The Next Chapter

Good Morning ALL! This is what happens to you use the airdrop function on your phone and somehow there is five million copies of each photo. Well Cookie is running amuck. Enjoy the photos and have a great day. Cookie goes home today but not until actually really early Sunday morning. Family arrives to Edmonton airport at 11:00 p.m. and may be home by 12:30. We will be waiting. They miss her and she misses them. I will stay up late tonight for them. She will be so excited to see them. Photos include under the red blanket on the sofa last night with me, Cookie becoming a blogger, my flowers from Savannah and Grayson, grand-pups Milo & Aspen at the window.

Time to fly before someone gets into something.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel) & our dear friend little Miss Cookie.

P.S. had a great day, the best day at the office thus far. Accomplished so much. Felt good at end of day. Came home to Steven, grand-pups and Cookie. I took Miss Aspen for a nice walk. Was a great day.

The Next Chapter

Good Morning. Well I had a pretty good Monday for a change and that makes me happy. Perhaps it may have something to do with the fact that I am working on being positive and seeing the upside in every situation, no matter what. One moment, one breath, at a time. It worked.

This morning my daughter will be dropping off my son-in-law at his friends house and they will go together to the “strike line” (hopefully they settle their contract soon) and then bringing the pups here. They will stay with Cookie. It has been a couple of years or so since they have been together and I won’t be here with them. Aspen is a gentle soul and I am not concerned about her interaction with the Cookie Monster but Milo. At least they are similar in size so they will work it out. Should the need arise. Steven will come here once he puts in his four hours. Amanda will pick them up after work.

One quick story before I sign off. So yesterday at my lunch break I walked over to the nearby shopping mall and picked up the winning lottery tickets for our office lottery pool and then stopped by the pet store. My intention was to look for a harness that would fit Cookie a bit better. I spoke to the person on staff and bought one knowing that if it did not fit, I would be able to return it. No need to keep something that does not work, should that be the case.

I was so happy after work as it was about 14+ degrees celsius and neither me or Cookie required a sweater. On with the new harness which fit perfectly and we were on our way. Perhaps I should quickly digress. Earlier in the day my son-in-law had stopped by as my daughter had the day off and he had to come to do the “picket line.” He decided to take her for a walk to see if she would be less anxious. Steven had brought a couple of smaller harness from his home for her to try. They were ready and out the door. She raced to her house, he did not realize where they were going. I should have told him but did not think that he would take her for a walk. Anyway after she went home, she pulled a Houdini and walked out of the harness. Gratefully he grabbed her right away and got her back home. With this in mind, we left the house in her new raspberry pink harness. She walked right to her house and up onto the porch, she clearly misses her family. I coaxed her down and off we went down the sidewalk. Several houses away, she pulled a Houdini and walked out of the new harness which by the way seemed to fit her. OMG. She raced straight down the sidewalk with me in pursuit. I am not a runner but I managed to catch up to her and scooped her into my arms. I am afraid to relay this story to her family. They may not think that I am a very good friend. I had told them that her harness was tight and I know why. Has to be extra tight to keep her in it. Lesson learned. Once home, I changed harnesses and we left again for a walk. This time going the opposite way and she just plunked herself down on the sidewalk and that was that. So back home. Honestly she gets lots of exercise racing all over and fresh air well we spent a bit of time in the backyard. What a Cookie Monster!

Today at noon, I will return the raspberry pink harness to the pet store. LOL.

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) and Miss Cookie.

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? How have you been? It has been a week since my last post. I decided to take a break from writing and direct all my attention to ensuring that Mr. Alvin had everything he required to make a full recovery. His incision is healing nicely and I have an appointment set up for next Friday with his Doctor to have the stitches removed. Each day he becomes closer and closer to his old self. When I mentioned about directing all my attention to looking after Alvin …. that also included working. So my focus was Alvin and work. The house and me took a backseat to them. OH my goodness, I am referring to work as a “them.” Anyway, have to have a laugh here and there. Between the scheduling of meds, watching over Alvin as he went without the cone after the first day and working … I am feeling a little, no a lot, sleep deprived. But as we are on the last day of meds and he is feeling better, we are slowly returning to some semblance of normalcy. What a week! If you ever have a week that is pretty darn crappy …. just wait, because the next week can be totally different. I would have never thought that one week we were doing our regular thing …. waiting for the temperatures to warm so that we could go walking again and the next I was listening to the words of the Doctor as she told me the results of the ultrasound knowing that things were going to change forever. I am also grateful that I have Pet Insurance. It paid off big time. I may have gone through my savings and then some but Mr. Alvin is doing great and that is all that really matters. There were a couple of times over last week when I realized that I had given Alvin his once every 24 hour medicine ….. in 12 hours. I called the Emergency Hospital where he had his surgery. Then the very next day after feeling so guilty and stupid, I did it again. Giving him a different med in short amount of time. Again I called the hospital. Feeling incredibly bad for Alvin, worried for his life and feeling ashamed that I could not seem to keep things in order. I had even wrote out a chart with all three meds, what they were and how much and when. I kept that up until the page filled and I was at the same time keeping track of when he ate, peed and pooped. When I messed up the second time, the Hospital said to just give it to him 8 hours from that time which made it 10:00 p.m. instead of 2:00 a.m. (sounded like that was better until we had to stay up until 10:00 which is late for us). His schedule had meds at 2:00 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at first and then 10:00 p.m., 6:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. To be honest I did make a third error but it was minor. I gave him him one of the meds at 2:35 p.m. instead of 2:00 p.m. ( I did not call the hospital again). So this has been an interesting week or so in our household. Today is the last full day of medicines. Tomorrow at 6:00 a.m. and we are done. So tomorrow night we can go to bed at our regular time. At least when one of both of us have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, one of us do not have to use her brain. I am happy about that. Back to the dreaded plastic cone. They always send them home from the hospital wearing them and I totally get it. Cannot have them licking the incision. So I have been keeping an eagle eye on him. Only a few times has he even went to lick that area. Thank goodness. We had the talk and I said if you lick it goes back on. I kind of think that he understood. At night which is the worse, I placed a blanket on him and my hand in place to hold so that he could not reach the incision. We had no problems other than I likely did not sleep well. Yes, I know, I did not sleep well. At the end of this whole adventure, I just have to say thank you first to my daughter and son-in-law for whom we would not have made it through this time and for helping with financial support. Also to my neighbour Sonja who was there at a moment’s notice to help me. To all my friends and family …. thank you for your thoughts and words ….. WE ARE BACK. Now that being said. Alvin will be on a strict diet for the rest of his life. That sounds horrible. Kind of is in a way. Since he came home – there has been no banana, no carrots, no bit of broccoli, no blueberries, no chicken, no nothing other than food from the vet and his biscuits also same brand as his food. That is it. The first few days he did not seem to care but the last day or so, he has been asking and I feel so guilty if I eat anything that he likes. In fact, the first few days after he got home ….. I had made sure that I finished the bananas before his arrival. But now, I cannot give up everything but I also know that I have to be firm. It has been very hard when he asks nicely “putting his paw up.” I trained him to say please and now even with please he cannot have what he would like. Makes me sad and teary eyed. When I had emailed his Surgeon with a couple of questions, I mentioned that I had not given him any human food since his surgery and he said “that was good.” Does not hurt to have some extra encouragement. Right. Anyway I just wanted to say hello and fill you in a bit of our story the past week. On another note, the weather in Edmonton has been off the charts. Most of the snow has melted and the sun has been so warm. On Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Alvin was a “sun dog” laying on a mat on the deck by the back door. He just laid there enjoying the fresh air and the sunshine. We both are missing our walks big time and it will be another week before we can resume them. But something to look forward to. Something else to look forward to is our Amanda’s birthday this coming Friday.

Well time to head down and get on with the laundry. I did a few loads last night and have already started one this morning. I really need a coffee this morning. Of course we went to bed after 10:00 p.m. and then he was up at 4:00 which was not bad and then at 5:00 and then at 6:00 and 7:00 and then I could not fight it any longer …. we were up to stay. So if my thoughts and words are a bit mumbled and jumbled that would be why.

Wishing you all a wonderful Saturday.

We continue to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience and GRATITUDE.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? The sun is shining bright here in Edmonton. Alvin and I are finding our way through all of this. He is doing very well. Even climbed upstairs with the cone on a couple of times. He does not like the cone on so whenever I have 100% time to devote to him which has been pretty much always, he can go without the cone on. Today I have to do laundry so he will have to wear the cone for a bit. I just wanted to check with a progress report. I likely won’t be writing my post everyday it will depend. I do plan to go back to work on Monday which I am so grateful is from my kitchen. At least I can stop when he needs me but he will have to wear the cone as I won’t have my eyes on him all of the time. His incision is so long, I had no idea just how long it would be and in a couple of weeks when everything has returned to normal, I will post some photos and more details. Just wanted to check in and make sure that you all are okay and to give an update on Mr. Alvin. He has definitely been a trooper. He was a bit disappointed when I had some raw carrots with my pizza last night. I made sure that there are no bananas around as those were his favourite and if it means giving them up I will do so. Time to head on downstairs.

Oh, he is healing well. Eating and drinking and all of that.

We are both doing well. Thank you to all of our family and friends for their love and support. Special thank you to Amanda and Steven.

The boy is beginning to get frustrated so better get going as the cone has to stay on and I have to start laundry. He might have to go outside as well.

Living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today. I have news about Mr. Alvin. The surgeon called me in the morning to explain about the surgery that Alvin was going to have a bit later. He was so nice and explained everything so perfectly. There was one surgery ahead of him yesterday morning. The surgeon went over the details of the surgery and what would be done to Alvin. I must admit that something got in my throat when he said what he was going to do. But I knew in my heart that he was in the best hands and that he was going to be fine, better than fine. So we chatted and I asked questions and then he was off to perform a surgery. He called right after lunch to say that the surgery went very well and that Alvin did great. Everything went as expected and that he could be discharged tomorrow which is today at 1:30 p.m. OVER THE MOON HAPPY. He also told me that I could call and check on him whenever I wanted as they were open 24 hours. I did not want to be the crazy momma that called every five minutes but I said that I would call later to check on him.

Later in the afternoon I called and was told that he was sitting up and looking checking out his surroundings. I did not have the heart to tell her that he was looking for me. I know that he would be. Anytime he had his teeth cleaned, as soon as he was out of the anesthetic he would be up and wanting to come home.

Unfortunately there will be some changes. No more fruit and vegetables and other treats. He will be on a special diet for now on. It was not because I did not feed him properly – things just happen.

My daughter and son-in-law are coming to pick me up and we will be at the hospital at 1:30 p.m. to pick him up and bring the boy home. I am so excited. I am not working tomorrow as I want to just snuggle and give him my full and undivided attention.

I am not sure if I will be posting tomorrow. I appreciate all of the love and support during this time and always.

Take care. Give your fur babies an extra hug and be good to them, they are family and deserve kindness, respect, compassion, patience and of course LOVE.

Always, Carol & my Alvin

We have snow this morning ….

A proper Gentleman

2025

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? Well this Sunday morning we were up as per usual at around 4:00 a.m. – Alvin went outside and then we headed to the sofa for some zzz’s. Just as I was settling down he jumped off the sofa and starting pawing at said sofa, which is his way of telling me to get up. So up I got and checked the clock and it was almost 4:30 ….. so out came his food, he happily gobbled it down and then outside to do his business. Back into the house and to the sofa for some zzz’s.

Not long later or so it would seem, he was up and pawing at the sofa (luckily he has not left marks), so up I got and looked at the time it was 7:12 a.m. We went outside. I heard we were supposed to get snow today so wanted to pick up that morning “package” that he left in the yard before I would have to play detective to find it under fresh snow. While outside I noticed that the odd snowflake was falling and glad we went out. I noticed that my neighbour Sonja was already up and Bogart the cat was up on the railing saying good morning. It was at that moment that I decided to go into the garage and grab the box for my old t.v. so that I may store it properly/securely while I decide what to do with it. I have a small television in the basement family room which I watch every once in awhile. Just not sure if I really need a bigger television. Was thinking of asking about to see if a family or someone needs a good television. Following that I grabbed all of the laundry that was drying to bring upstairs and put away. Back upstairs, made our bed and put away the dried clothing. Did some online banking. Writing this blog and then will have a shower. I have now removed several items from my TO DO LIST for today. Doing a happy dance. Thank you Alvin for getting this Momma up and mobile earlier. Usually once I get up and doing something, I am okay to get going.

I was checking out the long range weather forecast and noticed that today is supposed to bring some snow, tomorrow is to be sunny and mild and then after that rain and then snow, argh. By Friday the temperatures are supposed to dip into the minus 20’s celsius. Not really looking forward to that but we have been so lucky, so fortunate that our weather thus far has been very mild. Looks like Alvin’s birthday party is going to be cold so will be nice to have company as we likely won’t be heading out for a walk.

Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 is Alvin’s 12th birthday. I cannot believe that we have been together “11” years on Tuesday. Time flies. He definitely is a young 12 year old and I hope that we have many more happy healthy years together. I am planning a birthday party for the boy next Sunday. His best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobi and the grandpups Miss Aspen and Milo and of course, my daughter and son-in-law will attend. Tomorrow I am going to see if I can get a cake or something like that for the special day. Also pick up something for a gift for Alvin and some treats for the pup’s goodie bags. After all you cannot have a birthday party any longer without party favours / treats for the guests. Decorations will be simple. A Happy Birthday banner and I have some Happy Birthday table decorations. We do not use balloons as they are bad for the environment and for animals, birds and marine life. Alvin hasn’t mentioned anything but I think he is excited for the party. He loves to have company at home. Not much of a traveller this guy.

Looks like a fine layer of snow on the deck that was once bare to the wood. Oh well. Temperature to be mild. Hopefully we can get a walk in at some point without snow coming down.

Wednesday is the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris. I hope that they have a safe and peaceful transition to their positions.

I hope that you are having a great weekend.

We continue to live with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning All. Another Monday here we go. Today is the 12th Wedding Anniversary of a very special couple to me. Happy Anniversary to my daughter and son-in-law. I cannot believe that it has been twelve years already. Their October 19th, 2008 wedding day was sunny and nice for most of the day. Once the sun went down it cooled off dramatically and later it rained. But we were lucky to have photos done outside during the day and at sunset with no moisture. I am so proud of these two for all that they have accomplished and all that they do in their lives. They are good human beings that are kind and respectful and compassionate. Happy Anniversary to you both.

I woke up yesterday with the sniffles, bit of sore throat and sneezing and the odd cough. Just running nose and sneezing now. We postponed our gals coffee get together yesterday until next weekend. I plan other than walks with Alvin to stay away from people for the week. Better to be safe than sorry. We had a quiet day at home just putzing about. I did prepare and wrap a parcel to mail for my sister and my friend back in Regina for Christmas. So will mail that in a few weeks ….. but ready to go. Another item checked off the list.

Happy that the snow that has been falling is melting as it hits the ground. Our temperatures have been below zero but not terribly cold unless you are walking into the wind.

It is dark out now so I cannot see what is going on in the sky. It is also getting onto time that I need to head downstairs and put on the coffee and start work shortly.

12 sleeps until Halloween and 13 until the Tree goes up !!!

I hope that you are well and safe. Perhaps you had a giggle already this morning. May you have the best Monday ever.

Mr. Alvin is whining so perhaps he has to go outside. So better sign off for now.

Living our lives with love, kindness and respect is the only way.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Saturday Morning !!

Sun is shining and the sky is blue and I can imagine the birds are singing somewhere if not outside my house.

What a beautiful FALL morning.

Today is also the birthday of my favourite son-in-law.

My only son-in-law but that is beside the point.

He is my one and only and favourite.

Later this afternoon the family will arrive.

My daughter is planning weather permitting to take our annual photos.

That is mine and Mr. Alvin’s.

Then she has requested that perhaps I can snap some for them as well.

They do not have many of the four of them.

Absolutely I will.

Once photos are done, we will be ordering in supper.

I am not sure what is on the menu for tonight and that is okay.

We all like the same things so whatever they plan is okay with me.

They did not want me to cook, I don’t mind.

I did bake my son his birthday cake.

A vanilla or white cake from scratch and fingers crossed it tastes good.

Time will tell.

If not, there will be a story to tell.

I can tell it does not look like a fluffy cake but that is okay.

As long as it is moist and tastes good.

Am I concerned, not really but perhaps a tad.

Wishing my wonderful son/son-in-law a very Happy Birthday.

Cannot wait to see him and my daughter and the grand pups later.

 

Last night we ended work a bit early for some of us and had a virtual drink together.

Actually the drinks were real – we just met on our team chat for some time together to unwind.

I had a drink of BAILEYS.

It was great …..  everyone shared and it was a good way to end the week.

 

After the boy had his supper and what not, I gave him a bath.

He needed to be freshened up.

I want him to look his bestest best for the photos.

Also the plan is for him to return home with the family for a visit until next Friday.

I did laundry and baked the cake and put away my workstation from the kitchen table.

So just some cleaning and bit of laundry and I have to have a shower and freshen up.  LOL.

 

I cannot believe how quickly the leaves on the trees have turned.

There are more yellow, orange and red ones than green now.

My flowers are managing to still look pretty good.

I think though I am going to start pulling and trimming back some likely over the week.

They reach a point where you are not easily able to pull them out.

 

Well the coffee is ready and I love my first cup of coffee in the morning.

The aroma of freshly perked coffee is amazing.

One of my favourite smells.

A great way to begin the day.

 

Oh, I have to ice the cake.

I only have a bit of icing sugar and have some almond milk.

Hopefully I can come up with a nice covering for the cake.

Has to be perfect for the son.

I would like it to be.

 

Well have an awesome Saturday.

I hope that you are well, safe and enjoying time with your family and or friends.

Take Care.

Continue to live with kindness and respect for yourself and all others.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

My tree from a few years ago.

At this time there are a few green leaves but it will look like this.

I also will have some raking to do shortly (actually now).

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Evening,

I know folks have wondered what happened to us the past couple of days as I have not posted my daily post.

Mr. Alvin as you know has been suffering from some health problems as of late.

He was not himself over the weekend.

At lunchtime today I was able to get him into see his vet.

My daughter drove from her home in Spruce Grove to take us.

I appreciate all of her help and support.

She found that he had a pulled muscle in his neck.

Well that would account for many of his actions over the few days.

To add insult to injury we had the hottest day in over a year.

Tomorrow is to be hot as well.

One of the medications that his vet prescribed was Robaxin (if I got the spelling correct).

For some reason not very many pharmacies keep it in stock.

That makes me wonder.

It is a specific dosage and perhaps that is why.

Anyway as I drip from the heat of the day and with a slight reprieve from the coolness of the night air.

Definitely cooler outside now than in the house.

Wished we could sleep on the deck.

 

Anyway back to his pills.

A pharmacy down the way from his Vet is going to order them in and hopefully should have tomorrow.

That will totally help his neck muscles.

 

As he has to limit climbing and actually he has not been climbing the stairs, I have been carrying him up and down when necessary…

I have decided and have already moved my workspace down to the kitchen table.

Seems odd but it actually works quite well.

Only for this week as I am on vacation after Friday.

 

One of my favourite entertainers … talk show host ….. Regis Philbin passed away over the weekend.

He was 88 only and only a month away from 89.

Regis was one of a kind and there are not many of those truly good people left.

The ones that you never heard a bad word about ….

A true legend and beloved man.

Rest in Peace, Sir.

 

Alvin is not doing well with the added heat so I have to cut this short.

For this week, I will be posting my blogs at night before bed.

 

I hope that you are keeping cool and dry.

There is such extreme weather everywhere.

Take care.

 

My son-in-law had been in the neighbourhood late this afternoon having his teeth cleaned.

I was happily surprised when I saw him pull up in front of the house.

He came to the door with something in his hand.

He stopped at Dairy Queen and picked up my favourite frozen treat.

Buster Bars ….. with peanuts and chocolate and ice cream.

What a sweetheart.

I am truly blessed to have the most thoughtful kids on the planet.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We, shall remain

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time

Hello,

Good Morning.

Raining outside.

Shout out this morning …. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY DEAR SON-IN-LAW.

I am so grateful that he came into our life almost 2 decades ago.

He is smart and funny.

Warm-hearted and the best son-in-law and brother-in-law to Alvin.

Wishing you a great day my boy.

We love you very much.

Wishing only the best in the year(s) ahead.

 

Yesterday morning I snapped these photos of my tree as I was waiting for my carpool.

Bear in mind that it was dark outside.

The leaves are turning but still a great many are green.

The lawn is covered with crunchy gold leaves.

 

 

Last night we had a GREAT walk.

We stopped and visited with our friend who was out in her garden.

Winterizing.

After our visit there we continued walking until we reached Alvin’s BF’s house.

This time I said let’s go and visit.

We walked up …. rather Alvin flew up the steps.

I said as I was going to ring the doorbell …. Alvin why don’t you bark and announce yourself ….. he did.

I was surprised.

I could hear Teddy recognizing who was at the door.

So inside we had a nice chat and visit.

Alvin had some treats.

He is terribly spoiled.

After leaving there we continued on our way home.

We stopped to visit with some new friends.

There was a one year pup named —, oh dear I have forgotten her name ……. she was really well trained.

This pup was a lab and oh how smart they are.

The other was a three year old Basset Hound named FLOUNDER.

Alvin did really well with them as they are bigger.

After watching the Lab pup and Flounder the b hound play we headed home.

Lots of visiting going on.

Then when we were home we saw Humphrey outside.

Chatted with my neighbor for a bit and then Humphrey came to stay with us for a bit.

We were walking into the house and he was on his leash and walked up the steps.

He wanted to come in.

So I yelled back to his Mom that he was with us.

After that I quickly cleaned the front flower bed.

Trimming back the flowers.

Putting the cut stems/leaves into a blue bag and into the garage.

Also decided to clean up part of the deck …. put away a few items.

I put my flowers in the garage as I was worried it may freeze.

They are doing so well.

If we get some sunshine, I will put them back out.

 

Well time to fly here.

We are busy.

Happy Birthday to all those folks celebrating today.

 

If we treat ourselves with kindness and respect it comes naturally to treat others the same.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin