The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning! Happy Saturday. Welcome to our never ending SAGA. The house of almost no sleep. That is how I feel at this moment. I had planned to get up earlier but when you are up and up from 1:30 onward getting up and staying up at 7:00 does not look much like a plan. Poor Mr. Alvin is not having a good time of it all. We cannot walk until at least Monday. Whenever he is outside in the backyard he has to wear something on his feet. The only thing that I could come up with is, some of my socks. I found some that had good elastic in the top so that they would not slide off right away. Every time he goes outside I have to go with him no matter the time of day or night. Usually the socks slip down and I am walking behind him hiking them up. At first he was unhappy about the socks but now he is okay. We only started this yesterday morning after I call his Doctor. I spoke with one of the staff and was told he needs to wear something on his front paws to keep them clean so that they can heal. Makes sense to me. I had been between the time we came home on Thursday afternoon and until Friday morning washing and drying them off each time he went outside. This is a bit easier. Both Alvin and I are tired. I am grateful though that his paws will heal soon. So no hair cut or bath this long weekend. That will have to wait until next weekend. I will depending on the weather plant my flowers perhaps on Monday.

We were so happy to have our girl stop by on her way home for a visit. I made us coffee and we had a good visit. So much conversation and catching up. Seems like lots happening. I asked her to hold up Alvin so that I could more clearly see where to place the salve but it was difficult with Mr. Squirmy Pants. But I have a better idea. At the Vet they showed me but somehow I needed to see again at home. Everything is different at home, right?

So busy weekend. I want to wash down the deck, pull out all of my flower pots to plan what will go where, pull out the last bit of the two shrubs from the back flower bed, clean out said flower bed, put in a pile all those items to go to the ECO Station, clean out the office closet, go through Christmas stuff in the basement and the big cupboard with craft supplies etc. which is in the family room. We may have one of my daughter and son-in-law’s friends come to stay with us for a little while while she finds a place on this side of the city. So I need to get prepared. Even if she decides not to, I need to go through things and get ready for the June garage sale. Lots to do. Hopefully the weather will hold. There was frost on the ground this morning. I need to trim the grass in the backyard as it is long. Time to charge the battery pack for the grass trimmer. Sometimes I use it instead of my push lawn mower. Easy peasy.

So as per always plans change. But that is okay, my whole life has been a series of changes. I am sure that most people feel this way. I am accustomed to change but that doesn’t mean that I like things changing constantly. But that is life.

I am so grateful for the bright blue sky and the sun shining this morning.

I am so grateful for the visit with my daughter yesterday after work.

I am so grateful that I live, that we live in our own house.

I am grateful that Alvin will heal and be his old self once again.

I am grateful for summer days and summer nights.

I am grateful for each birthday.

I am grateful for each day on this earth.

Thank you for reading my posts. My life is not exactly exciting but there is always something happening.

Usually a work a round whether in my personal or work life.

I will be happy to see my flowers in pots and smiling at me on the deck and in the gardens.

The leaves are green and the lawns are getting there as well.

The bunnies are brown.

Time to go and have a refreshing shower and then put the coffee on before starting the laundry.

I need to make a list of things to sell, things that need to be done and the timelines.

Oddly enough, I do like making lists. So that will be fun.

Happy Saturday.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities. There are always possibilities. You just have to keep your eyes open.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I need to post some photos. You need to see Mr. Alvin sporting socks. Instant smiles.

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? We are good. Thank goodness it is Friday. Snowing again. Lots of shovelling happening in our neighbourhood. Temperatures still on the cold side but then again it is the first week of February and we should not expect anything different. Although slightly warmer would be nice so that we could go for walks. I feel that our bodies are starting to go downhill. So that means we have to get with it and do more exercises in the house. I do shovel but only when it snows. Lately it has been snowing almost everyday so that is good. I started walking on the spot with hand held weights. That lasted three days. It was good I think but I need to keep it up. Lots that I could be doing but somehow when it is cold and dark …. all we/I want to do is eat and sleep and sleep and eat. Oh well. Thankfully I am not a night snacker. I seldom eat after supper/dinner. Just always been that way.

As I glance around the room and notice the rack displaying most of my purses; I feel slightly sad. Seldom do I use them these days. I have three downstairs that I switch about on the rare occasion that I leave the house to go somewhere that requires me to take “money” and stuff. Most of them are collecting dust hanging on the door rack. Thankfully I do not have a crazy amount of purses or I would really be sad. I guess the same goes for shoes. I do put on my boots everyday whether walking or picking up Alvin’s deposits in the backyard or when I am shovelling. But shoes only when I go to the office. I know that they say we should wear a pair of comfy shoes in the house so it helps protects our feet and although I have had no issue with my feet; perhaps it is something that I should look into. I do wear socks. Maybe barefoot would be better – your feet can breathe. What about makeup, jewellery and office clothes? Lots of things are sitting not in use. Although I have started to wear makeup more (not that I wore a lot anyway) and my jewellery and the top part of my office clothes, I have been wearing. I have some pants have I have not wore in almost one year; perhaps they will not even fit me at this point. I have no idea. Anyway food for thought. Us folks that are working from home – will have to start to use our items that are feeling neglected. Fill up that purse and carry it to your workstation and then tuck it out of the way. Wear those earrings and that bracelet. Add some lipstick. If you were going out in public – the mask would cover it and feel yucky – so take advantage of being at home, if you are at home. Maybe start wearing a pair of shoes. It has been an interesting almost one year since we starting working from home. I must say other than a couple of minor details; I love being at home. When the wind is howling and the snow is blowing …. I am safe and warm in my cardigan, tank top, relaxed pants and socks wearing lipstick and a bracelet and socks on my feet. LOL.

Well time to get this day going. Busy time of the month for me at work – who am I kidding most days of the month are busy for me. That is a good thing – I suppose. Although personally the odd slower day would be lovely.

I hope that you are safe, in good health and enjoying life.

Living each day with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. the first meal from Chef’s Plate was yummy – Cajun-Spiced Turkey – not too spicy.

2021

Good Morning ALL. Thank goodness it is now Friday. Not that I want to wish my life away but what an exhausting week it has been. Sometimes I wished that I did not watch anything on television or visit any social media platforms; the news has been horrific. I know that most people had visions of 2021 being all that 2020 was not but we are not off to a great start. Our restrictions have been extended another two weeks. Other Canadian provinces have placed even more strict protocols than my now home province of Alberta.

All I can say is today is a new day. Hopefully we can do better. We have to, we must. No matter what is going on around us ….. we have to step up and be better citizens of the world.

Yesterday at noon we walked over and picked up Teddy and Kobi to bring them home with us for the afternoon. It was an interesting walk with three pups. Kobi is the escape artist so I was most careful with her. We kept running into people with large dogs but luckily for me they all nodded their heads and crossed the street; I guess an “older” woman with three dogs coming toward them was reason enough. I nodded and smiled with thanks. I had not thought that Alvin would have to poop on the way but we only walked to their house and did not go for the full walk, so really I should not have been surprised. So here I am with an extra strap around one wrist and the leash for Kobi in one hand, and the two on my other hand and trying to open a poop bag and then to pick it up. It was a funny sight! I managed and then we were on our way. I was grateful to get home and to be home with a few minutes to spare so that I could get us settled before heading back to work at my kitchen table. We had a good afternoon. The pups were good.

After work I decided to take the thermostat off the base, and change the batteries as it was giving the message REPLACE BATTERIES. I had it off and took batteries out of my battery container only to find that they were DEAD when I replace the thermostat on the base. So I set the thermostat on the table and figured that I would just ask my daughter to bring some double A batteries with her today as she is coming to drop off some new bras and socks that I ordered. Yup, Momma is getting some new BRAS, yes I said it. They are desperately needed and socks as well. Back to the battery. I was feeling a bit chilled and realized after a bit that the furnace had not cut in so I did what any other modern day woman would do, I googled the situation. I found out that the thermostat talks to the furnace and it will not know that it needs to cut in, with no batteries. Basically it cannot respond to nonexistent temperature commands. So that is why I was getting cold and had actually gone and put on some warmer clothes. It was at that time that I started phoning and texting all my friends and neighbours. After a few calls, I was able to speak to my friend Signe who had some batteries. I was just on my way over to pick them up when another neighbour’s son came bounding up the walk with hand out “Mom, said you needed batteries.” I received other texts and calls to check. So grateful for such caring and wonderful neighbours. I called Signe to thank her and advise that I now had some batteries. The furnace cut in the first second the new batteries were installed and it was back on the base. The air once again felt warm. So grateful. Pups went home just before 7 p.m. and after our battery fiasco.

Well time to head back downstairs and get this work day going. I need coffee this morning.

Living with kindness, respect and compassion for all, please we must.

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Thursday Morning.

The sun is shining brightly with hopes of a warm day ahead.

The inside of our house is quite cool as you may remember I turned the heat off on Monday, I believe.

Nothing like waking up and departing a nice warm bed to a cool floor.

I certainly grab some socks fast.

 

Well our household was crazy yesterday.

Work is super busy.

I have had this leaky kitchen tap for quite some time now.

Likely left it for way too long but that is my own doing.

Some things you just need people with those skills.

I asked a friend to look at it and he deemed it would need a new rubber ring and another small piece to be fixed.

He was taking too long and as of the past few days it has been dripping with more intensity and I cannot jiggle and make it any less.

So yesterday at lunch time when we were out for a walk I took along the end of the tap (three small pieces) and walked to our friends to ask.

When I knocked at the door there was no answer.

So we continued walking.

As we got further down the street,I had this thought hit me like a brick so that I took notice.

We have another friend who lives further down the street and he is a plumber by trade.

A practicing one …. not someone with just “skills.”

So we stopped by and I explained my dilemma.

He said unlikely that it was a matter of replacing that rubber ring and the other piece and said if okay with me, he could stop by later.

Such a good Dad he is – he was in the middle of “school work” with his children.

I said that sounded good.

So later on he came over.

We took the necessary precautions.

Apparently I do not have a shut off valve under the sink.

So we doddled on down into the basement.

There he was aghast as the shut off valve had this cheap lever which upon trying to turn off the water, had to remove and use pliers.

After a short time, he decided that best he not continue as he was concerned that he would not be able to turn it back on.

Homebuilders …. some of them are cheap buggers ….. I would go as far as to say criminals.

I sure hope that now there are more rules and regulations in place to prevent this shoddy workmanship.

He suggested that I call EPCOR and have them come out and turn off the main water valve to the house.

So I called EPCOR.

Three people later.

Was told that they charge $110.00 to come out.

They make an initial trip to ensure that the valve can be easily reached.

Then they contact the department that I spoke to and advise okay to set up an appointment for someone to come out and turn it off when required.

So waiting for EPCOR to come and do the initial check.

Then have to set up an appointment and make sure in sync with my friend the plumber.

So likely and hopefully will be this next Monday.

I am filling large containers with water as not to waste and using for various things, watering plants, cleaning the deck and more.

But now will have to listen to that god forsaken drip drip drip.

My friend is also going to install a proper shut off valve in the basement for the water.

If I should ever need to turn off the water, I will be able to easily.

I was thrown and mad.

Work is crazy busy at the moment.

It was not a great afternoon for me.

We went for a walk after work.

Then I made my first meal from Hello Fresh.

Oh, my tea order finally arrived just before I was done work for the day.

The meal was a Chicken Pharm something or other.

It was kind of fussy but I really was not in the mood.

The food was fresh and delicious.

So no complaints there.

 

Now that I have calmed down.

Realizing that I am blessed to have found someone I trust to do the plumbing job.

Blessed to have the money to pay for this work.

Blessed to have had a yummy meal last night.

Blessed to be surrounded by great friends and the most wonderful daughter.

She offered to pay for the plumbing work (could be my Mother’s Day / Birthday present) if I needed them to …. so thoughtful.

 

Well it is Thursday.

I better go and grab my coffee.

Almost time to sign on for work.

Lots to do.

One step at a time.

I have to not look at the big picture right now.

Just one thing …. one phone call …. one at a time.

Sometimes that is hard but I will do it.

 

I hope that you are doing well.

Wishing you a day filled with kindness and respect.

Happy Thursday.

 

Living with Kindness, Respect and still learning patience.

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All.

Well today is my first day of working from home.

We left work yesterday during early afternoon hours with laptops in tow.

I managed with a tinge of assistance from a co-worker on line to get set up.

I moved my office around and set up the laptop (which I have not really worked on before).

Set up the  mouse and I am so glad that I brought home my keyboard, that was a good move.

Thank you to a fellow coworker who had decided to take hers home.

It was so much easier setting things up.

My office looks strange with my APPLE on one end and the laptop on the other.

Shortly I will turn on the laptop and start the day ….. my work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Still almost one hour but I want to do my timesheet and have everything open before 8:00 AM.

Poor Mr. Alvin is definitely wondering what is going on.

I think he noticed that I did not put on much makeup other than some eyebrow gel stuff and some lip care.

I think he definitely noticed that I did not put on my dress clothes and I know he noticed that I put on my work socks.

I did that just to throw him off.

He is just so smart.

I am kind of anxious to see what happens when I am on the phone (work) …. we have been hooked up through an APP for our phone.

This should be interesting.

Alvin does not like it when I am on the phone.

Hopefully after the day he settles into me working from home.

Much different than a weekend.

 

Yesterday my daughter picked me up some fruit, vegetables and bread.

She also picked me up a bag of CHICAGO popcorn (one with the cheese and caramel popcorn).

This was a treat for me, how sweet of a girl do I have.

 

The streets are still busy here or at least they were yesterday.

Our street has had cars zipping by all morning.

I wonder if this will change.

 

Well I am anxious to go and get my coffee and get started.

It will be much different working on a laptop small screen compared to our big computer screen at work.

Likely a bit slower going back and forth between windows but at least we are working.

Our clients will be happy about that.

I think some of them figure that with the doors closed to the public that we are not working.

But we are ….. we certainly are ….

We are all in this together.

 

Well time to go and get things going.

Starting to get light out there.

 

Be kind and respectful to all you encounter.

Remember to check on your elderly neighbours and those that are not able to get out and about.

If someone has a pet and they are sick, help out.

Make sure they have food for their pets.

If they have a dog …. take the dog for a walk.

Help where you can.

Be grateful you are well and are able to do so.

 

From an eternally grateful human being,

I remain as Always, Carol with her trusty friend Alvin

 

My geranium is blooming like crazy.

Outside the bunnies are beginning to turn brown.

Spring is official tomorrow.

Forgot to mention that I saw a coyote downtown on my my to work yesterday morning.

My daughter says there are many of them downtown due to the River Valley being close by.

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 11th day of April, 2019.

Wow, we are having quite the morning.

We were originally up at 3:00 a.m. and then went downstairs.

Alvin had his glucosamine chew and went outside.

Then we hit the sofa for what was supposed to be 99 minutes and apparently the microwave timer went off but I did not hear it.

So I woke up and it appeared to be getting lighter than it should have been.

I jumped up (scared Alvin) and ran to the kitchen.

Where the microwave clock said “5:58 a.m.”.

It took me a few seconds to wrap my head around the time.

Was it two minutes to 5 or what?

Nope it was 6:00 a.m. (or almost).

So I grabbed my pre cooked oatmeal from the fridge.

Threw it into the microwave to heat.

Quickly grabbed Alvin’s food from the pantry and filled his bowl.

Mixed in some coconut melt and clementine matcha and over top some blueberries.

I wrote just a few lines in my “gratitude journal.”

Ate quickly and then upstairs.

Water piked the teeth (as cannot start the day without that and with blueberries, you get the picture).

Brushed teeth,

slapped on some makeup.

Into clothes which thankfully I always lay out including socks and underwear.

Then grabbed rings, earrings, bracelet and watch.

Oh, in between brushed Alvin’s teeth and filled his upstairs water dish.

Laid down his blanket.

Onto the computer.

Here I am ….. just a tad frazzled.

Okay.

Well I have to make this short.

As of course, we are late.

I think Alvin has to go outside because I don’t know if he actually “pooped” or not in all of the commotion.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Coffee break??  feel as though I have put in a full day already.

Happy Thursday.

 

Special Hello to: my family …. always in my heart and thoughts….. love you all.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 7th day of April, 2017.

Yesterday was beautiful weather wise in our city.

After home from work we went into our regular routine.

Alvin goes into the back yard, Alvin eats, Momma gets changed and Alvin hides under the table when I mention “going for a walk.”

Once I coaxed him out and we headed outside as usual he is okay.

Enjoyed our walk.

When home, I heated up some leftovers and made my lunch for today.

Just in a few minutes into supper – Alvin jumped off the sofa and started his growly barking.

I knew that something was wrong.

I ran to the window and saw some children on their bikes across the street and with them a puppy – young black dog.

He did not appear to really be with them so I put down my supper and went onto the porch and called out to them.

“Does he belong to you.”

Answer “No.”

Without waiting I closed the d0or behind me and in my sock feet ran down the steps and out onto the street to the black dog.

I could not see a collar or any means of identification.

I was afraid that with all of the traffic on our street that he would get hit so I tried to keep him on the sidewalk at least.

Just as I was doing that one of the neighbours across and two doors down came outside.

I told him what was wrong and together we tried to catch the black dog.

Only he did not want any of that …..

He ran down the street and up the back lane and onto a driveway.

We have a bunch of duplexes and we have back lanes so driveways/garages back onto the lane.

I was able to get him to stay there and he even came and let me stroke him.

Beautiful young guy.

“S” the neighbour that was helping, his garage backed onto the back lane and was only a couple of doors away from where the pup was held out.

Figuring that was his home – “S” went to see if they were at home.

No luck.

We tried to coax him into S’s backyard where he would be safe until we could find his parents.

Tried and failed several times.

Sorry but I have to shorten the story or at least no more details as I have to leave for work, ARGH.

I said if we had some treats maybe we coax him into the back yard.

S brought out some beef jerky and we managed to get him safe.

Once done, I went home to get some shoes and lock the house.

Just as I was coming out ….. looked liked some action at the house.

The parents came home.

Guess what.

Mrs. had gone into labour and they had to leave the house quickly and pup got out.

Happy ending.

Must have been false labour …. anyway I did not ask for details.

Gotta go.

 

Special Hello to:  you, today.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 2nd day of November, 2016.

We had an extra early morning thanks to Mr. Alvin.

For some reason and I figured out part of it he was wide awake just before 3:00 this morning.

Crazy, right.

At first I tried to coax him to go back to sleep explaining that it was still night time.

When that did not work I turned on the light grabbing my socks and putting them on my feet before going downstairs.

Downstairs he was clearly looking for something.

His chewy most likely as I think he left it outside when he went out for the last time before bed.

Sure enough he found it and back into the house and back to bed.

He settled down for a handful of minutes before up again.

So I decided at 3:40 this morning that we might as well at least go downstairs and try the sofa.

So I made our bed and grabbed my socks ( I like socks on instead of bare feet  on the laminate flooring ).

We went downstairs and I set the timer on the microwave for enough minutes to be 5:20 a.m.

Back to the sofa and grabbed our blanket (which I keep on the sofa for early mornings ).

He did settle down somewhat.

He is moaning a bit as I type these words so I am thinking that his poor little legs are perhaps arthritic and bothering him.

It is only a matter of time and he is getting to that age.

I hope not.

So anyway that was our early morning adventure so to speak.

I feel like a zombie ….. not quite awake …. are they awake?

I really do not know about zombies.

Anyway time to leave for work.

The morning went quickly.

I hope that you all have an amazing day.

Weather forecast for the next few days starting tomorrow is +14-15 degree days from Thursday-Saturday.

That would be so GREAT.

Even today is supposed to be 10+.

Better than the snow yesterday.  Most has melted.

Well must go.

Special Hello to: You, thank you for reading my blog.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 23rd day of August, 2016.

It is dark, cloudy, raining, windy and COLD outside this morning as I peer out of my office window.

I am so grateful as I received a phone call a few minutes ago from my neighbour asking if I would like a ride to work this morning.

She had looked outside and did not wish me to have to walk to the bus in the wind and rain and cold.

Am I not the luckiest woman?

I am, I am.

She even turned on her furnace this morning as it was too cold for Cinder, her pet gecko.

Also she just adopted a cat over the weekend and his name is Mitchell.

Well Mitchell to our neighbourhood.

Alvin did introduce himself through the window.

We were going for a walk and Mitchell was sitting on the living room window ledge.

Brr, it is cool here in…..

Alvin will be fine ( it is 70 celsius so not too bad ).

Today was/is a sock in the shoes day and long pants and sweater.

The cold damp air just goes through to your bones.

Time to bundle up.

Yikes, did I really say that?

Well here we go almost time to leave.

I need to take Alvin out again.

He does not spend much time outside when it is raining.

Sometimes if it is raining / well pouring he needs me to haul out my big umbrella and go outside with him.

He’s my boy – I do that for him.

 

I hope that everyone has a great day.

May your day be filled with love and laughter.

Lots of laughter.

Take care.

Spread the laughter……

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who open their doors and bring in homeless animals.  Thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and welcome to Thursday, January 12th, 2012.

How are you this morning?

I am great ….. (Alvin decided to wake me up at 4:10 this morning to go outside to pee).

So definitely more wide awake now at 6:20 a.m.

I just received a phone call from my daughter …. it was a call that I believe to be unique ….

It definitely was a call that I never thought about receiving in a million years.

She might call me to say that they are going to be a bit late or perhaps to bring a piece of jewelry or something.

But this was an odd request and even more odd was the reason why.

You see my dog Alvin (her little brother) has this thing ….. he likes to get his teeth wrapped around these ….

He has damaged beyond use ….. some of mine …..

Amanda had told me that he had done the same to some of hers….

Can you guess what she requested to borrow this morning?

Well here it is….

A PAIR OF SOCKS.

It would seem that her brother while visiting has put holes in most of her socks.

So while you are holding your tummy’s rolling around the floor laughing …. I am just smiling.

Alvin has this thing for socks.

He will attempt when given the slightest of opportunities to pull socks out of the laundry basket.

You see mine is one of the tall ones that has “holes” in it (I guess to keep the dirty laundry smell permeating your closet) LOL ….

It is cute to watch him but unfortunately the socks do not last long in the grip of his long canine teeth ….

So I grabbed some “unholy” socks for Amanda to borrow…… she will buy some new ones today.

Have a great day everyone …… always good to have a giggle before starting your work day or any day ….

Special Hello:  to Amanda, my daughter who has patience and a great sense of humour.

Always, Carol