Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to October 2022. The sun is shining brightly and the temperature for today is to be +22 celsius and 24+ for tomorrow and in the low 20’s for the following couple of days. Great weather for October and I love it. The sky is a great sunshiny blue. Is that a colour, well today it is!

Alvin and I had a quiet Friday. I was happy that he was able to go for a nice walk and did not appear to be in any obvious pain.

Today is the Birthday of a neighbour’s son who was 8 years old when I moved in back in 2009. Happy Birthday Kahlia. He is now a grown man. I cannot believe he is 21 years old. WOW, time flies. I have lived in this place, this house, this city for 13 years now and will be 14 next year.

Well I have been adding to my list with some final outdoor chores. I still do not want to put away the patio furniture but I do want to wash the deck and porch. Easier to do when they are bare. Perhaps I will look ahead to next weekend which will be another long weekend, Thanksgiving. Oooo, pumpkin pie. I love pumpkin pie.

I have lots of apples to prepare. Sounds like some apple crisps and apple muffins in the near future. Perhaps apple sauce? I need to go to the grocery store as I am totally out of brown sugar and a few other things some that are required to do this baking and others just need. On my TO DO LIST.

Alvin needs a bath. He has a vet visit on Tuesday afternoon so I will give him one tomorrow afternoon.

I love this time of year but I will admit that I have been a bit tired the past few days. Perhaps the years of getting up at random times during the night has caught up with me, maybe. Sometimes, I find that in the fall, when the weather starts to cool, that I feel the need to “hibernate,” to sleep more. So I am going to chalk sleepiness up to just that.

Photos out of our bedroom window this morning. The leaves are turning. Not as crisp photos as if I went outside but it is was a last minute idea.

Time to head downstairs and get this day going. I need coffee. Alvlin is bored.

Have a wonderful Saturday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Alvin seems to be almost back to normal. This morning I started to reintroduce his regular food to the bland diet of chicken and rice. He doesn’t really want to drink much water so I just add water to his food. He drinks the water and then eats his food. I suppose now that I have started something but he has to drink! What a guy! Still keeping an eye on him. This morning I did not add water to his food as it was a mix of his food, pumpkin and the bland diet. But I will give him a snack later this morning and will give him water. Hopefully when we go for a walk – he will drink more than he did yesterday. I was reading if they do not get exercise, then they do not always want to drink much or can be any number of things. So I took him for a walk after work yesterday. We walked to our friend Pauline’s house and home. He only drank a small amount of water whereas he usually drinks almost the full container which is almost two cups. I did the test on his gums and they seem to be okay, so not dehydrated. We are going for a walk shortly. I had planned to get up earlier so that I wouldn’t have to rush but when we were up at 4:30 for a pee, then up at 5:30 so that he could eat and have his meds, get up at 6:00 was difficult. So here we are. Up at 6:40 and it is now just a couple of minutes after 7:00. We will have to leave soon so that we are back in time for me to get signed on for work. There is lots of time but I have a thing about being on time.

There is a cool breeze this morning so will be nice to get out for a walk. Perhaps the breeze and morning air will clear the cobwebs from my brain and get me where I need to be.

I am very grateful that Alvin is feeling better. Always a difficult thing to go through for him and me. He is getting older which I sometimes forget and he may not bounce back just as quickly as he once did but that is okay.

With gratitude in my heart, I leave you for today. Wishing you a wonderful day. I hope that you are able to get out for a walk and that your life has more positivity than the opposite. Why even say the word! or type it in this case.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 19 sleeps till 65. It is getting close. I wonder if I will feel differently? My geraniums have so many buds and I am happy that they are blooming.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? It is FRIDAY, yay. Well I am okay and so is Alvin. Another choppy sleep night but that is okay. I am up and ready and also ready to start drinking my coffee. The sky is lightening out my office window but I do not see the colourful rays of a sunrise. We had more snow overnight as we found out the first time that Alvin went outside around 3:00 a.m. But at least it is getting lighter even without the sunrise. I just found out yesterday that Monday is a holiday for us. No work. I am over the moon excited to have a day off. Just a nice break.

Did you all know that yesterday was “Random Act of Kindness Day?” Well I knew a few days before hand and then I totally forgot yesterday. I will say that I do try to “kind” everyday. Somedays I am better than others. How about you?

We had a great evening. Just quiet and watched some television. There are some good half hour comedies on. A couple that I am just starting to watch: “Children Ruin Everything” – a Canadian Comedy, “B Positive” which is chalked full of great actors and I love this one, Call Me Kat is so funny and a couple of others whose titles elude me at this moment. Always good to laugh before you go to bed. Call Me Kat, I have been watching for awhile along with Bob Hearts Abishola and Young Sheldon. Those are the ones that I was missing. Great shows one and all. Check them out.

More Flowers

My Flowers

My Flowers

When there is no colour in the morning sky you just need some photos of pretty colourful flowers. I hope that you enjoy them. I do love flowers.

On that note, time to take a swig of the caffeine. Coffee, yum.

Happy Friday. I hope that you have a beautiful sunrise wherever you may be.

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

Aways, Carol & Alvin

P.S. dreaming of brightly coloured flowers, green grass and dry sidewalks.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Wednesday Morning All,

A surprise rain shower over night and I had not put my patio cushions in the garage.

Oh well, they will be okay.

I am so used to putting them away and then I did not.

The sun is shining this morning and the sky is a beautiful range of blues.

We did not go for a walk in the early morning for the second day in a row.

Hopefully no rain tonight.

If I would have had my butt in gear we could have / should have gone this morning even though it is very wet outside.

Mr. Alvin prefers to walk in the grass at the park so he would be very wet by the time we got home but not a great reason.

My actual reason is we went to bed late and up early and I am tired.

Oh, well we will get our walks in between noon and after work.

 

Yesterday after supper Alvin’s best friend Teddy came for a visit.

They have been going to the farm for most of the week as both Teddy’s parents are pretty much retired now.

It was nice to see Teddy.

The boys had a great time even though most of the time was spent figuring out who lays down where.

It is a dance that they have always done.

At the end of the dance they both want to be close to me.

Sometimes both on the chaise part of my sofa on one side of me and together OR Teddy on my lap and Alvin to my side.

Alvin is not a lap dog.

Teddy is a lap dog.

Size matters.

My lap may have grown or not but Alvin is just a tad too large to be laying in my lap.

It would be a funny sight for sure.

After Teddy’s visit -Alvin and I walked him home.

Teddy’s Mom and little sister Kobi were happy to see us inviting us in for a visit.

We had a nice chat before Alvin and I headed for home.

This made me late to watch the speeches from the Republican Convention.

Luckily I had recorded them but was sad when the First Lady’s speech went over the time slot and I had forgot to record further.

I did try and find her full speech on the internet but was not able to and it was beginning to get late so I gave up.

Bed late ……

Oh well.

Up now and almost ready for work.

Just need to finish this post and grab my coffee.

Grateful for another sunny day and for the rain last night.

Thank you Universe as my flowers and lawn were watered without my help.

I am grateful that Alvin has a best friend.

Cute story.

We were on our way to take Teddy home when we came across some people.

The man and woman in the lead were clearly “fearful” of dogs (yes, even the friendliest ones on earth) so I reigned them in and as were were heading down the sidewalk

toward the young woman who was next …. she pulled out her earplugs and said “Oh, what cute doggies and winked.”

I understood what she meant.

I understand that not everyone has good experiences with dogs and even the smaller ones can be frightening.

In response to her comment I said “They are best friends.”

She replied “I bet they are.”

I said “No, they are really best friends.  You see Teddy is visiting Alvin and we are walking Teddy back home.”

She smiled, giggled and said “How nice.”

So no matter if you are two-legged or four-legged …. how nice is it to have a best friend.

We all need a best friend or two or three even or more.

 

It is time to get this show on the road.

Wishing you a great day.

Living with continues kindness and respect for all.

 

I/We shall remain,

Always, Carol & her Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

 

OH, A STORM

Thunder and lightning.

Lightning and thunder.

Rain.

Boom

More flashes of light.

I can hear the pitter patter of rain drops as they hit the window.

Alvin stirring once again.

Up and down all night long.

Inside and out.

Drying those paws.

Was it the storm?

Or something else?

Animals are intuitive.

Something was up.

So, feeling a bit sleepy this morn.

Now the clouds are breaking up as the sky lightens and the sun begins to make an appearance.

The house is warm.

Humidity levels high.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket.

Ah, my boy.

Oh, a storm.

 

Written by CY Lewis, July 24, 2019

 

With kindness and with respect

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Sky grey this morning, I cannot even say that it is blue as it is definitely grey.

The wind is getting up.

Looks like another rainy day in paradise.

Yesterday the sun shone for a good portion of the day.

You could just see the change in mood across the folks that I came across yesterday.

People were smiling and out walking.

WOW, the numbers were staggering.

People …. families ….. single persons ….. couples …. walking with dogs.

The geese …. the babies are all grown up.

I even came across folks carrying a special water bottle for their dog whose name was Gary.

Oh, Gary and Alvin.

They enjoyed each other’s company.

We saw them twice during our walk ..

I was going to wear just a sweater today but perhaps will wear a light jacket.

Umbrella, of course.

That is been a main staple the past few weeks.

I hear that sunshine is coming.

One friend told me that we have had according to metrologist that a cold front that has been here for over a month is now on the way out.

YAY, well that is good, no great news.

Needless to say that last night Alvin and I enjoyed our walk tremendously.

He is on his blue blanket beside me, as usual.

Funny how this weather has been in the front part of our minds.

Whether we are getting dressed for work or just going outdoors.

Whether we are doing yard work or going for a walk.

Everything this time of year ….

I guess living in Canada …. everything outside is dependant on the weather.

Yup, that is correct.

 

Well I must fly.

I have a couple of things to tend to before leaving for work.

I hope that you have a great day.

Perhaps the sun is shining where you are ….

If not, just keep rolling with your sunny disposition.

What else can you do?

Glum is not an option.

 

Adding to our mantra of kindness and respect …. smiles!

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 15th day of September, 2018.

 

Saturday

From out my upstairs office window the trees are swaying in the wind.

The sky is grey almost white, heavy with moisture.

There is rain falling one minute.

The next you can see snow flakes falling down, down.

It seems quite peaceful or is it only an illusion of such.

 

The overcast sky and rain mixed with snow makes me sleepy.

It feels like a slow melodic dance that hypnotizes the viewer.

Making my eyes droop and my body so relaxed.

That all I desire is to sleep.

Sleep, sleep, sleep.

 

Mother Nature is wise.

 

It was Alvin that awoke me on several occasions this morning.

Once to go outside.

Once to trick me into getting up.

Once to eat.

Once to eat.

 

I am up now.

There are birds up and flying outside my window high in the sky.

While a magpie lands on the rooftop of the neighbour’s garage.

I guess the creatures big and small are starting their day.

Shall I?

Perhaps others were up early.

I am not an early bird except for work.

Out of necessity not desire.

 

So this is Saturday thus far.

Here I go.

CY Lewis, written September 15, 2018

***********************************************

 

I was inspired to write a poem this morning by my daughter.

She gave me a poem written by Mary Oliver, a great American poet.

This reminded me of how much I loved to write and read poetry.

Also an extra reminder that I bought two books of poetry while on our road trip this summer.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

Remember to take time for yourself and to spread kindness.

Special Hello to:  all those writers out there …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 30th day of December, 2017.

One more sleep until New Year’s Eve Day.

The sun is shining brightly but it remains COLD.

This photo although not from this year makes me think of winter.

Snow resting ever so gently on each branch.

Brown branch sticking out here and there.

Winter.

On these COLD winter days ME Alvin and I love to curl up together on the sofa.

He snuggles and I sip on a cup of hot coffee.

 

There is work to do.

I could wash the floors, dust and the like but somehow the COLD has made me feel sleepy and lazy.

At least in the morning.

The afternoon will see this ELF doing some housework.

 

Happy Saturday Everyone.

Special Hello to: you

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 30th day of May, 2017.

WOW, almost June.

Can you believe it?

We are well into summer, I guess.

Not officially ……

 

This morning for some reason ( likely because I was not in bed until almost 10:00 p.m. ), I am tired.

We enjoyed our walk last night but on the way home ran into some people with their large dog off leash in our park last night.

Just on the way home ….. really, people.

They were quite offended/upset I think when we mentioned “Did you know that this is not an off leash park?”

I do not understand people.

They said that their dog was trained but seconds before he had walked through a gate into someone’s yard.

Good training.

I feel for all the dogs caught in the middle of all of this …..

If only people would use some good old fashioned common sense.

 

Well I am running late …… but food for thought ….. common sense ….. leashes ….. dogs.

 

Have an awesome day.

Happy Tuesday.

Windy but to be a hot one today.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister …..

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 6th day of May, 2017.

Another gorgeous morning here in Edmonton.

The sun is shining and the day has more than begun.

Feeling a bit lazy and wanted to stay in bed or actually I had been directed to the sofa BUT Mr. Alvin had something else in mind.

He let out little barks not even barks actually, until I got up.

Alvin will not let me stay in bed past a certain time.

Not sure why.

Well actually part of it is that he likes to lay down on the spot that I was on.

Crazy guy.

But thankfully I am up as I have LOTS to do.

When you are the only one in the household all the chores both inside and outside are yours to do.

Not complaining as it was my choice to buy a house (which I love).

There is always the first couple of weeks getting everything in order outside before it is just maintaining over the summer.

Soon the grass will need to be mowed.

The flower beds need to be watered.

I want to wash down the deck and then put out the furniture.

Wash down the house as well.

Then at some point closer to June purchase some flowers.

There is a small piece of siding at the back of the house that needs to be tacked back down.

Unfortunately it is on the second floor so I need a taller ladder so I will borrow one and get that done.

I have asked to borrow one so will do that over the next couple of weeks.

Just have to wait until I have someone to hold the ladder and to give instructions as I have not repaired siding.

So as a homeowner there is always lots to do.

But it is fun ….. at the end of the day.

It is like most things in life …. sometimes we grumble just a bit during the ride but we are happy when we have arrived.

Right….

Well I must get to it ….. Alvin certainly is not going to change the bedding or start the laundry.

He is good company as I go about my chores.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

I am most grateful that I have a Saturday to have …..

It is a good day to be alive.

It is great to be here, now.

I am looking forward to having the deck covered in flowers.

Also my perennials in the front bed are coming up ….. there be green in that bed.

I am so excited for that …..

Okay, deep breath and get going.

Happy Saturday.

 

Smiling now…..

Special Hello to: my friend “V” back home ……

Always, Carol and Alvin