The Next Chapter …

Morning All, it is so quiet here in my house without my beloved Alvin. I cannot believe that he is gone forever. I heard noises that I never heard before ….. were they there all along? He was my companion, my friend and my boy. I will always miss him and his cuteness. That wag of his little short tail when I called him “cuteness.” There is a canyon deep and wide within my heart that will be there for the rest of my days. I cannot and will not forget that little guy who gave me so much, and I feel as though I let him down. I am reminded by so many that he had a great life. But in the darkness of our, my bedroom late at night, I cannot see that. Yesterday I spent several hours looking at photos and videos which did help me to see him happy and playing with his friends and with me. He was my world for 13 years and one month less one day. I could never have imagined that when we went to meet him on that cold winter’s night that he would literally rock my world from the beginning to the end. How could my life be any better than it was with him? It will be different but never better. I will miss our walks together watching him sniff every blade of grass. I shall miss seeing him play and interact with his friends and family. I will miss his excitement when a parcel arrived from our friend Val. When the summer comes and the lawns are green, I will miss seeing him roll around in delight at our friends homes. I will miss seeing him open his Christmas present as though he were a boy. I miss seeing him grabbing one of his many toys and pushing it around the floor and then tossing it into the air before I caught on that he wanted to play and then we would play tug for awhile. I miss the warmth of his body next to mine when we went to bed. I miss watching the cuteness of his little bum when he walked ahead of me. He did have the cutest bum. I miss hearing him bark when he wanted his breakfast and supper and treats. I miss having him sitting beside me on the sofa watching me eat my supper with a clear want in his eyes – even though he had just had his supper and a treat before I ate mine. I miss everything about him. Those big brown eyes. His lighter brown eyebrows which had started to disappear as he got older. I miss our talks. I miss his shoulder to cry on. He was the best listener. I just miss the essence that was Alvin……..

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I need to share the words that my daughter wrote yesterday after I posted the tribute to our dear boy.

What a beautiful tribute to our special boy. We’re so lucky to have known him so well and to have witnessed your amazing relationship with him and the joy he brought to so many. It’s not fair that they have such short lives but they pack a whole lot of unconditional love and teach us so much in that short time.

We will miss our quirky, loving lil bro every day. The way he knew what he wanted and demanded that in his special voice. The way he loved you and his friends unconditionally. His handsome face and cute little tail wag. How he would pull out every toy until he found then one he wanted in that moment. The noises he made when he was annoyed. His talents for opening gifts. Just every little thing about him.

He will leave a giant hole and will forever be missed.

Rest in peace my brother

Alvin & his sister Amanda. Second photo Alvin exploring the beach near his sister’s home. Alvin just chilling with me.

Al & his sister

Mr. Alvin while I work

On this cold February morning, I will try to continue in this life to be kind, respectful, compassionate, patient, loving, to laugh, understanding, filled with gratitude, remember there are possibilities, to focus and to be present, and have a cup of coffee.

Always, Carol & Alvin, my Angel is resting on the hallway floor outside the door where he always waited for me to finish writing. His blue blanket from his foster family that was with us throughout his whole life from that first night till he left us now covers me at night. Love you buddy……..

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well, I will leave the “sleep” alone for this post. I will say this that the moon last night was so full and awesome. The moon seemed to be more bright than usual. The sky was clear and I could see “stars” and likely sateilttes taking up their position in the sky. Looks like the sky is overcast this morning and there is no wind at this time. We were up a bit later this morning but not too late for a Sunday.

Yesterday was a great day. Woke up having my daughter, Alvin’s sister in the house which was awesome, we so love having her sleep over. I was dressed and ready for the birthday party while the coffee perked. We girls had coffee and visited while she worked on transferred my photos to the external hard drive. Surely is not a quick process but thankfully is not super difficult. I will report exactly how that goes the first time that I do it for myself. Yesterday afternoon I was supposed to do some more but did not happen. Amanda left just before I was leaving for the birthday party. The sky was a magical blue and the sun so bright and mighty. I wore my fav sweatshirt, my only sweatshirt, but I love it and jeans. Instead of wearing a winter coat, I opted to throw on my winter down vest. Perfect. Alvin had gone pee before I left and was settled on the sofa with the television on for company. The birthday girl was running late as she now is working two jobs and overshot how long it would take her to be done (I think she slept in as did I, actually I think she mentioned something about that, too). Gillian and I had coffee and chatted. I filled her in on my latest drama. Sure would be nice to have a light hearted comedy going on, instead, lol. Just as we were about to dive in on the “food” (what a spread), the birthday girl arrived. Food went on the table and then we were eating and chatting, laughing and crunching on food. Friends around the table, enjoying a beverage (tea and coffee), good food and each other. Oh, how I love these girls. They are the best. Gillian’s boys joined us for us food. Then it was time to open gifts and then the birthday cake. Signe had two cake a strawberry one and then a chocolate one. Both so yummy. The birthday girl is not fond of chocolate cake. We did not more chatting and then cleaning up and then it was two hours later and we were on our way home. Signe lives closer to Gillian than I do, across the alley actually and me well a few doors down. Maybe a two-three minute walk, maybe. Then I was home, I turned on a load of laundry and had more coffee, chilled with Alvin and of course, let him outside. We went for a walk about 40 minutes later. Oh, it was so warm and I could have kept going. Alvin surprised me and instead of walking into the park by the ponds, he made a dash towards Teddy’s house. Yup, I let him led the way. Exactly where he was going. When we got to their house, he darted up the driveway before I was able to stop him and explain that his BF was not at home. I felt so badly for him, I am sure that he misses the little guy. He has not seen many friends as of late. Lots of human friends but no puppies or kitties. Might be a good time soon to have Humphrey come and spend some time with us. Unfortunately will not be today. Maybe tomorrow when I go to the office Alyaa could bring Cookie with her, I will ask. On the way home from our walk, close to home, he went up the sidewalk of another friend and just so happened she was by the window and saw him so she came to the door. Next thing we were in the house. He was having a treat and we were chatting. It was 4:00 p.m. when we got home and was 2:39 when we left so it was another nice break. More social happenings yesterday than not. Back home I finished up the laundry and vacuumed the main floor.

One more thing, there has been a foul odour coming from under the sink. Last week I took everything out from under there and did a deep clean. But no luck, the smell was still there. I even left baking soda under there to no avail. So yesterday once again, I took everything out and did an even deeper clean and still. I have no idea where this is coming from? There is the wall and then there is a partial wall under the sink, maybe something got in there? Food or something? So frustrating. Or is it coming from the dishwasher. Anyway, I put an open candle (unlit) under there and last night it did not smell bad. I will keep investigating. Perhaps a vinegar wash in the dishwasher would help. Life in the fast lane.

We had a quiet evening. Oh, my friend Signe picked me up a lottery ticket and I have not checked it, still living the dream.

Finally the movie that I have been waiting for was “streaming” on Disney, “WAKANDA FOREVER.” I ended up watching the making of this movie and the making of the new Avatar movie as well before hand while I was feeding Alvin, cooking some chicken for me and cleaning up. Then I watched WAKANDA FOREVER, what a great movie. Not sure if I liked it better or not, I think both movies could hold themselves up individually. I did miss Chadwick Boseman, and nice to see Michael B Jordan playing a cameo (he passed in the first movie). Anyway, two of my all time fav movies.

Okay, I have to fly. Time to get the coffee going. I have to give Alvin a haircut and bath. This afternoon I will be chatting with my sister and then going for a walk. There is more laundry to do and then get ready for working at the office tomorrow. Oh, how I wished that this was not my new norm as I loved working from home.

Have a great day.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, love, laughter, understanding gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. Always has to be coffee.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P. S. I am planning to move some photos to the external hard drive this afternoon. Lots to do.

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning All! I hope that this finds you well. The trees are swaying in the breeze, the sky is overcast and it is quiet except for the slow drone of the fan in our bedroom and the loud barking of a dog in the neighbourhood. I am not sure why people leave dogs barking for hours! The dog is definitely outside in the elements. I wonder if it is calling for attention or for help. It does not sound like it is in distress and Alvin does not seem to be bothering by his barking. I sure hope that it is okay. We did not go for a walk this morning even though it is quite cool outside. We were up at 2:45 a.m. this morning. After the bathroom break – Mr. Alvin was sniffing about the backyard. Like he was on sort of important mission. Whenever I tried to break him out of the trance he appeared to be in – he growled. As I was holding the phone flashlight and a poop bag just in case, I figured just to let him be. Some twenty minutes later back into the house, wiping wet paws as it had raining during the night and then laying down on the sofa. We were up at 6:00 for someone’s breakfast and outside. Back in the house we came upstairs and laid on the bed until 6:50. Actually I did not keep hitting the snooze button as I was upstairs, which was a good thing. Into the shower and then ready for first day back at work for the week. I am grateful for the cooler temperatures this week. Hopefully for all those places in British Columbia and elsewhere in Canada – get some much needed rain and cooler temperatures.

I had a lovely chat with my sister yesterday afternoon. One sibling left to call. Always great reaching out to them. Catching up.

Today is the day that we have to collect a “urine sample” from Mr. Alvin. Not really looking forward to doing that but could be worse. My daughter is coming over to help with retrieving the sample and then she will drive it to the vet as there is a one hour time limit between time you take it and time it gets to the vet. Hopefully the results are good. Fingers crossed. Not sure about the abdominal ultrasound but likely that will be round the corner.

My one concern is the long drive to my daughter’s next week. I want to go so badly. It has been a long time since I have been anywhere and quite honestly I need a break. Fingers crossed. Doing a lot of that lately. Positive thinking and thoughts. Alvin is not a great traveller at the best of times. I guess time will tell. Likely a good idea to ask the vet about the travelling.

Well almost time to head downstairs for work. I am grateful that the house has cooled off. May not have to take the third fan downstairs or at least not now.

Have a great Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 7 days or one week till I turn 65. I am hoping that 65 brings continued good health for me and better health for Mr. Alvin. My wish anyway.

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! Well we were up at 5:30 Alvin had his glucosamine chew, went outside and then had breakfast before we settled down on the sofa until 7:30. We have been up for awhile now. I am happy to report that we had a full walk. Alvin sniffed happily all round our walk. I had to watch him very carefully to ensure that he did not eat something that he should not. It is foggy and humid this morning but with a cool breeze making it comfortable to be outside. There were a few big rain drops during our way and also our large dog friend name Grizzly whom we met a few weeks ago, I believe. Grizzly is a playful big guy and he reached out with his large paw to pet Alvin and Alvin got scared. I guess I would be scared if a huge paw came down on my head. He is truly a gentle giant our Grizzly friend. I did not freak out so Alvin was okay. Just an initial bark and he was okay after that.

Last night before bed I applied for the Canada Pension Plan for which I have been paying into for over 40 years. I wished that I would have applied for OAS at the same time but I had this voice in my head saying it is automatically paid as I had been listening to a YouTube guy speaking about applying for these benefits. Anyway, I just went to apply for OAS and their Government of Canada website is down. So will have to try later. Just wishing I would have done it last night, woe is me, lol. I will keep trying over the course of the day and tomorrow. I did the hard work last night getting all of the signins worked out. Nothing is straightforward with the government or so it would seem. Anyway, it is what it is.

Yesterday we were happy to have Teddy, his little sis Kobi and Aunt Janine stop by for a visit yesterday afternoon. So nice to have company, we thoroughly enjoyed their visit. Alvin was over the moon. So excited to see his friends. It was a great day. Janine and I had coffee and I shared some of my birthday biscotti with her. By the way, Val if you are reading this post – Janine loved the biscotti.

Last night for dessert, I baked an apple crisp with the remaining apples before they spoiled. For the supper portion I made large chicken stir fry. Both were yummy and I will have leftovers for a few days.

There is such a refreshing breeze coming in through the office window. I appreciate it so much. Looking forward to having a cup of coffee earlier than yesterday.

I am so grateful that Alvin had a good weekend. Today is looking good as well. Tomorrow we take an urine sample. That should be interesting.

Oh, I had a lovely chat with one of my brothers, the older of the two who will be turning 60 in a few days. Two days after mine to be exact. I will be having a video chat with my sister today so I want to get everything done. At least I have leftovers for supper so we can always chat after an early supper.

Now I just need to reach out to my youngest brother and have a chat. Also wonderful to chat with my siblings. I miss seeing them. It has been a long over two years since we were together. I am hoping that next summer we are able to have a get together. Time flies and we need to see each other.

What a busy but yet relaxing weekend. There was plenty of time for snuggling with the Alvin and time for visiting with friends, chatting on the phone and doing a bit of work. The work part – well let’s be serious, my house does not really get dirty. I am always picking up and putting things away as I go. That is the secret to keeping things tidy. A bit of dust can easily be wiped. If you keep things clean as you go – less work in the long run. I have learned that in my almost 65 years on this planet.

Wow, today is August 1st and now only 8 days till my birthday on August 9th. Janine and I made plans to have our “Mexican Supper” on my actual birthday so that will be great. I did not have any plans for my actual birthday and now I do so that is great. She is putting together the meal and I am doing dessert. Not sure what yet but I will figure it out. Maybe it should be cake or cupcakes since it is my birthday. I can always run to the grocery store and pick up a couple of pieces of cake or cheesecake, that would be lovely.

I am enjoying the over a week long celebrations. Why not!

Well time to go and perhaps I will try again to apply for OAS which is Old Age Security here in Canada. It is nice that you can apply for and start these benefits and still be working.

Have a great Monday. I am enjoying this long weekend. So great to have the extra day. This Friday is my last day of work before I begin my vacation. I took one week and one day and will enjoy every moment.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 8 sleeps till I turn 65. I cannot wait.

Last Half 2022 – July

Good Morning ALL!. Looks like we are down to the last few days of July 2022. Another super hot day for us here in Edmonton. This is going to be a short post. Already it is hot upstairs although this is a bit later than I usually write and that is because we are making another trip to the vet at 10:00 a.m. this morning. Alvin threw up twice between 2:00 and 3:15 p.m. yesterday afternoon. My daughter left work early to pick up some medicine from the vet, the same prescription he had just over a week ago to stop him from vomiting, I do not remember the name. He is hot again as we went for a short walk. I left it a bit too late. Even though it was 7:45 a.m. when we left and we were home by 8:01 a.m., he is hot. Hopefully I can cool him down. Out with the cool wet towel again. They were a lifesaver for him to sleep with. Thank you to our friend Gillian who came running in the heat when I called after Alvin’s second time throwing up and who has graciously said that she would take us to his appointment. I am so grateful to have such great friends.

Alvin’s BF Teddy did not come as they had an unexpected situation so we will get together later. His Mom and Dad are leaving today to visit family in British Columbia but Auntie Janine is there so as soon as it is cooler we will set up a visit.

I hope that you are well and keeping cool. Fingers crossed all is well with the boy. The Vet suggested he come in for blood work as it has been a year since his last panel was ran. I sure hope that everything comes back normal. Hoping that the events of yesterday were just due to the heat. I am praying, thoughts out to the Universe and to anyone including me that will listen.

Stay cool. Be well.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: now 11 days / sleeps until I turn 65. Fireworks!

Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! I trust that you are well and enjoying the weekend. The sky is a brilliant blue, the sun is shining and there is the most refreshing breeze wafting through my office window as I type these words. Alvin is laying on his belly on the hallway carpet, waiting for me. Another glorious weekend. Everything from walks to visits to video chat and in between some work got done. Yesterday morning we started out the day with a walk and I was happy that we were able to do what I refer to as a full one / normal one, then there was some laundry, coffee, breakfast, more laundry, cleaning and laundry. Our friend sent us an email inviting us for a visit as she missed us in the morning. We were just in process of getting Alvin’s harness ready to put on when there was a loud knock at the door, I was not expecting anyone so I carefully opened the door, to our surprise on the other side of the door was Pauline and Georgie. They had decided to walk over and pick us up so we could walk together. She also gave me a very thoughtful thank you card with the most beautiful floral design on the front. I thanked her and set it on the counter and continued getting us ready to go. A few minutes later we were out the door, I picked up Alvin and carried him down the steps as I have been doing as of late. Helping to keep him from injuring his knees. We walked and chatted and even saw neighbours outside along the way. When we arrived at the park Pauline suggested that we go the back way through the grass (which recently had been cut) the opposite side of the park which does not have a sidewalk. It was nice as the grass was wet and cool. We took a shortcut through the trees between the second and third pond which had us walking on some stones to come out near her house. My flip flops were wet and I was almost going to take them off to cross the stones as I thought more safe in bare feet but decided to go slow and most of the stones had more flat tops and rounded. It only took us a minute or so to cross. The pups got a bit wet as there was water up near the stones/rocks. Next thing we were through their gate and in the backyard where I removed Alvin’s leash and a minute later decided to take off his harness as it was warm outside. He was happy. Pauline grabbed a couple of cushions for the chairs that sit under the deck on the patio out of the sun. Then she was in the house to get our refreshments. While she was in the house Georgie jumped up on my lap while Alvin paced the patio sniffing and what not. We had iced tea and banana bread. She also brought out some photos of their Ontario trip to show me. Sometime during the visit I had lifted Mr. Alvin up on a third empty chair which was in between us, and he relaxed while we chatted. Georgie on Pauline’s lap. It was about 5:00 p.m. when Pauline noticed that the sky to the west was beginning to get some very ominous clouds developing and suggested that we may want to go home before the rain. I took a quick look and decided that we best be going and grabbed Alvin’s harness and his water bottle and put on his leash and said our goodbyes and were on our way. We were coming by Lucy’s house and she was outside doing yard work, we quickly said hello and pointed to the sky and advised that we had to get home before the storm hit. A little while later we saw a neighbour walking her two yellow labs and pointed out the storm. We hightailed it home. Just about home and saw our neighbour who recently had surgery out front speaking with her neighbour. We stopped briefly to say hello before going the last couple of minutes to our house. I think we were home not even 10 minutes when it began to rain. The storm was not like Thursday night and I was very happy about that. After that I fed Mr. Alvin his supper, turned on the last load of laundry and the dryer. I got my supper in the oven and then texted my sister. We ended up having a video chat via messenger as my cell phone cuts in and out and one cannot have a very good conversation that way. I am chalking it up to dead zones in the house which appear to be increasing over time. I plan to call Telus who is our provider in the area and see what can be done. Just seems like there has not been time to do so. If it were a matter of calling and speaking to someone right away that would be one thing but it is always a long wait and then I would be cutting in and out. I will perhaps try and contact them on-line. I had a great chat with my sister and had a late supper at 7:30 p.m. I cannot remember the last time that I ate that late but it happens. We were out and about and enjoying life. Who cares, right. Most important things we had great walks, good exercise, good company and visits with family and friends! Last night was quiet. I watched a movie followed by bed. That was our Saturday.

Today my daughter Amanda and one of my grandpups, the little one named Mi-Mi or Milo is coming for a visit and will spend the night. She will go to the office from here and then pick up Mi-Mi after work. We have lots to do this afternoon and evening.

Time to fly and have a shower. I brought up all of the laundry that had been drying and put it all away. I dry most of my clothes on racks. They last longer that way.

Have a wonderful Sunday. Enjoy the morning, maybe even get out for a walk.

We might get out after my shower or wait for the others.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: now 30 days till turn 65. The card was beautiful with a gift inside for looking after her garden while they were away. I called her to thank her for her generosity and that it was not necessary but she insisted. Smells like weed outside, not the garden variety – coming in through my open window. Smells like skunk ….. lol

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! Trust you are all well. Alvin and I are doing well. The sun is rising and the skyline is absolutely gorgeous. Pinks and oranges. It sure seems like spring is in the air.

Today is the 65th Birthday of my friend Terry from back home. Happy Birthday my friend. Wishing you a great day and many more happy, wonderful healthy days ahead.

Also today is a special day to all those people with Irish Heritage. I am one of them. This goes out to my sister do you remember the Irish Concerts at Corning Hall when we were little girls. I love our blouses and skirts and dancing. A great memory. I have always loved a good jig. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Well my second day at the office yesterday went okay. It was good to see some of my coworkers but I will say that I got stuffed up/congested being in the office. Dry air and paper. Of course, I was working with a lot of paper so that did not help. Otherwise it was okay but not as good as working from home.

I had a hard time stop hitting the snooze button so definitely need that good cup of coffee this morning.

This is going to be really short, I am sorry.

Celebrate with your Irish Family and Friends!

Remember when Irish Eyes are Smiling – Sure, they steal your heart away!

Have an awesome day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Are you wearing something green today?

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I are great.

This bright sunny blue sky day is the 42nd Birthday of my daughter Amanda. Sister to Alvin. Spouse to Steven. She also bears the titles of granddaughter, niece, cousin, sister-in-law, friend and artist. It makes sense that Mother Nature would turn on the brightness for this day as our girl brings the light and goodness to us and to the world, everyday. Hard to believe that this time forty-two years ago I was being prepped to have my first and only baby by planned c-section. My how time flies. I remember waking up in the recovery room anxious to meet my baby. Not knowing if boy or a girl. Surprised to hear that the boy was actually a girl but over the moon happy to have this little girl in my life. She brings us continued joy each and every day of our lives. I could not have planned or designed her better.

Amanda has always been the most kind, generous, gentle, patience, loving, understanding, compassionate human being I know. You add intelligent and artistic to the list and you have my daughter.

I have so many great memories of our live together thus far that I could fill a book.

She always made sure to share her toys with her cousins and friends. I remember her standing up to a bully on the school ground when she was a little girl protecting her friend doing what was right. To all the animals that she has helped rescue over the years, the amount is staggering. For her kindness to strangers. For her goodness to us all. This girl, this woman, I am proud to call my daughter. I think of how blessed we are to have her in our lives.

Alvin and I want to wish our favourite girl a very Happy 42nd Birthday. May your day and all the days ahead be filled with great joy, much love and laughter, continued good health and abundance. You are celebrating with the Hobbs family today so we shall catch up later for our celebrations. Amanda’s brother-in-law Dan had a birthday recently so they are celebrating together.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Photo by Megapixelstock on Pexels.com

Me and my Manda

30th Birthday

My Mom, nephew Troy and Amanda ….. memories

Family

Grade Twelve Graduation

One of my favourite photos of my daughter ….

My baby …..

My beautiful daughter Amanda

Happy Birthday Amanda

Love Mom & Alvin

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

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Both Alvin and I are well. I can not believe yesterday. I had one of those headaches on the weekend that just throbbed but not all of the time, it got worse Monday night/Tuesday morning so I texted my Manager to advise her that I would not be “in” but little did I know that she was not in either. Anyway, I took some painkillers and voile around 9:00, I felt so much better. I decided that I would go to work and if it got worse, I would just stop. Ended up I stayed. At noon, I had the most refreshing shower ever. Changed clothes and finished my lunch break and then back to work. I guess it was meant to be as in the afternoon I was returning phone calls and I had a phone conversation with a client that was truly a light bulb moment. One of those conversations that is a reminder about life. Anyway, she helped me as much as I hope that I helped her. Win/win. She was the last call of the day and I ended up not being finished work till close to 4:30 (end date 4:00). Alvin and I had a good night.

This day being the 23rd day of February is my sister Cindy’s birthday and a good friend Diana’s birthday and another good friend Arlene’s birthday. What a day. So many beautiful women celebrating today. Wishing them all a wonderful day filled with love, laughter and joy. Happy Birthday dear ladies. Happy Birthday.

The sun is rising earlier in the morning now. It was starting to rise just after 7:00 , I think. So pretty in pale oranges rising to the most exquisite powder blue. There is a little bit of the moon still visible. What a great day.

We are getting closer to spring. The next 10 days or so are supposed to be mild for February in Edmonton so that is great. Perhaps Alvin and I will be able to get out and walk. Maybe, just maybe we will be able to get rid of that ice and the chunks of snow and ice that are forming the windrow will melt and be gone for this year. One can only hope. Positive thoughts.

I can smell my coffee waiting patiently for me to take the first drink.

Today is a great day.

For all of you who celebrated a birthday yesterday – how cool was that.

Time to head out. Well actually over to the next chair to my workstation. Have a wonderful day. If you have a safe place to walk – take the time as there is nothing like a fresh air to clear the cobwebs and give you a new perspective on life. It is true.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! It is a bright and sunny morning and I am ready to get going on this weekend. No wallowing about – no anxiety, I am getting things done. Next big thing is to do laundry and put away things in the basement. You know. But I will get it done, even if it means that I have to put on my winter boots to go downstairs to the basement. Okay, perhaps I am still a bit anxious but until get down there and get things done without any “issues” that will be the case.

As I look out of the office window I see so much snow on the garage and house roofs. I have so much on the back side of the house that I am actually worried about going out back (Alvin) when the weather starts to warm this week and melts and falls off the roof. Will have to be careful. Anyone living in Edmonton or in Western Canada will have to watch as we have had more snow at this calendar date than usual.

Last night I chatted with a friend back home for over 3.5 hours. It was like we were in the same room catching up although I just had her on speaker phone on my iPhone. Not even video chat. I realize that I have to push myself to reach out and call more family and friends more often. Sometimes that is necessary. I realize that time passes so quickly before you know it. Not that one ever deliberately says “I am not calling my best friend or my sister” until it is her birthday or a special occasion. Do not wait for a special occasion. As well get older – time seems to pass at the speed of light. Reach out often and talk to someone you love often. We have no idea how much of life we miss out on by not keeping caught up. Not just big events but small important moments. In this day and age, we have no idea what tomorrow will bring. Not that we ever knew but with the pandemic we definitely have no idea what is going to happen. So make that call. Don’t just text, that is too easy and not as much fun. Believe me, I know. Let’s show each other how much we care, respect and love those dear people in our lives.

Okay time to head downstairs. Laundry to do. But first coffee in my brand new coffee percolator. Alvin is getting restless so better get going.

I wish you a great day. Sunny days ahead.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin