The Next Chapter

Good Morning. The early morning sunshine has been replaced by clouds. It would appear that we had some rain through the earlier hours of this morning. The wind is blowing the trees that I can see through my office window.

Last night after supper, I took my last walk with Eddie & Bruno. My heart is breaking once again or perhaps just breaking more. Life is not fair. These beings that touch our hearts and make us better, are lost way too early. Goodbye is never easy. Our last walk started with finishing off the liver treats on the front lawn. The clouds rolled in and Jeanette had not worn a jacket so I grabbed her one from my front entry closet and then we were on our way. Oh how Bruno loved those treats. He loved to eat. So reminded me of a little someone! Shortly after we left the rain started and continued for most of our walk. Not a downpour as this was the one time that the boys did not have on their raincoats. I think it was nice for Bruno to experience the rain gently falling onto him. He went to places in the park that we had not walked to over the last few weeks. Personally I think he was sniffing and taking in every place that he could. He drank two bottles of water within the first minutes of the walk and then with a burst of energy just kept walking. We did not take many breaks. He just wanted to walk. Eddie was quite attentive to this Father and not as playful as usual. They know. I miss him already. Oh our dear Bruno.

The rain did not make for taking many photos. I will post them later. We also saw about six adult geese and a great many goslings near the water’s edge on our walk. I did not get any photos.

I hope that you have a good day.

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

Last HALF 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. I suppose if I am totally honest, I could have done with a few hours more sleep but it is what it is. Bedtime was in good time last night but I could not settle down. My mind raced as though it were in a huge competition for a large prize. I could not shut it down. A few hours of tossing and turning and Alvin was awake and needing to go downstairs. I managed to coax him to stay in bed but it did not last long. Next thing I know we are downstairs and the clock said 1:30. Yup, 1:30 in the morning but even anywhere remotely close to 3:00 or 4:00. So sweater on, poop bags in pocket and with the flashlight on my phone turned on, we were outside. The air was cool and crisp and lovely. Alvin went pee. Afterwards he walked the length of the fence doing some hard core sniffing and occasionally he would stop and start to paw the grass. I am not sure what he thought that he was finding but there was nothing there. Humphrey and Bogart were inside the house and very likely fast asleep but not me and Alvin. I followed him back and forth as he sniffed at the base of the fence and pawed at the grass. He did not actually dig it up. Thankfully. This carried on for what seemed like forever before I snapped him up and placed him onto the deck. I walked toward the back door as he stood there looking off the deck to near the fence. Something was enticing him. Finally he came into the house. I did not look at the clock but headed to the sofa where we both laid down. Of course, he did not settle down and neither did I. Next thing I know Alvin is up, I could see that the sun was shining through the partially open blind. I picked up my phone to check the time and noticed it was 5:53 (alarm set for 6:00), I got up and went to the kitchen where I gave him one of his glucosamine chews. Next I took his food and pumpkin out of the fridge along with the coffee can setting them on the counter. I grabbed the measuring cup and his dish out of the dishwasher as I walked by to the pantry where I scooped up some of his dry food. Back to the counter where the wet food and pumpkin waited. Next I added the pumpkin and wet food to the dry food in his dish and mixed it together. Then I set his bowl on the floor beside him and then set about to prepare my coffee. First filling the pot with cold water and then adding the coffee. I turned around to see him sitting on the yoga mat and he had not touched his food at all. He was sitting very straight and not uttering a sound. So I picked up his dish and carried it with me to the sofa where I placed it on the floor beside me and he followed. He took a slight bit of coaxing before he ate his food. Then I put on my sweater and my flip flops as I opened the back door and stepped out into the “actual morning” air. So refreshing. Still not quite awake, I followed Alvin as he went across the deck to jump down onto the grass. I took a slight detour and the steps down onto the deck. He did his business and started to sniff again but I took matters into my own hands and turned him toward the deck. I lifted him up onto the deck and then back into the house. In the house I noticed that the time said 6:13, so I decided to reset the alarm to 6:30 and headed upstairs. I quickly made the bed and then laid down where Alvin joined me. We snuggled and I just laid there. In my head, I was saying some affirmations with the hopes that I would feel more rested when the alarm went back off. I will say that I did somewhat. Now it is 7:00 a.m. and I am ready to take Mr. Alvin for a nice walk before starting work.

Work, everything revolves around it ….. money ……. time …….

I hope that you have a great day.

Happy Monday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: Only 22 sleeps till I turn 65. Yesterday was a good day. Mostly relaxing and I am most thankful for that.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Tuesday morning? We are HOT. Just back from a walk. Even though there is a bit of a breeze, I was perspiring, okay sweating, lol, by the time we got home. Phone says it is 23 degrees celsius. Upstairs in the office it is warm so this will be short. We are managing to get through this heat wave. Walks early in the morning and I guess tomorrow will have to be even earlier. Fans going all of the time. Even went to the basement to hang out last night. I really need to get it organized down there …..

Watering last night ….. I sprinklered Alvin a bit but he was not impressed. I on the other hand.

The heat wave is going to continue until into next week. Wednesday and Thursday at the warmest 37 and 38. Saturday is going to be 26 celsius. That will feel like it is freezing. YAY. We got this.

Wet towels covering Alvin for sleeping and during the day off and on. Lots of water as we have to stay hydrated.

I even slept with a wet towel covering my chest last night. We both slept well considering and I am grateful for electric fans. One thing I actually have central air conditioning. It needs to be serviced. I guess that is going to the top of the list to get done sooner than later. Poor Alvin – because his Momma …… Can only do what you can do. As the sweat drops down my face. I felt fresh and cool earlier. ARGH.

OBSERVATIONS on our Walk:

There was a slight breeze and it felt so cool.

The was a bush that was moving like crazy and at first I thought ….. how can that be when the trees right beside it were not moving. Then I realized there were birds fluttering around in the bush. LOL.

Some people do not like to talk in the morning.

Alvin really nice to sniff every blade of grass and every everything.

The roses smell amazing and I was grateful that I was able to smell them.

Okay, I really have to go. Too hot to be upstairs.

Stay cool and hydrated.

Please do not walk your dogs in the heat and by no means take them in the car. Because we all know that you will stop somewhere and think I will only be 5 minutes and they will be okay. That never happens. Also your children. No stopping and leaving any living breathing creature in the car.

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

Always, Love 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

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 24th day of January, 2019.

Another BRISK morning ….. er, cold.

Then it is warming up.

This winter we have had quite the assortment of temperatures from one day to the next.

Thankfully it has stopped snowing and the sun shone through yesterday.

My nephew went back up north the oil rig yesterday morning bright and early.

He called last night and said it was BAD on the drive, near white-out conditions most of the way.

Thankfully he has a good vehicle and is a good driver.

 

Last night another package arrived from our friend in Regina.

Alvin was so excited.

I took a video of him but it is too large to post on FB or to email.

I guess I have to play with it a bit.

He skillfully opened the package.

One piece at a time.

Holding the package with one paw and ripping the paper with his mouth.

Spitting out the paper as he went.

He knows not to eat the paper, which is great.

I have to say that watching him open a package warms my heart and brings a huge smile to my face.

 

After we opened the parcel, I got changed and did a couple of small chores – went to pick up Humphrey.

He spent the evening with us.

Lots of company as of late.

At one point, I was outside shovelling and picking up poop and took a peek through the back door to see Alvin and Humphrey nose to nose.

Just smelling each other.

No growling or hissing.

No paws flying.

Just smelling each other.

They do pretty well other than Mr. Alvin is a tad bit jealous of attention that I give to Humphrey.

Mostly when I sit down.

As week when one was on one side of me and one on the other.

I again, wished that I could have snapped a photo.

Just did not work.

Humphrey sure likes the tablet and watched mine intently for several minutes.

He even crawled on me and up to face where he placed his paw.

A couple of times, a claw touched my skin, accidentally of course.

No major injuries.

The boys were both drawn to the living room at the same time and it looked so cute with both of them sitting in front of the window, looking out.

They do quite well together.

Will get better over time.

 

We are having company for the afternoon and for supper on Saturday.

I am trying to come up with an easy, delicious menu.

Not a billion ingredients.

I keep changing my mind.

 

Well I am grateful that today is Thursday …. I know it was an extra short work week for me.

Almost time to leave for work.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

I am going to work on getting some photos of the boys together.

The cutest thing ever.

 

Happy Thursday.

Special Hello to: my sister …. I have not forgotten …. phone call Friday night.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 8th day of May, 2018.

One of the many times I/We were awake throughout the night and morning; we heard this strange noise.

It started out slowly and then got harder and faster.

In fact, quite loud at times.

Rain.

It was raining.

So nice to hear a spring rain.

The grass desperately needs some moisture.

Especially our grass/lawn.

It stopped for awhile and has now started to rain slowly.

Alvin had one of those nights and it does not appear that anything is wrong but he was up and down ALL night.

I had turned the lights out at 9:30 and shortly thereafter had fallen asleep.

At 10:00 p.m. – he woke me up.

We went downstairs as I thought he may need to go outside.

He went outside and walked around the deck and on the grass.

Sniffing and looking.

Finally after a few minutes – I coaxed him to come back inside.

This kept up all night although I did not get up every time.

I can honestly say that I am TIRED.

Perhaps the cup of coffee at work will help me spring back to life.

Oh, my poor Alvin.

He seems to be fine although he did give me that look …. you know the one.

I hope that all is well.

Perhaps it is only my imagination.

He will sleep today and get lots of rest while I on the other hand will try to get my work done.

Oh, well that happens when you are a parent whether to a child or to a puppy.

You are responsible for their well being.

I take this role very seriously.

My daughter turned out pretty terrific and I hope that I am doing a good job with Alvin.

He is resting on his blue blanket beside me.

He is never too far away when we are at the same location.

Well almost time to hit the road for work.

I am so happy to be carpooling these days.

Such a nice change.

 

Well on this Tuesday.

I hope that you are treating yourself with love, kindness and, respect and, that you are doing the same toward others.

If we are loving and kind and respectful the world is always a better place.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks out there who are trying their very best each day ….

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 9th day of October, 2016.

Most Canadians celebrate our Thanksgiving on Sunday and then have Monday to relax.

We were up extra early once again at 4:35 a.m. (Alvin’s clock is starting to change).

Then back to bed bed until just after 7:30 a.m.

At 4:35 it was not snowing and the second time up it has been clearly snowing since we were first up and about.

Crazy weather.

I guess winter is here.

They are forecasting a long, cold, snowy one for us and it appears to be on the way to fruition.

We are invited to my daughter and son-in-law’s for Thanksgiving Dinner tonight but it might be put on hold due to weather.

We shall see as the day progresses.

On Thursday night after work I raked the leaves out front and Friday night there were more but I did not have another chance to rake them again.

This is what it looks like this morning after two days of snow.

Looks like WINTER.

Alvin has been enjoying running around on the deck and sniffing about in the snow.

I do love the first couple of snowfalls.

Yesterday when I shovelled there was bright green grass under the snow.

Very sad.

Well there is definitely more shovelling in my future.

 

.

On this snowy Sunday …. Happy Thanksgiving to all my family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my fellow Canadians.

Have a great weekend.

Stay safe and drive carefully if you must be out on the roads.

This is a great weekend to try some more Steeped Tea blends.

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: my family and friends all over the world.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 26th day of August, 2016.

Yes, Alvin it really is Friday.

I am sure by now most people are wondering if it really is true.

I was so certain that Wednesday was Thursday so added an extra day to my week.

Maybe not physically but mentally.

After all it is the mental condition that drives everything.

How you feel, if you can feel, what to do or not to do, to be or not to be.

Yes, of course physicality plays a role but the old adage “mind over matter,” holds true forever.

Until we evolve into something totally different it will always be mental over physical.

It is the way that people get through horrible physical tragedy.

Okay perhaps this is getting just a tad serious and it started out just talking about it being Friday.

Man, can I ever stray from the path.

I am always happy for the weekends but not because I do not like my job but because I get to spend more time with Alvin.

He is my sunshine for sure.

Not to leave out my amazing daughter or my great son-in-law or my grand-puppy Elton they are my never ending rainbow.

Speaking of rainbows last night when we were out for a walk we bumped into a lady walking with her dog.

We found out in about ten seconds his name was Noah and he was cute.

An older boy ….. the boys got along ….. Alvin and Noah…..there were a few barks ….. lots of sniffing.

The lady was smitten with Alvin.

She thought he was the cutest …… so I made sure that I gave Noah lots of compliments, fair is fair.

Well we continued to chat and walk.

We ended up walking in the rain …. just a nice rain not downpour.

A rainbow came out.

We both remarked.

After we parted ways and on our direct path to our house we saw the beginning and ending of the rainbow it was crystal clear.

The first one that I have seen all summer that I saw the start and end.

So beautiful..

Oh, I hear the geese honking away.

Well Mr. Alvin needs to go outside and I need to grab my Quinoa salad that I made for our office potluck.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

Happy Friday.

Special Hello to: all my family and friends, you rock.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 29th day of June, 2016.

Only one more day left in June, 2016.

This morning I am leaving the house 15 minutes earlier than usual due to the interruption in bus service.

Meaning that they removed my bus from the regular schedule.

Hopefully it is only for the summer months.

If I leave at my normal time I wait for 20 minutes at the bus stop and then arrive at work just in time, not late but not early.

I am old school and need to arrive early ….

So with extra time this morning I will stop at the Save-On by work and pick up bananas which we are out of ……

 

I was thinking while in the shower about what I would write on my blog this morning.

My mind went to Alvin.

How our beloved dogs and cats make us feel like a million dollars.

They warm our hearts.

They are food for our soul.

Comforting and loving.

My most favourite times with Alvin are sitting on the patio sofa and he jumps up and lays down beside me and we just sit there.

No expectations.  Nothing to do.  Just be.  Just starring into the air.  Sometimes he is sniffing …. catching the scent of whatever passes his nose.

The other is at bedtime …. he takes a few minutes to get settled.

Always at the end of it all …. he lays down at my side and nestles close.

He always makes me feel loved, wanted and needed.

He brings me joy and contentment.

So much for a little guy.

Well time to fly ….. gotta leave extra early.

I did not quite articulate what I was thinking earlier but I think you get the idea.

Always …. he is at the door to greet me after a long day.

Thank you me Alvin.

 

Special Hello to: all the pups and kitties out there, thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 11th day of November, 2015.

Today should be all about remembering and it would have been that way …. until about 23 minutes ago.

There is a dark shadow lingering in my house.

Alvin and I got up about 4:30 a.m. …. per usual and then once he had eaten and gone outside we hit the sofa for some extra ZZZ’s.

It was about 6:15 when Alvin jumped up off the sofa and tore off into the kitchen.

My heart skipped a beat.

I jumped up onto the arm of the sofa and turned on the kitchen light and found Mr. Alvin in hunting stance by the stove.

He was sniffing and barking and barking and sniffing.

So I know that this is some creature that does not belong in our house behind the stove.

He stood there what seemed like forever ….. then walked back and forth to the fridge sniffing as he went…

He walked over across the room and just starred at the stove.

I quickly moved his water dish into the living room and ran upstairs as somehow I feel safe up here.

We are in my office with the door semi closed so he has to stay with me.

He is whining at the door so I know my day will not be as planned and my near future is scary.

It is too early to be calling my neighbour but we shall hang out here as long as I can keep him here.

My daughter and son-in-law live too far away.

I feel so alone.

Thank goodness for Mr. Alvin otherwise I would not have known.

It is funny one should be here as I just moved some boxes of food from the upper cupboards back into the pantry.

They are up on the higher shelves in the pantry but it was likely not a smart move.

When I can I will be placing all boxes into a rubbermaid container for safe keeping.

Why is it they have to come into my house?

I keep a clean house.

There are not bits of food laying about.

My heart is racing and I just want it gone.

I want my house back again.

I could just cry …. my eyes are tearing up and my throat rasping …

What do I do?

I am afraid that Mr. Alvin will catch it and OMG I do not want it in his mouth.

He is standing at the door to the office … now pacing.

I know that he wants to go back downstairs and but I cannot.

I feel almost glued to the chair.

I wished that I had a solid row of cats that were hunters standing all around my house protecting us ….

It could be an invisible row ….

Please bring magic to me now.

I am afraid.

I have to make a decision shortly before Alvin goes crazy.

Time to call my neighbour …. my saviour.

I just want to be snoozing on the sofa. ….. why today?

I guess better today than tomorrow.

 

Special Hello: to all those folks in my position…. I understand

Always, Carol and Alvin