Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday.

So happy that it is payday.

Pay those the bills and wait for the next ones.

What a circle!

I am grateful that I am able to pay my bills in full and on time.

I am grateful to have a roof over my head.

I am grateful that I am able to look after me and Alvin in good order.

I am grateful that I am employed.

I am grateful for each and every day that I am able to get out of bed in the morning.

I am grateful for all of my dear family members and all of my friends.

I am grateful to be surrounded by goodness and light.

I am grateful to have Alvin as my housemate.

I am grateful to have this beautiful weather as we fast approach the first day of fall.

I am grateful to be alive.

 

Last night and early this morning – I had the strangest of dreams.

Unfortunately I remember nothing of them other than they were odd.

How often does this happen to you?

Me, lots.

Sometimes I remember little things and sometimes I remember the dream in some detail.

But not often.

 

I prefer to daydream.

Where I can somewhat control and remember what I am thinking.

What do you daydream about?

I think daydreaming is good for us.

I daydream about things and people.

 

Another beautiful day on the way.

Yesterday was gorgeous.

We went for a walk in the morning as I worked the late shift yesterday.

Our walk was lovely.

Quiet …. not too many people out before 8:30 a.m.

Today at lunchtime I am going to the Vet to pick up food for Alvin, some pain meds and toothpaste for him.

We will walk after work when it cools down.

I guess we could / should have gone this morning but alas I did not get my butt going soon enough.

If I got dressed now and we went …. we could be home in time for me to start work.

But I think we will wait.

Although …… it looks tempting but it would be cutting it close.

We shall wait.

Can always go after supper if it is too warm at 4:00 p.m.

 

Tomorrow I got to the office for the first time since I left on March 19, 2020.

I am a little nervous – I will confess.

Must remember to take a mask or two and some other supplies.

Lunch, I guess.

Sounds like the coffee machine is in use so that is good.

Only for one day.

I shall miss and feel guilty leaving Alvin for a whole day.

He is not used to it.

Perhaps he will be happy to have the day to himself.

Who knows?

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I have to get ready.

Turn on the coffee.

Actually turn on the coffee first and then come back upstairs and get ready.

I have all of the windows open so that cool air can come into the house.

Smells good.

Not really any breeze this morning.

Happy Thursday.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Be safe.

Be kind and respectful.

I shall/we shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

I am so excited to see the Snapdragons coming up in the pot with the Geraniums.

Orange and pink so pretty.

There are more Snapdragons since this photo was taken.

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to a WET ONE.

Oh my gosh, it has been raining for most of the overnight and then rained most of the evening.

We were lucky and got out for a nice walk stopping at Alvin’s bestie’s for a visit before continuing on home.

Both Teddy and Kobi jumped all over me giving lots of love.

Alvin headed to see if there was any food out …. what a guy.

The sky is grey and it is very windy.

A great combination.

The ground is very wet, flower pots are saturated.

I moved some of my pots when the rain slowed down last night fearing that the flowers would be crushed from the downpour and the windy conditions.

The Marigolds, Snapdragons and Tomato plants have done great in all of this and look even more green if that is possible.

Both these flowers have the most delectable yellow flowers.  One a sun yellow and the other on the pale side.  The marigolds have rich yellow flowers and the snapdragons a more delicate yellow flower.

 

Man, I could have stayed “in bed” this morning.

With the wind howling and the rain pitter pattering on the roof and the siding and the windows.

Coming from all directions or so it would seem.

But up and almost ready to begin work.

One hiccup on the way to work is “coffee” as I cannot seem to coax my coffee perk to start.

I will go and try again as soon as I am finished writing this post.

ARGH, cannot have a day without coffee.

I love the smell and the taste.

Nothing like a great cup of coffee.

 

Well unless the weather changes dramatically – I would say that walking may be out for this day.

I think the forecast is for rain tomorrow as well.

Not liking this ….

We need the sunshine.

Not just us humans but the grass, gardens, flowers and crops and trees.

Everything needs the sun to grow and prosper.

Good old Vitamin “D.”

 

Oh, my daughter and grand pup Aspen stopped by and I took a late lunch.

They were at the vet as one of Aspen’s toe nails were given her grief.

The kids had bandaged it up as it had got caught perhaps and ended up bleeding.

The vet took a look, rebandaged the paw and gave her some pain meds.

Also gave her what looks like an IV bag with a string to place on her paw so that she does not get the bandage wet.

Wet bandage on open “wound” could mean bacteria would get in and grow and that would not be good.

I had some pancakes left from Sunday and I shared them with my girl.

They tasted pretty good reheated, actually.

 

Well time to fly …. try that coffee pot once again.

She (my coffee perk) can be a bit fussy sometimes.

Making me work for that cup of coffee for sure.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Be safe.

Remember kindness and respect, always.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

We had some rain overnight.

We also had hail yesterday afternoon.

Thankfully I did not have Mr. Alvin out for a walk.

After watching my poor flowers being pummeled with petals and leaves flying; I decided to go and rescue what I could.

I grabbed the pots that were closest and the ones that I could easily carry and brought them close to the house.

My poor Snapdragon, with new flowers, looks perfect.

It is amazing the strength of some plants and then the Irises in the front not so much.

They are long with a thin stem and the wind / hail bent them in half.

I love my garden and hope that the flowers come back.

 

Alvin went to the Vet yesterday at noon.

He has an yeast infection in his right ear.

Over $200.00 later we were home and she had given him medicine.

This new stuff lasts for a month in the ear.

So do not have to go back for another dose in a week so that is nice.

Of the $200.00 I did spend about $60 on food and treats.

Alvin, is happy that his Momma is rich.

I just snickered.

To myself.

 

The birds are chirping away this morning as they survey the damage.

The wind, well there is not any wind this morning.

Something different for us.

 

I want to send good energy out to a family member who is having surgery today.

Kisses and hugs and prayers.

 

Well here it is once again time to go to work.

I know the commute is brutal.

It truly is and I don’t know how I am managing.

Oh well, what can you do.

Another cup of coffee?

 

Well I know …. get to work.

I am excited to have a few extra days off next week.

Looking forward to that time.

 

With kindness and respect,

Living my life.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time

Good Morning,

We had a 20 degree dip in temperatures last night.

The daytime temperature was about 16-17 degrees celsius and then minus temperatures overnight.

We had rain that over the course of the evening.

I noticed at one point some of the dreaded white stuff was infiltrating the rain.

The rain won out and other than a few crisp bits of white on the deck that is all for this moment.

Thankfully.

It is one thing watching it come down over the course of the day but to wake up to SNOW – well that is just too sad.

 

We walked as soon as we were able to after work.

During the first few moments of our walk we could feel the dampness on our skin/fur and see the wet on the sidewalk.

Although there were deep dark clouds the rain held off until after we arrived back home.

I even managed to pull my remaining flowers mainly SNAPDRAGONS.

I snipped the flowers and placed them in vases/jars.

There are so many colours …. yellow, coral and pinks.

Into the garage went the remaining four flower pots.

I have three others sitting on the deck and they will have to go into the garage perhaps tonight.

They are heavy and I have to drag them …..

Such pretty flowers, I just had to bring them into the house.

There were lots of dried blooms with seeds …. have them, too.

On this Tuesday, I wish you all good health, love and joy.

I hope that you are as blessed as we.

Alvin is resting on his trusty blue blanket beside me.

Life is good.

Even did some texting with my beautiful sister already this morning.

 

With kindness and respect we will live great lives.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, Good MORNING …. still dark outside.

I brought my remaining plant pots out of the garage yesterday afternoon and placed them on the deck.

The remaining flowers mainly SNAPDRAGONS can survive until minus 8 degrees celsius.

I also have some Trailing Verbena and Marigolds.

They made it through the night which dipped to minus 2 degrees celsius.

The colours are still so rich and vibrant.

The next few days are to be sunny for the most part and warm or at least much WARMER than it has been the last couple of days.

Okay photo time.

I love FALL.

The rainbow of colours on the trees.

I love the leaves on the ground getting all nice and crispy.

I love that yellow blanket covering my lawn.

Yesterday morning the sun was shining brightly.

A breeze arose and then the leaves started to rain down.

I did try to capture that moment with my phone hence all the photos that look the same.

But I cannot help myself.

I love FALL.

I love AUTUMN.

I love that my flowers are still blooming.

I have a SCARECROW watching over my garden and yard.

A few photos from inside ….. the GERANIUM is blooming.

Oh, how I love fall.

NOTE:  the flowers by the fence in the second row were taken as I was waiting for the bus yesterday.

 

Well the checkup went well.

He even cleaned my ears.

I am prone to excess wax building …. isn’t that nice.

It happens.

Went for blood work.

Tomorrow is the Mammogram and dropping off of the STOOL sample (FIT)

to the lab.

Thankfully all within walking distance of my office.

Yup, successful prepared that good old stool sample at 5:30 this morning.

What a wonderful way to begin the day.

Also with the Mammogram (something new for me) …. no coffee (argh), no tea (argh) and no chocolate.

Oh, and no deodorant before the test.

All the best things ….. so I am being a good girl.

The test is the morning coffee at work.

But I will only fill my water bottle or perhaps have some hot water.

Well almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you are having a wonderful day.

If you have not got around to doing your ANNUAL CHECKUP for more than a year ….. do it.

Best thing that you can do for yourself.

If you do not look after yourself …. you know.

It is something you have to do for you.

 

 

Happy Wednesday.

Enjoy the leaves and the day.

Kindness and Respect is what we all deserve, each living being, each creature on this planet.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time

Hello, good morning …. I miss the early morning sunrises.

Yesterday was the OFFICIAL day of FALL / Autumn.

My tree out front has almost entirely turned to a beautiful yellow.

Some of the leaves have fallen to the ground covering the green grass with a crunchy yellow gold blanket.

I do love the colours of fall.

Warm and rich.

I am going to stay positive with the hope that the weather will hold for a few more weeks at least.

It would be wonderful if the days would remain the same as this past weekend.

We had in the mid 20 degree days with lots of sunshine.

So beautiful.

I am so grateful that we had lots of walks.

I had extra ones with my grand pups here on Saturday.

 

I was looking at my flowers in the front and back raised beds and the ones on the deck.

Soon it will be time to trim them back.

Soon I guess with a tear in my eye it will be time to put away the patio furniture and prepare for that next season.

There was not even a day (except for last weekend) to put out the white and blue patterned pillows for the second patio set.

They remained in bags in the garage all summer long.

Our summer was more like a combination of spring and fall with flowers.

My SNAPDRAGONS insist with the recent sunshine to bloom in all their glory.

A beautiful site to behold.

 

The marigolds are doing quite well, too.

 

On this Tuesday, I think about how very blessed I am.

I live in my very own home.

I have Alvin as my steadfast companion.

I am surrounded by great friends and neighbors.

I have the best family on the planet.

I am employed.

I am in good health.

Feeling very happy and blessed.

 

 

Remember most people and animals are drawn to those who are kind and respectful.

Why not take the time, make the time.

To treat every being you encounter with kindness and respect.

Why not?

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, WOW today is Monday.

Back to work.

What a great weekend.

Spent most of the time surrounded by my lovely little furry friends.

Alvin, Humphrey, Miss Aspen, Baby Milo and Master Teddy.

All of my favourites.

It was a glorious weekend.

Feeling pretty relaxed.

Had a bit of rain overnight and earlier this morning.

When Alvin went outside about 4:00 a.m., he came back inside a bit wet.

Momma was waiting with a towel.

 

Was shocked to hear two people state and the weather channel last night that the four letter WORD that most of us dread is perhaps on its’ way on Thursday.

All I can say is I am most grateful for this past weekend.

The weather was PERFECTION.

Lots of sunlight, sunshine and clear blue skies.

I had extra walks with my grandpups and Alvin.

I do not think that my SNAPDRAGONS received the memo regarding the possibility of the “stuff.”

Even the MARIGOLDS are making a bold statement.

Photos taken yesterday.

How beautiful these flowers are …. the colour so rich and vibrant.

I will keep them safe and warm as long as I can.

Likely to place them in the garage on Wednesday night …..

The yellows remind me of the sunshine this weekend.

The pinks and blues just so very pretty.

 

So on this Monday morning I wish you the most glorious Monday ever.

May there be no BUGS flying in your face (one just came out of nowhere and collided with my glasses, argh and flew away).

May your day be filled with kindness, respect and generosity.

May your day be with great health and abundance.

Happy Monday.

 

 

Always living each day with kindness to all and respect to all; is the WAY.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, Good Morning and it is Wednesday.

Mid week.

Another workday for me.

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket and when I was running / am running a tad behind this morning …. he was quick to get me going into the office to write this post.

He knows our routine inside and out.

Also the timing.

He knew that I should not be getting dressed and that I should be in the office writing.

 

Last night we enjoyed another wonderful walk with great weather.

Humphrey joined us as you can see by the photo below.

The sun is a garage sale find and is perfect hanging on my fence.

Our flowers strangely enough … some of them …. the SNAPDRAGONS have decided to bloom.

There are tons of blossoms and they are so pretty.

I love the photo of Humphrey, I was trying to score a photo and had to call him and snapped this one of him peering out from side of the chair.

Now Mr. Alvin well he was being Mr. Alvin.

I think in the last photo he might have thought he was getting a treat and jumped up.

Hard to tell but is in mid air.

Well almost time to go downstairs and finish putting things together for work.

One last time outside for me Alvin.

I hope that you have a great Wednesday.

 

 

Love with Kindness and Respect.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time!

Hello,

Another gorgeous day on the way.

A little bit too warm for me but I will accept it as those days are not in the majority here in Western Canada.

I have closed all of the blinds except for Alvin’s vantage points with hopes that the house will stay at a comfortable level for the boy.

I will also leave the main floor bathroom door open as it is cooler in there.

 

Last night my daughter gave me a ride home via COSTCO.

GUESS WHAT?

I got some florals …. some flowers.

So Happy.

I was truly doing a little happy dance while planting them last night.

Both Alvin and Humphrey were watching with “raised eyebrows.”

Oh, Humphrey joined us for the evening as his Momma was golfing.

The flowers in the pots are the ones that I picked up at COSTCO last night.

Could not believe that I filled 7 pots for $24.00.

I planted Marigolds, Snapdragons, Impatiens and Trailing Lobelia.

I still have some pots to be filled when my daughter and I go to our local nursery “CREEKSIDE.”

We have been going there for years.

Even though it is great to get plants at the big box stores for very reasonable prices; I do believe in supporting local businesses.

I look forward to our date in the near future.

The plants / flowers in the front flower bed are growing like crazy.

Every morning I wake up to the ferns being inches taller.

Is that even possible?

The lilies and other plants are growing quickly.

The back flower bed is doing fair well, too.

GREEN plants and pretty coloured flowers always make me happy.

Whoops where did the time go.

Gotta go.

P.S. decided to use my camera as I still have to get the photo storage figured out with the cell phone.

I will one day soon.

As soon as I get my voice mail activated.

ARGH.

So many things….

 

Have an awesome Wednesday.

Do what makes you happy.

Please.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 29th day of October, 2018.

Well as October draws to an end our thoughts are for Wednesday, Halloween.

Both Alvin and I love to see the kiddies from the neighbourhood and beyond drop by in their costumes.

There is always a good mixture and lots of imagination as well.

I will have to make sure that I have a quick supper on Wednesday so that I will be ready when they start to arrive.

Also my carpool took the day off so I will be catching the bus and won’t arrive at home until about 5:15 p.m.

Everything else is ready.

Decorations up. Check.

Treats ready.  Check.

 

Yesterday I pulled the SNAPDRAGONS from their earthy home.

I pulled the pockets of seeds from the stems and placed them into a ZIPLOC bag.

In the spring, I will spread them into some of my flower pots.

Also I trimmed as I was not able to pull the two “grass” like plants that were remaining.

This was a reminder that I need to have my garden scissors all sharpened.

I wanted to keep them as they were still green and so pretty but figured that they may not survive the winter in the garage.

Now we are completely done and ready for the next season.

Not mentioning which one.

I think we all know without saying a word.

The deck now looks pretty bare.

I did leave the three of the pots against the fence by the garage as they are so heavy for me to carry into the garage but I may change my mind.

The dirt was fresh this spring so I did not want to empty them.

The bistro table and chairs remains outside but I really think it belongs in the garage.

Table weighs a ton but I can pop the chairs into the garage.

We enjoyed a walk after the cleanup and before the rain.

Humphrey was even out for a walk.

His Mom has a harness.

He likes to walk on the grass.

He needed a reprieve from his week of dread.

Poor little guy.

His Mom said that folks were staring at them.

A cat with three legs, harness and leash and a cone around his neck.

Poor Humphrey.

 

Well here we are almost time to leave for work.

I am taking part of my Halloween costume to work today so that I do not have to drag it onto the bus on Wednesday.

Did I tell you who I am going to be?

Lucy Van Pelt from Charlie Brown.

I made a stand out of a cardboard box for her “medical advice” along with a jar for the change.

Need to find a tin can, though.

That would be perfect.

 

Okay time to fly.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin