The Next Chapter

Good Morning! I hope that this finds you doing well. The sky is beginning to lighten and appears that we received a light blanket of fresh snow last night or perhaps during the early morning hours. When I went to turn on the computer this morning, I received a message that the keyboard battery was very low and to recharge. I thought recharge? What? So I realized upon further inspection that you just take the USB cable, I think that is what it is called and hook it to the keyboard and then to the computer to be recharged. How cool is that? No more batteries for the keyboard. The mouse on the other hand still appears to require double AA batteries. But I like that the keyboard is free so to speak.

I have a question for you? I realize that I have not been drinking near enough water as of late. Too many life distractions and I have not been keeping track of my water intake. So today, that changes, so important to drink enough water. Good for your mind, body and soul.

The house does not feel the same no matter who walks through the front door. Last night my good friends Gillian and Signe came over for a visit. We talked about the usual. It was great to see them, to have conversation with someone outside of the drama at the office. Perhaps if I stop using the word “drama” and start saying everything will work out and I am taking one day at a time. Repeat, repeat and repeat several more times. Only we, only I can change my reaction to the every day stuff. So I am. The house is lonely without my Alvin and that will never change but how I react to the things that happen in my life can. I have so many wonderful memories of Alvin. I think that at noon today, I am going to take a stroll and walk for the first time our old route, our old path. I need to get up and get out. Get some exercise. He would want me to be well in mind and body, I know that. I can still keep him close in my thoughts, in my memories and in my heart. This weekend is my daughter, his sister’s birthday and the whole family including Betty Ann who is staying with them are coming over. The kids, being my daughter and son-in-law will drop Miss Aspen, Mi-Mi and Betty Ann off while they go and have lunch with friends who are in town from Saskatchewan and then come here for Amanda’s birthday supper and celebration. So I have things to do tonight and tomorrow and Saturday to prepare. As much prep work as I can do, I will. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again but sad that Alvin will not be here in body to celebrate with us. Our first birthday party without him. My heart hurts.

I am working from home today so time to head downstairs and put on the coffee. Wishing you a wonderful day. Remember to drink lots of water and go for a walk. Nothing like a walk to clear the negative babble and make you feel good in general!

I am so grateful to all my friends for being so supportive during this time and always. I have the best friends on the planet.

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).

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? Wow, does it ever seem as though I just said those very words. The sun is shining brightly and the sky is a mix of clouds and clear blue sky. Kind of a ripple effect happening this morning in the sky. But the sun is shining and for now that is all that matters. Gone is the blanket of snow from yesterday morning that covered the ground. The snow incredibly stayed until late morning. It was pretty cool outside but warmed throughout the day. We went for a walk after work and it was okay. Definitely warmed than our previous walk. The temperatures are to be warming and that means only one thing, I CAN PLANT THE FLOWERS THAT I BOUGHT ON MOTHER’S DAY. Hopefully that means on the weekend. The flowers/plants are doing well as they have a nice southern exposure window and are warm and I have water ready for when they need a drink. My kitchen table has never looked more pretty. The lavender smells amazing even though I am congested with allergies. The begonias, pansies, violas, impatiens are all looking so beautiful. There are another two flowers that I do not remember their names. Pops of colour. Orange, Yellow, Purple, Pink and White. My tomato plants are doing well. I need to start thinking about where to plant all these beauties. Some out front while others in pots.

The buds on the trees are turning into leaves, the most exquisite green and even the grass is turning green. I sure wished that our front lawn was green instead of brown. It definitely needs a boost. Even the backyard is green in more places than not.

Soon we shall be seeing the goslings out and about with their Mamas and Papas. They are so cute. Baby ducks, or ducklings will be hatching soon, I think. Spring turning into summer.

I really need a cup of coffee this morning. Mr. Alvin was up and down all night. Quite possibly he may have an ear infection or his paws are really bothering him. I will check his ears and really wished that I could smell better. Poor guy and poor momma with not much sleep.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

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

Thank you for reading my blog over the last decade plus. I cannot believe I have been writing these posts since April 2010. Time flies.

Lots of changes and more to come, I suspect.

Always, Carol & Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! I hope this post finds you doing very well. Today is Wednesday, April 6, 2022. Happy Birthday to a long time friend of mine, Lisa. We hope that you are having a wonderful day.

The sunrise is beautiful and the sky is a most pretty blue. The kind of blue that you love to look at. I can see oranges and pinks with a slight mix of blue and purple in the sunrise as the sun slowly rises in the morning sky. We are so blessed to see this beauty. I am most grateful for these mornings.

There is a bit of a breeze but not gale force as it was yesterday. Nothing like eating your hair as you are out for a walk with your favorite pup.

Everyday I hear more and more birds as they return to start building and laying their eggs. The geese are returning. The bunnies are turning brown. All sure signs of spring. Also big news, most of the snow and ice from our little grassy area as melted. I was able to chip a good portion away from the edge of the deck as Mr. Alvin likes to jump down and I was so worried about him doing this. For some reason he is not into taking the steps. The edge of the deck is not high as this is the middle section and I can even step up and down (which is something for me). Little bit higher than steps. Anyway. Even though it was windy we did get out for a couple of walks yesterday. I can feel any stress or anxiety melt away as I walk along the sidewalks in our neighborhood with my Alvin.

My life is really good. Oh and I have more good news. I seem to be almost back to normal after my backward tumble in the backyard on Sunday. Also I have been using the ice pick as a walking stick whenever I go into the grassy area so that I do not slip or lose my balance. Works perfectly. I also make sure that I hold the railing when I take the stairs. Always good to do. They are there for a reason.

Oh, the sunbeams are resting gently on the trees and the houses that I an see. Looks so pretty.

On Friday, it is forecasted to be +20 degrees celsius here in Edmonton. I believe that will be flip flop weather and no sweater weather. Cannot wait. Makes our walks so perfect. I am going to start carrying water with us for the boy to drink.

Well it is almost time to start work for another day. As a friend once said “one more day closer to retirement.” Which is true. I am excited as I am taking some vacation days starting next Wednesday. Really looking forward to this time off. I go back to “work” on the 21st, which is the following Thursday. Working Monday and Tuesday of next week and then Thursday and Friday the following week. Easter falls in there as well so Good Friday and Easter Monday are vacation days for us.

I hope that you have a wonderful day. Maybe even be able to get out for a nice walk.

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! Well it is Saturday morning. YAY. Light outside but the sky is not blue and the sun is not shining at the moment. I hope that all is well with you. We are doing well. Same old story with us. Up early early and then slept in. Oh, I have quite the life, I do.

I am so happy to have a long weekend ahead of us. I was thinking that perhaps we may get outside for a walk with all of the recent snow that is covering parts of the sidewalks and helping to make it more safe to walk.

I was also uploading photos from my phone to the computer and ran into a snag. Appears that they did not save. Man, technology sometimes can be a “pain in the butt.” It really can. Maybe it is me but maybe not. I know that my both my phone and especially my computer are getting older and technology is not something that gets better with age. Definitely not like us humans! I hope that both my phone and computer hang in there for a bit longer. Fingers crossed.

I was thinking of more television sitcoms that I watch and perhaps that I missed saying in yesterday’s post. Did I mention GHOSTS? I watched it last night. It is so funny. This is perhaps one of the best seasons for SITCOMS. There are so many and they are so good. There are so many that I do not watch. I watch enough television as it is and cannot fit more in, lol. Watching t.v. shows and movies is my source of entertainment. I do not travel or often even leave my neighbourhood so this is how I enjoy my spare time. I do write in my spare time but not enough. That book or books will never get written if I do not spend more time writing. I always come out of the gate hot and then after a short time, give up. Not sure why – there are likely a million reasons. But I will continue sharing with all of you, my life stories, some photos, perhaps some of wisdom that comes from age and whatever else I can think of. Isn’t that really what life is all about – sharing? I think so.

Fav photo of us

Chocolate pudding

Newest collage from my daughter

our walking loop

something to make

my latest chili

Wishing you a wonderful Saturday. I really need to have a shower and COFFEE.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? Cool, I hope. Alvin and I were up at 3:30 as both had to “pee.” It was so refreshing outside and even though it was in the 20’s celsius even at that time with a breeze it felt cool and as I was wearing my summer pj’s, I put on a sweater, imagine that! We lingered on the deck for a time enjoying the coolness and for a moment I thought of grabbing Alvin’s beds and bringing them outside and laying down on the deck. For a moment. Then back into the house and laid down until he was up at 4:30 to eat. After Alvin ate, I changed my alarm from 5:00 to 5:30. I checked the weather and before the official sunrise it was 24 degrees celsius with a breeze and only climbing after the sun begins to rise higher in the sky. The sun rose at I think 5:07 so we could see to walk of course and at 5:40 a.m. this morning Alvin and I headed out for a walk. We came across three runners and one couple with a dog walking. I think that the dog was walking the Mrs. They were fully dressed with long pants, tops and jackets. I felt warm looking at them. Anyway we enjoyed the coolness in the air, the smell of the roses, the smell of the morning. It was enchanting. Really it was. I felt like we were in a different place and shortly we will be. I am grateful that we have fans and can keep relatively okay. Last night before bed I gave Alvin a bath of sorts, no shampoo, just got him wet and then partially dried him. I had a shower. Then we went to bed. I also put a wet towel on him. When the towel dried out during the night, he woke up. I realized what the problem was grabbing the towel went into the bathroom and ran some coolish water soaking the towel. Covering him with it once again, he went back to sleep. I think that he knows what the towel represents now. I am grateful to have towels and water. There is still a breeze coming in through the office window and it is actually cool in here. Unlike yesterday morning when it was warm but we are earlier I think. A few minutes ago after returning from our walk, Alvin wanted to go outside. So we went into the backyard and found Bogart atop the fence between his yard and ours. He was meowing at Alvin and Alvin was barking at him. His Mom came out, picked up Bogart from the top of the fence, he was not impressed, we had a short visit as she was vacuuming while it was still cool before realizing that she promised a coworker that she would go to the office and help with a task. So then she was hustling Humphrey and Bogart into the house. That has been our morning thus far. Honestly feels like we have been up for hours and I guess actually we have.

At least the weekend will be 10 or more degrees cooler and 25/26 degrees celsius looks pretty cool to me.

So on this Wednesday the last day of June 2021 and the day before we celebrate Canada Day, I am grateful to live in a country that is not perfect but we are trying to do better for all our citizens. We are hopeful that for the children of the next generations we will always remember what is not acceptable and that we will all live together with respect, compassion and kindness for everyone, for each citizen of this great land. Everyone is important. Everyone!

Happy Wednesday to you. I am off to put on some coffee and perhaps sit outside on the deck for a little while while the deck remains shaded before the sun rises higher in the sky. Enjoy that refreshing cool air a bit longer.

Take care and stay cool and hydrated.

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

Love, Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All. How are you this bright sunny Thursday morning? Alvin and I are doing great. We went upstairs to prepare for bed last night at just a few minutes after 9:00 p.m. Now of course we were not sleeping right away as someone has to change into her pj’s, brush teeth both of us, wash face and moisturize and then I read for a bit but safe to say lights out before 10:00 p.m. – the boy slept until 4:18 a.m. this morning. Cause for celebration in this house. I happily went downstairs with Alvin and firstly gave him his glucosamine chew followed by breakfast and then he went outside. A few minutes later he was back in the house and we were curled up on the sofa. The next thing I knew it the alarm was going off on my phone and it was 6:45 a.m. There are no words and I feel fantastic. Like I actually got a good night’s sleep. Seems like forever since that has happened but so grateful that it finally occurred. Alvin is waiting patiently at the doorway to the office for me to finish so he can go downstairs. Today is payday so bills have been paid. Money seems to evaporate. But that is not the word that I want to dwell on. I am grateful to have more than enough money in my bank account for all of the things that we need and some of the things that I want. I am far from greedy. If our needs are met and some of the “wants” then I am feeling deeply in gratitude.

I noticed as I looked out of the bedroom window a few minutes ago that there is absolutely no snow on the north side of the street which is facing south. Our neighbours across the street get the warm sun which quickly melts the snow. The sidewalks are bare and dry. In fact even the grass areas are bare showing the remnants of the fall, leaves that were not raked. On our side of the street which is shrouded in shadows most of the time still is covered in snow and ice. I have been shovelling along with the neighbours but some of the ice that is caused from runoff from our backyards is not as easily disposed. Anyway quite the contrast. Out of the office window the trees are still basking in the bright morning sun and look beautiful against the blue backdrop. Has spring arrived?

Well I am one happy Momma this morning. Also note: that I booked a day of vacation tomorrow. Friday is my daughter’s birthday and Alvin goes to our Vet to have the stitches removed. I noticed that the incision has healed nicely. My daughter is coming to drive us and I am grateful for her kindness. Tomorrow I am going to pick up the ingredients needed to make her a “fruit pizza” for her birthday. She decided she wanted the FP instead of a regular cake. Nice to change things up.

I am grateful for this moment and for all the ones ahead on this day and always. I am basking in gratitude for the blessing of Alvin sleeping and healing and recovering. He is one strong old guy. We are waiting for the results from the tests that were taken at the time of his surgery but I know in my heart of hearts that he is going to be fine. He has many good healthy years ahead.

Time to plug in the coffee and get to work. I am training which has been both interesting and actually fun considering we are doing virtually. Who knew that I could actually train someone without them being in person. It actually is quite easy and we are enjoying the process.

Remembering to live each moment of each day in kindness, with respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello and doing a little happy dance as today is FRIDAY.

YAY, I have a busy weekend ahead of me but doing things that I love.

Well perhaps giving Mr. Alvin a hair cut and bath is not exactly something that I love to do but that is okay.

I see lots of BAKING on the horizon, write up Christmas cards for the co-workers, wrap Christmas presents and the regular stuff like laundry.

Tonight I start off with going grocery shopping after I get home from work and get Alvin looked after and go for a walk.

Last night our walk was to the Vet and home to pick up more food, some treats, toothpaste, and his glucosamine chews.

I have started to supplement his dry food with a bit of wet.

He thinks it is a treat.

So cute.

 

Well today feels like a day to post photos.

Some of my favorite photos from 2019.

What a crazy happy sad wonderful year it has been.

I hope that are having a great day.

Take a look back at your photos for this year.

Enjoy ….

Photos can always bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Happy Friday.

 

Love Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time

Hello,

There is nothing quite like being ripped out of a deep beautiful sleep than by the loud crack, crash of THUNDER and the room lit by LIGHTNING.

Well that is what happened to us in the middle of last night.

WOW.

Being both wide awake we decided to go downstairs and hit the sofa for the rest of the night.

Luckily it was quiet.

I love my sofa …. always get a good sleep …. no matter the length of time.

Looks like the sky is beginning to clear.

They are forecasting some rain showers for today.

Decision on what to wear for footwear as I am catching the bus for my last four days of work before my vacation.

I don’t want my new shoes to get wet …. argh.

The carpool is on vacation starting yesterday at noon.

Lucky girl.

So excited for mine to begin but at the same time I do not wish to rush it.

Teddy comes tonight for a couple of days.

So will be nice for Alvin to have company during the day tomorrow.

Our office closes at 3:00 p.m. so will be home earlier than normal which will be nice.

 

Last night after work my daughter and I hit COSTCO.

Man did we ever hit COSTCO to the tune of over $700 …. largest amount ever spent there between the two of us.

Not like we bought anything much out of the ordinary ….

Unless you call the one package of underwear that I picked up.

Love the JONES NEW YORK ones.

Okay, perhaps that was a bit too personal but what the heck.

Just between me and you, right.

Gotta have a sense of humour otherwise what does it matter.

My daughter also picked up some moisturizer.

It was one that only ever comes to COSTCO a couple of times a year.

Sold at one of those kiosks.

It was more than the underwear.

Anyway.

 

We even managed to get out for a walk before it rained which I will just say this:  the forecast was way off …. it did not rain at 7:00 or even 8:00 p.m.

Our walk was perfect.

We even saw our friends out for a bike ride …. of course, we stopped and chatted.

Also had time to mow the back lawn (which takes less time than it takes to take the mower out of the garage).

Cleaned up the front flower bed.

There was one flower that was getting a bit straggly.

 

I hope that I made you giggle just a tad on this wonderful Thursday morning.

Alas I must sign off as there are windows to close and have Mr. Alvin go outside one last time before I leave for work.

 

Happy Thursday.

 

With kindness and respect you WILL be joyful.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 29th day pf April, 2019.

Wow, second last day of April 2019.

This morning the sunrise is crazy beautiful as it rises there are some puffy dark blue clouds that appear to be suspended from the clear blue sky above.

Looks like someone just added them with a paint brush.

Oh so pretty.

 

I was thinking this morning as I was getting ready for the day about how much we all take for granted our lives.

We take for granted our health, our family and friends.

Our jobs and our homes.

Usually it is not until we lose something or someone, that we realize this.

How precious every aspect of our lives is …..

When you can swing your legs off the bed and touch the floor and stand up.

Be grateful.

When you can turn on the tap and have clean healthy water to drink and use.

Be grateful.

When you can walk for exercise and enjoyment.

Be grateful.

Every time you make a mortgage payment on your home.

Be grateful.

Every time you pay your taxes be grateful as that money goes for health care, roads and more.

Every moment of every day is a blessing.

A blessing that we can breathe clean air.

A blessing that we are surrounded by family and friends.

A blessing that we have homes and a bed to sleep in at night.

A blessing that we have jobs to make that mortgage payment and to buy food.

A blessing that we are alive.

So on those days when you are feeling woe is me; remember.

Life is a blessing.

Be grateful.

Yes, I know perhaps there will be days that are less than perfection.

But at least we have those days.

Please do not spend your precious moments walling in self pity or complaining about someone or something.

Spend your time being grateful.

Life will always be better if you spend it in a state of gratitude.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

The sky is blue.

The clouds are delightful.

I am alive.

I have my buddy Alvin at my side.

Thank you.

I am most gratefully for all that I have and that I saw my kids yesterday afternoon.

Thank you.

 

Special Hello to: you and you and you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 22nd day of April, 2019.

The sky is slightly overcast this morning as the sun rises in the sky.

Forecast is for above 17 degrees celsius today.

Yesterday was glorious.

We were up in good time yesterday morning and spoke to my daughter via the telephone followed by a call from my friend P to go for a walk with her and her grand pup Georgie.

Just when I was sipping my coffee we received another phone call from our friend V in Regina, Saskatchewan.

The phone rang off the “wall” so to speak yesterday morning.

So great to chat to the girls.

Alvin and I met P and Georgie at the entrance to the nearby park and then continued for a nice long walk.

Just a few minutes into the walk we noticed a bright white flock above us filling the sky.

I was distracted by a larger dog and was paying more attention to Alvin and the dog than the birds.

P told me quick look it is a flock of SWANS.

She had heard on a news report that there were swans in our area.

This is not their normal flight route.

A historical flight change for sure.

The sky was white with the huge number of swans.

In all my years I have never seen a swan flying overhead.

How cool is that?

We continues about our walk and enjoyed everything that nature had to offer us.

Everyone was out walking their pups yesterday.

One hour later we returned home.

We, well I spent the day taking apart the office.

Everything down from the walls, packed up the closet and filled two garbage bags.

There are still a number of items and boxes to take to the basement for storage.

Once the room is clean except for the computer desk and chair; I will begin to prepare for painting.

Then at some point – there will be new paint in my office and I will finally hang my bulletin boards that my daughter made me for Christmas a few years ago (3 actually).

Sometimes it takes a while to get things done.

ARGH.

I also pressure washed the deck yesterday early afternoon.

Alvin and I even went for another walk late afternoon – early evening – 30 minutes.

Lots of exercise for us.

Was so great to get it all cleaned and now ready to put out the patio/deck furniture.

I might just put out a few things for now.

Another successful day.

Today will be shower for me after this post, then make pancakes, put on another load of laundry, COFFEE, take boxes and items to the basement and give Mr. Alvin a bath.

I am hoping to trim his front paws and legs a bit more before the bath.

I am excited to have today plus tomorrow off from work.

Feeling like I am accomplishing so much this weekend.

The weather has been great for walks.

Perhaps our daughter/sister might pop by today for a visit.

I will make pancakes and perhaps that will bring her here this morning.

Well time to hop into the shower.

Already changed our bedding.

All fresh for clean human and dog tonight.

We will be freshly clean as well.

 

I am so grateful to have this beautiful house.

I am so grateful for my daughter and her family.

I am so grateful for my sister and brothers.

I am so grateful for all our family.

Young and old.

I am grateful to have had this extra long weekend to get some tasks/chores accomplished; to have had extra walks and to have had some wonderful relaxation time.

Feeling pretty great.

 

Big celebration today is EARTH DAY.

Please be kind to our Earth this day and everyday.

Pick up trash.

Don’t destroy our Environment.

Turn off unnecessary lights.

Plant a tree.

We can all work together and make a difference.

Celebrate this beautiful planet we call EARTH.

Happy Earth Day.

Be kind to our precious EARTH.

Happy Earth Day.

 

 

Have an awesome Monday.

So much to celebrate today.

 

Special Hello to: my family and friends.

Always, Carol & Alvin