then wear the mask.

If that means keeping six feet apart, then keep the distance.

We all need to be good global citizens.

In this situation, at this time, we, each and every one of us can make a difference.

To do whatever it takes.

 

I wish you all a great day.

Living my life with kindness and respect and gratitude.

So much gratitude to my fellow human beings.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Welcome to a bright and sun filled Tuesday morning.

Today is my late shift so I do not start until 11:00 a.m. and work till 7:00 p.m.

It is confusing for Mr. Alvin.

We slept in a bit later than usual, actually I would already been working for awhile.

Not much wind this morning.

Once I have my shower and coffee, I think we may head out for a walk before I start work at 11:00 a.m.

Likely a good way to start the day.

Exercise does not hurt.

 

How are you on this day?

Are you happy or anxious?

Are you sad or just okay?

There are a million of emotions and feelings running rampant through each of us at this time.

I will say for the most part I am reasonably happy.

Happy that I still have a job.

Happy that I have no commute to work.

Happy, and actually OVER the moon that I am able to spend 24/7 with me Alvin.

The boy turned 11 in January so all his time on this earth is precious.

We are “seniors.”

I do not think for the most part that either of us actually feel that way but it is a fact.

Now if we are seniors in our 60’s what happens to us in our 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and beyond.

Really old, super elderly.

At the end of the day as long as we are in good health what does age matter.

 

Mr. Alvin is whining …. not sure why.

That is always a problem when you have no voice …. no words.

So I have to take a logical guess.

Right now it may have something to do with his chew treat.

But I will keep an eagle eye on him.

Our Vet has reduced hours and no weekends.

I need to check his dew claw once again as it was beginning to get long.

If it gets too long and grows into his paw – not a good thing for sure.

With all of our walks, his nails are keeping shorter so that is good.

He has not done the butt crawl so his anal glands should be okay.

There are signs for everything, almost everything.

Dogs are creatures of habit and love routine.

Much like humans.

Most humans anyway.

No worries friends of Mr. Alvin – I will always keep any eye on him and ensure that he always has proper care.

 

Well time to hit the shower.

I was also thinking of booking some summer vacation.

We have no idea how long we will be working from home.

We have been given the date of June 30th but that could change.

Personally, I am okay with working from home for part of the summer.

Nice to have longer hours at home.

More time to spend outside.

Now if the weather will comply we would have perfection.

Time will tell.

 

So Happy Tuesday everyone.

Wishing you sunshine and rainbows.

Joy and good health.

Take care.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

As always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. my friend and his grandson came and looked at the fence yesterday at noon. He will give me a quote and can do the work on a weekend.

Happy dance.  Will be great to have the fence fixed.  He will also cut down the remaining posts from the pergola and change those two boards from the

top of the fence between me and my other neighbour.  Life is good.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Welcome back.

Good Friday Morning to You ALL.

The sky is beginning to lighten earlier with each passing day.

Some of my neighbours are still required to go to work.

Both of them work in the Health Field in different professions and are not nurses or doctors.

I am happy that we made it through another week.

It kind of was a long week in many regards but today is the day before the weekend.

We can let our hair down.

We can do some laundry and some cleaning.

Maybe get out for walks if you have been unable to during the week.

 

I was listening to a Doctor speak on a NEWS SPECIAL last night.

He made some good points:

Get plenty of sleep.

Exercise,

Eat healthy,

Hydrate (drink lots of water),

Try to lessen or reduce the amount of stress with perhaps the help of music and meditation.

Stay at home as much as possible.

Important to not touch your eyes and face.

Keep your hands clean.

Clean the door knobs, window and kitchen cupboard handles and bathroom taps at least once daily.

These are all common sense, everyday things we should all be doing most of the time, anyway.

Keep in mind, this will pass.

It may take some time but I believe it will leave.

 

In our modern age we have not had such a “well broadcasted” virus hitting virtually every country on this planet.

So we should learn from one and another.

Incorporate those measures that have been tried before us and work.

It will be a long haul and we could potentially lose a great many souls if we do not learn from each other.

I wish that the LEADERS of country would listen to each other.

Listening has and will always remain the best weapon we have against any “enemy.”

I do not like to use those words but at this point it is appropriate.

 

Well time to go and grab and mug of coffee and get this work day going.

I want to start a bit early with hopes of getting caught up before the end of this work day.

Unfortunately as time goes on here, I think we will become more busy.

 

Take care of yourselves.

Don’t forget those who need our help.

A Senior, someone with mobility issues, a family who struggles in the best of times……

We can always help.

 

You could place a couple of cans of soup in a bag with a note.

The note could read “Is there anything that you need or that I can help you with.”

Please sign the note and maybe give your phone number if you feel comfortable (if you don’t know them well).

Knock and leave the bag on the porch or on the door knob (if there is one).

There are so many ways we can help each other.

 

I appreciate your help in these unknown times.

 

Wishing you a wonderful day.

I will be back tomorrow.

Remember “kindness and respect.”

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. I counted the steps from my bed to my office.

“TEN.”

What a long commute, I have these days.

Laughing …. please laugh.

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well we are in the midst of a heat wave.

Yesterday was 29 degrees celsius not including the HUMIDEX and today will be 37 with the HUMIDEX.

YIKES.

We were going for a walk at 5:00 a.m. but ended up going at 5:15 a.m. – waited until it was a slight bit more light outside.

The walk was great.

No time for changing so I threw on a longer coat over my nightgown and out we went.

We only saw one guy with his young HUGE German Shepherd dog.

The doggie was so full of energy …. he just wanted to play.

The boys said hello, Alvin was not impressed with the energy level.

He sniffed and sniffed as we made our way around our usual route.

Even walked through a small rain shower.

We saw Teddy’s Dad leaving for work.

Home by 5:45 a.m. …. so am rushing a bit, I will say.

But how glorious …. an early morning walk.

The air was still cool.

Opened the windows before when we first got up at 3:00 a.m. ….. it was Alvin this time.

Oh well, that is what happens when you have two “seniors” on the premises.

Time is clicking away ….

I am so congested from the humidity that I could not smell the gorgeous ROSES that line the walk by the park.

Alvin gave them a sniff.

 

Sorry … just having a sneezing fit.

Well looks like time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you enjoy this Tuesday.

Nice to have the sunshine and warmer temps and I hope that you are comfortable.

 

Always be kind and respectful.

I have to remind myself as sometimes we can go in another direction.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 10th day of December, 2017.

The sky is broken up with clouds and lighter patches where the sun wants to appear.

The temperature has been absolutely beautiful.

Yesterday was over 10 degrees celsius, what a glorious day for December.

Just one more weekend before the Christmas weekend begins.

I apologize for not writing on my blog yesterday.

I had so many things to do and with my hand injured I had to choose what I could do without getting to carried away.

Well I got carried away but luckily things worked out okay.

I learned that there are just some things that I cannot do with my right hand or with my left hand “sprained.”

So I will take you back to my Thursday.

The day had unfolding beautifully, I had a great work day and had taken a couple of vacation hours to go to West Edmonton Mall and do a bit of shopping.

Nothing to exciting.

Alvin required some “poop bags” (not him, I needed them) and we have adoped four seniors at work through London Drugs (they adopt seniors, they give a list and foster groups adopt them for Christmas).

I wanted to pick up some small items from their list which had pretty much already been fulfilled.

So I went to the mall (yes it was busy even at 2:30 pm on a Thursday) and did my shopping.

I found them some word searches and some bath salts and the poop bags and some other small items that I required.

In and out of the mall in about one hour.

Feeling really good.

I didn’t wait long and the bus pulled up.

Got on the bus, had to stand as it was full.

No worries.

At the second bus terminal got off and the 117 was there so got onto that bus.

Again it was full so remained standing.

About ten minutes later approaching my stop so pulled the “bell.”

I noticed someone waiting at the stop.

I grabbed my bags.

My purse was made into a backpack and I had two bags one on each hand.

The driver stopped the bus.

The woman outside came toward the bus and as she came forward, I tried to move around her, the step had not been lowered (did not know at that second) and I lost my balance and

went flying threw the air landing on my face and left hand.

The bags went flying.

I laid there hurting and humiliated for what seemed like forever (likely only seconds).

I lifted my head noticing that my left glass lens had been scratched or at the least was dirty.

By this time the bus driver had come off the bus.

He asked me if I was okay, I said yes.

The driver also said that I was “bleeding” and went back to get some paper towel from the bus.

I wiped the blood from my face, which was not much.

He asked me if he should call for medical and I said absolutely not.

He asked me this question a couple of times.

I started to move after a few minutes, and get my bearings.

By the way the girl that started this did not get off the bus.

She had to have known or seen.

I began to see if I could get up when I realized that my left hand was hurting and injured to some degree.

As I tried to get up the driver lent an arm and I pulled myself up gathering the items that were now littered about on the sidewalk and placing them into the bags.

I stood up, fuming and crying at the same time.

The driver all the while kept saying to me “that woman tripped you.”

My final response to him beside “thank you” was that the step was not lowered and yes, she should have waited until I was off the bus.

Common sense, you see some with their arms full coming off the bus ….. would you not step back out of the way.

Anyway the driver got back onto the bus and waited for a minute or so.

I started to walk in between the tears and the curse words home.

It was a slow walk with me crying and saying curse words the whole way, but I made it home.

Somehow swearing makes you feel better??? Not really.

When I arrived home it took a couple of minutes to get my backpack off and get the key out and the door opened.

I was early and Alvin was not at the door ….. he arrived seconds later.

I as quickly as I could got my boots and coat and mitts off and headed to the back door to let him out to pee.

He actually stopped for a drink and then went outside.

He came in and followed me upstairs as I wanted to get out of those clothes and see what the damage was to my knees and body.

As I neared the top landing I noticed in the middle of the floor (yes carpet) a huge mound of poo.

I said “Oh, Alvin.”

Followed by grabbing the paper towel and cleaner from the bathroom.

Cleaned up the poop …… laid an old towel on the floor to absorb the cleaner.

Thankfully it was not “loose poop” if you know what I mean.

Poor Alvin ….. he has not had an accident in the house since his first night with me almost eight years ago and then he was sick and with a stranger.

No worries.

Next steps were into my bed where I was greeting with my bed tore apart.

I always make my bed in the morning and place all my throw pillows onto the bed so that it looks nice.

The throw pillows were thrown about ….. the sheets and bedspread were pulled back.

My pjs were pulled out from behind the pillow ….. I actually said to him, “Buddy, did you have a party while Momma was gone.”

As quickly as I could I got changed.

Not quickly with one hand.

I noticed that my right knew was scraped but not other bruises on my body.

My left hand was swollen and hurt.

I went into the bathroom and checked out my face.

My left glass lens was scratched and would need to be replaced.

My nose was scraped.

The left side of my upper cheek was scrapped a bit.

My lip was cut (small).

It was my hand that bore the brunt of the fall.

Not broken as I could and can move it.

A sprain by all accounts.

I had one drugstore painkiller at home so I took it (think it was Advil).

I gave Alvin his supper and called my daughter.

She wanted to come over and I said that I was okay and that if my hand got worse, I would get to the Doctor.

My daughter thought that perhaps Alvin because he could not get outside to poop got a bit crazy and tore the bed apart.

He also moved both the matts in the upstairs bathrooms around.

Oh well …..

 

There was silver lining to all of this …. my friend “V” had sent a package.

A huge package.

It took some time to get it opened with one hand but I managed.

Both Alvin and I were excited to see all of the treats that she sent to us.

Thank you again, my friend.

We are truly spoiled.

 

I went to work on Friday …. I got a ride with my neighbour.

Work was slow.

I could not write with my left hand and I am left handed, of course.

But I can write (out of practice) with my right hand.

So managed to get a few things done.

Long day.

One of my co-workers gave me some more ADVIL and also wrapped my hand in a tensor bandage.

My hand has and is swollen.

Depends on how much I do and what I do.

But between ADVIL, breaks, heat and ice compresses, I am good.

I did put a claim in with the City of Edmonton.

Not likely that anything will happen there but it felt like the right thing to do.

I was able to take my glasses in yesterday and it cost me just a few dollars short of $200.00 to get the lens fixed.

You have to pay at least half up front and with paying the full amount, now I can submit it to my Health Spending Account.

So at least I have insurance to cover it but am mad that I have to pay for someone else’s neglect.

So that is the story.

I managed to get groceries yesterday morning, more bus tickets, go to the Optometrist, do laundry, take Alvin for a walk, made a double batch of fudge (that was later last night) and puppy sat in the afternoon.

So a productive day.

 

I know that I cannot easily mix with my left hand and not with my right as I found out with the fudge.

My daughter is coming over today to help me with the last of the baking.

Time for coffee and breakfast.

But I wanted to fill you all in and to let you know that I just could not get this done yesterday.

I feel good today.

My hand remains sore but manageable.

 

Have an awesome day.

If you ride the bus – watch for people getting on.

 

Happy Sunday.

The sun is shining and it will be a great day.

 

Special Hello to: my friends and family, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 14th day of December, 2016.

Well there are only “10” sleeps until Christmas Eve.

One of the two most exciting days of the year.

I also was asked by one of my neighbours to check in on a young cat that she is sitting for this week.

OMG, he is pure black, friendly and was so cute.

It was a change from Mr. Alvin …… Alvin is cute, too.

I was reading over blogs from around this date from years ago.

The following one is from December 16, 2010 – mine and Alvin’s first Christmas together.

I think it is always interesting to check back and see what was happening this date two, three or six years ago.

It’s CHRISTMAS TIME !!!

Wishing everyone a safe and fun Holiday Season.

May you be surrounded by love and laughter.

May hot chocolate warm your tummy ……

Pull out that old board game and play with your kids.

Fill a tin or other container full of your holiday baking

Take it to a neighbour, friend or give it to someone you meet just walking down the street.

Grab some friends and family and go sing Christmas Carols at a Seniors Home or in your Neighbourhood.

Put a Christmas movie in the DVD player, and call the neighbourhood children to come in and watch.

Take a morning or afternoon and surprise someone by cleaning their house.

P.S. make sure that you have a key !!!

Shovel someone’s walk.

Put a holiday CD in the player and crank it up and dance around the house …..

Give your doggie a bath (if you have one) …… Merry Christmas…

Take the time to do something special for a family member or friend or a neighbour.

Go to a coffee place and purchase several coffee cards with a free cup of coffee or hot chocolate on each one …

Then go out in the world and hand them out ….. Merry Christmas.

You can also take them to your neighbourhood shops ….. give them to all those special people that work so hard in retail….

We all have an extra pair of mittens, scarf, toque or coat that we could donate to someone in need.

Drop off some canned goods at your local food bank.

I guess at the end of the day …… just go out and spread LOVE to the World.

We have so much – please share.

Remember to smile at everyone you meet all day long…..

Let’s make this the most wonderful Christmas ever !!!

Merry Christmas Everyone…..

Special Hello to: All my Friends and Family all over the world.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 27th day of November, 2016.

The sky is overcast, no frost on the cars and little snow on the lawns.

When one is writing a tribute to a loved one who has passed; you want to make sure that you get things just right, and say what you want to say, and

not miss anything.

In years gone by I have written Eulogies for my Grandmother, Nephew and then my Brother.

I wrote an tribute to our Penny who passed away just this past March, somedays it seems like yesterday, and others it seems like years.

Elton, our beloved guy was my first grand-puppy and he warmed my heart right from the beginning.

I will continue working on my tribute to him and will share when it is time.

In the meantime, life goes on and I know that ….

 

In everything that I have done over the past few days he is right there in my thoughts.

One thing I know that both Elton and Penny will never be forgotten.

 

This Christmas will be different without Elton and Penny for sure.

Milo will keep us hopping as he is the new addition, and is very much still a puppy at about three months now.

Bad Grandma, I have forgotten his actual birthdate – guess I had better write him down on our Birthday Calendar.

So it will be Alvin and Milo for now.

I am certain that the kids will adopt another pup (likely grown though) as Milo needs company.

Heaven knows there are so many pups out there that need a good home.

Any pup coming to live with my kids will have the best home ever.

The kids love them, and treat with them with respect and kindness.

So with Christmas right around the corner there are so many things to do.

I have put the tree and decorated the house both inside and out.

I have the Christmas Cards on the kitchen table ready to be written up.

The letter – yes that still has to be done – to say hello to folks and let them know what we have been doing in 2016.

Baking over the next few weeks.

Still a few things to do.

We have opted out of the gift giving this year between me and the kids.

We are not like the KRANKS and going on a cruise.

More like we are blessed, and do not need much so instead we will do some things.

Perhaps take in a local performance of “A Christmas Carol.”

Give to the less fortunate from children to seniors, and in between.

At our office, my department is giving special requested items to two seniors.

Sometimes I think they are the forgotten ones at Christmas.

Often times without family or friends they have no one except the staff at the homes where they live.

Let us not forget them this holiday season.

Remember the best gift of all is to give.

 

This morning my daughter is coming over so I must get going and prepare the pancakes.

I love making pancakes for her …..

I hope that you and your family are doing well.

Take Care.

 

Special Hello to: Everyone and Merry Christmas to You All.

Always, Carol and Alvin