The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Well it looks like we had some rain overnight and the sky is cloudy or smoky – hard to tell without smelling the air, so I am going to hop off my chair and briefly open the window. Smells like smoky rain. This morning I am taking the city bus to work and also tomorrow morning as my carpool has to wait at home with her son while her son goes to the Doctor. Their Day-Home provider has Covid. I had not realized that people were still getting Covid. I guess it will be with us for a long time.

I am very happy that we had some moisture over night. Last night I walked with my friends. Initially I received a text saying that Bruno was not up for a walk. I asked if I could take Eddie for a walk so that she could be with Bruno. As soon as she got Eddie ready – Bruno was up and wanting to go. They have the best raincoats for the boys. They are bright yellow and are more substantial than the little one that I had for Alvin. Alvin did not really like it anyway and we seldom walked if it was raining too much. Sprinkling yes, raining hard, no. Anyway she left Bruno’s raincoat off and Eddie has his on when they arrived. I had not realized that it was raining so I had on shorts, a tank top and three quarter length sleeve sweater. It was warm so I was okay. Shortly after we left my house, Jeanette put on Bruno’s raincoat as it started to rain more and she did not want him to get wet. We set off shortly afterwards. The rain did not really come down too hard for long. It was a nice little rain and then it stopped. On the way we saw a woman and her dog Bruno. Jeanette remembered his name. Two Brunos. I thought that she looked familiar and sure enough when started to speak, she remembered Alvin’s water bottle and him. I was holding the water bottle and she recognized it and when I mentioned Alvin and his colouring etc., she remembered him. We had a good walk and one hour later back home. Nice to get out and as long as he is able to, nice for him to enjoy some fresh air. We never know how long we have so might as well enjoy all that we can, when we can.

I am going to be short here as I have to leave the house half an hour earlier than usual. Looks windy outside so I hope that it does not start to rain as an umbrella will not help. Might have to wear my jacket. Will see when I get downstairs.

Happy Tuesday. Be safe and happy.

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 Next Chapter

Good Morning! Mostly clear blue sunny skies this morning. The smoke cleared by late afternoon, early evening and I was grateful that I could open my windows. I know that the smoke here was by no means as bad as those areas in the thick of the fires but I am grateful. There is a breeze this morning but I do no smell smoke unless my sense of smell is not functioning this morning. I am congested between the Mayday trees in full bloom and the pollen going on. Today is Thursday. Today is my dental appointment where they remove the temporary crowns and put in/on the permanent ones. I am also having two upper back molars extracted and two upper front fillings redone. Hopefully everything goes smoothly today. Fingers crossed that the pushing and pulling is at a minimum as my mouth was sore for almost this whole time. Not painful just sore. Anyway, I am grateful that all is well and will be soon over for now. I will definitely keep up the regular appointments no matter what is going on in the world. Next is medical appointments – get all those checkups done. When you are feeling mostly good – we tend to forget and with the Pandemic, no one went to the Doctor unless it was an emergency. Anyway.

I have been thinking of my Alvin this morning. I miss his cute face and the way he walked. I miss him sitting in the bathroom while I had a shower with his back to me, always the gentleman. I miss snuggling in bed and on the sofa. Life is not the same. It is okay but definitely not as great as when Mr. Alvin shared this home with me.

Alvin at Laser Therapy

Mr. Alvin

Cuteness

In kitchen with Mom

A proper Gentleman

Loving Broccoli

Pauline’s -Happy Place

Just chilling

Me and my Alvin 2018

Walking with Mom

One of many for him

Gift form Val

What?

Soon there will be flowers

Temporary bedroom

The flowers are for Mr. Alvin as he loved them so much. I cannot wait until I plant flowers in his honour. Miss you buddy.

Have a good Thursday. Be safe and keep cool.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin, My Forever Angel

P.S. starting to smell a bit of smoke.

The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Well the sun is shining brightly and there remains smoke in the air. I opened the window and then closed it as the smell of smoke was too much. I certainly do not want the inside of the house to smell like smoke. My heart goes out to all those families affected by the wildfires. I heard that our Prime Minister is visiting Alberta. Likely there are a lot of mixed feelings about his visit. But you know what that is his job to see the people of Canada in good times and in bad. When he visits he can well better make decisions that affect the people who need assistance and help.

There is some wind this morning but no where near the wind of this time yesterday. So that is a good thing.

Last night after supper I walked with my friends. Bruno is having a hard time. His Momma comes home late this evening. His Dad says another trip to the Hospital. Poor boy. I hope that he will be okay. One of his legs seems to be swollen. I am not sure how Eddie will do without Bruno should something happen to him. It was smoky last night but there was enough of a breeze that it was okay. Still not my favourite time to be walking with or without pups.

This morning we are going to the last two of our sites to check things and pick up trash. I am not looking forward to be outside for hours in the smoke but I guess there are others like the firefighters that are out outside in this day in and day out. So I will not complain.

Well I kept hitting the snooze button on my phone this morning so I have to head downstairs so that I can have breakfast and coffee before I leave for work. Luckily my ride is coming a few minutes later than our normal time.

Have a wonderful day. Keep safe.

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.

2021

Good Morning All! How are you this morning? I am fine except for being congested, sneezy and have a dull headache. All as a result of the smoke and humidity. Last night I suffered from the Sunday night unable to turn off the thoughts, I’ll call them blues. I’m pretty sure that some people can identify with those. Alvin took awhile to settle down as well. Once we hot to sleep we slept till about 500 and then up. He ate and then outside. Back to the sofa for almost two hours more sleep. Then up. Outside, I will say this, Alvin has never had such good poops since he started to have one tablespoon of pumpkin (no spices, just pumpkin) with his second meal of the day. His vet had recommended it as the pain meds tend to cause constipation. I don’t remember her suggesting it last summer when he was on these same pills. Oh well, so happy she did. Okay, I know you don’t really want to read about someone’s poop. Actually the state of your poop can tell you so much about your overall health as can your pee. Yup, it is true. Also your eye health can signal health issues like diabetes for example. Always a good idea to have your eyes checked on a regular basis. My doctor hat has now come off, lol.

Yesterday late morning our friend Pauline dropped by for a visit. So nice to see her and catch up with her. I miss chatting with her on our walks and seeing her beautiful flowers and garden. We are into our third week of no walks. Oh, how we both miss being out and about. The geese, our friends, the park, seeing the fountains in the park, meeting new people and pups. Seems like forever since we have been out. We are suffering from that temporary loss for sure.

I snapped a couple of photos this morning to show the colour of the sky. Seems like forever since we saw the sun shine. We went from high temperatures to smoke filled skies.

Wishing you a great Monday.

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

Always, Carol&Alvin

• 

• 

• 

2021

Good Morning All! I hope this Saturday morning finds you well. We had one of the best sleeps in a long time. The temperatures have cooled down and with the windows open, despite the smoke (it even rained overnight) and the fans blowing, I actually needed a light blanket. Can you believe Alvin slept straight through until 640 am? We did lay back down for a bit longer hence the lateness of this post. How really isn’t that what weekends are all about? If I have to rush about, I am certainly able to do so but when I can slowly make my way, I do so.

Very smoky outside again this morning. My thoughts keep going to the areas affected by the fires to the residents, all of them whether two or four-legged or winged or no legs. Please bring them rain today.

This is my favourite time of the day on the weekends, the morning. Drinking coffee and then some toast for breakfast. Speaking of breakfast, has anyone noticed that bananas are not ripening? I have had two or three bunches lately snd whether they were green or actually yellow they did not ripen. So disappointing as they are a favourite breakfast treat for both Alvin and I.

This morning the a/c technician arrives to service the air conditioner and to check out the positioning of the hot water tank.

• 

  Pepper plant

I just had to show you my pepper plant, there be wee peppers there. With any luck we or rather I will be able to enjoy a green pepper or two in a few weeks. I definitely will get some pepper plants next year. They are a pretty plant and a nice addition to the flowers on the deck.

Noticing that Mr. Alvin is beginning to develop a belly from lack of exercise so this morning I cut back his good amount by just a little bit. Not enough to deprive him but hopefully enough to help him to decrease the extra weight.

Time to finish my coffee and have that toast before the a/c person arrives. I almost said a guy but women are getting more and more into the trades which is great so I want to be correct in my words.

I wish you a great day.

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

Always Carol&Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Sunday Morning.

It is windy with the sun desperately trying to break through the cloud cover.

I was out a bit earlier with the boy and it is not cold so that it is a good thing.

Our late spring/early summer weather has been a mix of sun and rain with mostly being rain.

We have no choice in what the day brings and just have to roll with it.

When the sun shines we walk and work outside or simply sit on the deck and enjoy the sun’s rays.

With the rain, we stay inside.

I am not opposed to walking in the rain protected by an umbrella but doesn’t work so much for Mr. Alvin.

I would feel so guilty walking without him.

He does have a rain jacket but is not fond of it.

Perhaps if he wore it more than once he may grow to tolerate the covering.

But I doubt it.

He is a stubborn creature and when his mind is made up there is no changing it.

I know that first hand.

But that is okay.

 

I will say that I can be stubborn although I have learned to roll with change in my later years.

You do not always have control – okay we seldom have real control.

What is control anyway?

Does it really matter in the grand scheme of things?

We do not have control over the weather.

We have little control over anything in our lives, really.

Perhaps on what we have for dinner or when we take a shower.

Those things are dependent on how much money, time and what is in the pantry and fridge.

The shower well that depends on time and perhaps hot water supply.

But most things are set by a collective for which we are a part however; if that collective decides on something different from yourself, well you see what I mean.

Control is not what it is cracked up to be anyway.

If you lose what control you think that you had ….. you could spiral down.

The bottom is not a pretty place for sure.

So really …. control …… mmm.

I consulted my pocket Thesaurus to see what words are listed under control: if a verb here are some of the words: direct, lead, head, preside over, govern, rule, manage, supervise, oversee, 

if a noun, direction, leadership, command, rule, authority, charge, power, influence, mastery and so on.

 

By looking at the words that fall under the word “control” – perhaps control is more a wide brush stroke.

We can provide influence and direction over how we make meals, dress ourselves and maybe our family to some degree and so much more.

We can manage how we accomplish things in our daily lives.

 

But if you wake up in the morning and simply live your life.

Everyone has a schedule and some choices within.

If we work whether at home or away from home.

You have to get up, eat breakfast, have a shower, get dressed, look after your pets and your family and your transportation to the job.

There are things that we just have to do.

Control is just a word.

Some people spend way too much time worrying about things that are going to happen whether you are in control or not.

So I say …. live your life.

Do the best that you an within the framework of your life.

Words are words.

We spend far too much time worrying about words.

Actions speak louder than words.

If we live our best lives with kindness and respect, really most things will work out just the way that they should.

 

Are you confused?

Well perhaps it is too early in the day to provide an intelligent or wise view.

Food for thought, definitely.

Perhaps we all need to consult the Thesaurus once in awhile.

After all, they are only words.

Different meanings.

 

Well whether the sun shines today or not.

I am making pancakes for breakfast.

I am finishing the laundry.

I am making some notes on a story idea that came to me last night.

I will go for a walk with Mr. Alvin in between the showers.

I will do what I need to do.

 

Yesterday I/We had company.

My friend G in the morning and then my daughter stopped by for lunch.

We enjoyed our company so much.

There was laughter and almost a little smoke when we were making our grilled cheese sandwiches for lunch.

In our defensive, we thought that Mr. Alvin was choking on a carrot.

The sandwiches were delicious.

He is okay.

But that is life.

So much love, kindness and respect I have for these two wonderful women.

I am so blessed.

The sun shone and the day was great.

We walked.

Humphrey visited.

We visited Bogart the kitten.

My daughter met the new neighbour.

Life is good.

 

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Monday morning once again.

Overcast sky.

Smoke or rain clouds?

Do not smell smoke, so that is a good thing.

 

We had the pleasure of having Humphrey the Cat spend the weekend with us or rather the waking hours.

He did sleep at home.

After this post, I am going to his home to make sure that he is okay before I leave for work.

His Momma will be home today.

 

If you are in the moment and are quick enough ….. well you will see …..

Humphrey hiding behind the planter.

The boys out together.

Humphrey deciding what to do.

I was so pleased to be able to snap this shot, Alvin and a Magpie at a star down.

Alvin walking away ….  ” I did not catch the bird”….

Humphrey is so photogenic …. I guess most animals are ….

I love the shots of Humphrey playing under the patio furniture.

The shot of the day ….. Humphrey just popped his head up … to see what I was doing.

They bring so much joy and so many stories.

Overall the boys did very well.

Considering they are a cat and a dog.

Alvin is just a tad bit fearful of Humphrey which is okay.

Humphrey has a good amount of patience.

So together it works.

 

Speaking of Humphrey …. I must go.

 

Living … One day at a time.

Have a wonderful day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

We actually had sunshine, clear blue skies yesterday for the first time in days.

I hope that this means that the forest/wild fires to the north of Edmonton are perhaps lessened.

But more than likely it is because the wind changed.

Yesterday was quite warm.

I brought Humphrey the cat over to spend the day with me and Alvin.

Again they never cease to amaze me.

Sharing the space.

I felt bad taking Alvin for a walk last night as I know how much Humphrey likes to walk sniffing as he goes.

But he was in the backyard for time over the course of the day.

He is quite the cat.

We walked at 7:00 p.m. thinking it was cooler than earlier but only to find out it was still quite warm.

Thankfully I always carry Alvin’s special water bottle/dish with us.

We did not see the geese who were probably near or in the water keeping cool.

In between things yesterday I even left them for a short time while I headed to the grocery store.

Seemed strange but they did great.

 

Today is Sunday.

Love Sundays.

Pancake breakfast.

Oh, I forgot to grab the frozen blueberries out of the freezer.

Will have to do that right away.

Also going over to pick up Humphrey the Cat (have to make sure that he did his morning ritual before he comes over to spend the day).

Cinder the Gekko has to be fed.

I wished that I could bring her over to my house, too.

Also am going to give Alvin a trim and a bath.

That should be fun.

We always enjoy those, not.

 

Well in this very moment; I am gleefully happy.

Feel great.

Sitting at the computer clicking away on the keys while Alvin waits outside the office door.

Not sure why ….

I think he knows that his friend will be here shortly.

Spending the day with animals is wonderful.

They warm your heart.

 

Well time to go and look after my charges: Humphrey the Cat and Cinder the Gekko.

I love my life.

It would be great to be retired with no mortgage and spend my days writing stories and looking after our four-legged creatures.

Alvin, Teddy, Humphrey and Cinder.

Perhaps others from time to time.

 

Okay, Living … One day at a time …. you never know what will happen.

Does not hurt to look forward a bit as long as do not dwell.

 

Happy Sunday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Wow, Saturday morning and almost time for me to pop over and pick up Mr. Humphrey who will be spending the weekend except for sleeping at our house.

There has been peeps of sunlight coming through the smoke filled sky this morning.

The wind is blowing so what that will mean, only time will tell.

Last night my daughter gave me a ride home from work as a couple of food items of mine had been left mixed with hers.

She helped me or rather set up a couple of things on the new phone for me.

After she left which was about 5:15 or so, Alvin and I left the house for a walk.

We were only a few doors down when I noticed a man trying to corral his dogs one being a large dog and the other a small one.

He yelled to a neighbour (our friend) who was out in her front yard to pick up the small dog while he called after the large dog who just kept running.

This is the breed that killed another friend’s dog and I will say I am just a bit, okay a lot scared of that dog.

So we ran onto a porch of another friend and hid at the front door.

She has a large full tree in the front so we were not in sight.

Thankfully.

I figured that she would be at work and she has a small older dog who had seen us go by …

Jazmin did not start barking and I was hoping that the owner of the large dog would hurry and get him.

He kept calling to the dog “come get into the truck” as he walked to his truck.

Meanwhile cars are zooming by ….. the dog stayed on the other side of the street but at one point was right directly across from us.

Alvin barked once and I covered him with my body and sort of pinned him against the door for protection.

I was not taking any chances.

Hoping that he would not start barking grabbing he attention of the loose large dog.

Not with my Alvin.

Just as Jazmin started to bark again …. the door opened and we almost fell into the house.

My friend was at home (happened to have the day off) and had been upstairs when we first arrived on her porch.

I noticed that the dog ran by towards his owner.

My heart was racing.

It was finally over.

Only was a handful of minutes but seemed forever.

So we ended up staying for a visit.

Alvin had some treats.

Life is good.

After that we continued on our walk.

We saw that the Geese including the goslings were on the grass by the water in the park.

So great so see those darling babies.

As we rounded the ponds we, I spotted a friend out watering her garden.

I said hello and that started a long chat.

Alvin was pretty patient.

After that, we turned around to go home and met a woman with her two small dogs.

We stopped and had a meet.

One of her dogs was a senior at 15 and then had a 7 year old small dog.

The senior about Alvin’s age but not his weight.

After that we headed home.

Saw other neighbours out walking with their doggie but we only said a quick hello.

Just about home when I saw other friend and her son.

She spotted Alvin whom she loves …. another beautiful conversation.

Guess what time we got home?

7:30 p.m.

So then we were famished or at least I kind of was …..

What a walk we had!

Other than the large dog experience … it was great to see so many friends.

Well I better get this day going.

I was going to mention that I started watching a mini series called “THE HOT ZONE.”

Based on true events in the United States (assuming).

I had watched the first of three two hour episodes Thursday night and watched all but about one hour last night.

I was so tired and poor Mr. Alvin …. kept trying to get me to go upstairs.

 

Well in the moment …. Living … One day a time.

Have an awesome Saturday.

Time to go and pick up Humphrey.

His Momma left about 8:00 a.m.

So he is okay …

Alvin will be happy to have company.

 

Laundry and grass mowing await me but not before picking up Humphrey and oh, yes COFFEE.

I also have to have breakfast.

Somewhere between changing bedding and gathering laundry and a handful of chores, I forgot.

 

Be kind …. and always aware of what is going on around you.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Another smoky day here in Edmonton.

I can only imagine what the air is like closer to the fires.

Yesterday the upper atmosphere was filled with smoke covering the SUN with a veil turning it a red colour.

Throughout the day the smoke slowly fell closer to the ground.

Many folks were saying “it looked like the zombie apocalypse.”

The smell of smoke covering everything it touched.

The smoke making it hard to breathe for those with respiratory issues.

Our thoughts are daily with all of the folks, animals, first responders and firefighters that are right in the middle of it all.

I cannot imagine.

I am grateful that the temperature has come down ….

 

Alvin and I did manage to go for a short walk.

We walked to our friend’s house by the lake.

Stopped in for a short visit.

We missed the previous two nights due to the high temperatures.

 

I guess with all that is going on in the world and at home.

Always gives pause for thought.

But I always remind myself to be present, listen to myself and to others.

 

 

Well we were dilly dallying a bit too long this morning.

Now almost time to leave for work.

Looking forward to the week.

Humphrey is coming for a visit over the weekend.

That will be lovely.

 

If we are all kind to ourselves and to others.

What a wonderful world this would be …..

Keep on Living … One day at a time.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin