Last Half 2022

Good Morning All! How are you this morning? Third day in a row we have been up extra early. Tuesday we were up early to go for a walk before the heat set in, yesterday I went to the office and today we are going to walk as it will be another warm one here in Edmonton.

The sky is extra pretty this morning. There are wisps of dark clouds hovering below the lighter blue sky. The sun is up and slightly covered by the cloud cast. I can hear a dog barking behind us somewhere, that dog is always outside and always barking. I feel for the poor guy or girl. In the background there is the hum of vehicles on the Anthony Henday highway that circles the City of Edmonton.

When I compare work at home to work at the office there is no difference. Perhaps I have become too comfortable getting up a bit later or earlier to go for walks, having a view of my backyard, being here for Alvin, not having the noise of the office. Working from home is so much easier and way less expensive. With the ever increasing costs and no increase to our pay – having to go to the office more often means changing what I buy for food and not buying anything extra. Someone thinks it is a good idea for people to return to the office but really is it? Most offices have staff in open workspaces with perhaps lower dividers to separate them. Noise carries. When you are on the phone it is hard to just speak in a whisper as not to disturb those around you. The commute time is horrible. Then less time at home. We were finally having a great work – life balance. Back to people being sick all of the time. Meetings for the sake of having meetings. It is always easy to say “go back” when you have a door on your office to close when needed. I am sure it will all work out but in the meantime, there are millions of people worldwide that are suffering from the anxiety of returning to work at the office. I know that millions of people have no choice. But if we can help some of those millions to be less stressed, why wouldn’t we?

Well time to go as I want to take Mr. Alvin for a walk. The cool air wafting in through the open office window is divine. I need to clear the above chatter from my mind.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 26 days till 65! I was carrying the decorator pillows from the spare bed back to ours and I usually look to see where Alvin is located, this time I was preoccupied and tripped. Luckily I didn’t put my full weight on his paws or anything but I did come very close to hitting the corner of the hallway wall. That would not have been pretty. Oh, my life with Alvin

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! What a beautiful morning as I see the sun rising. Just behind the houses to the east and south, I can see the colours coming up in the morning sky. How are you this morning? We are doing well. This morning just seconds after I turned on the shower, Alvin started barking from the bedroom. I knew why. He wanted me to be with him when he is having a drink, in fact, he won’t usually even drink unless I am right there and stroking his back. I don’t remember when this started but this is our new norm. I have tried to break him of this “habit” but to no avail. So I am not sure what will happen on those days when I go to the office (hopefully few and far between). Perhaps when I am not around he won’t be so fussy. I made an appointment for him to get his nails done etc and he is due for a bordetella shot (did I get that right?) and he needs food, toothpaste and movoflex. What a guy!

I am loving this beautiful weather despite the fact that it is almost impossible for us to walk. The streets are so messy icy in spots and the sidewalks in most spots are glare ice. I found the storm drain on the weekend but it is near impossible for me to get at just yet. Now if I had hours to spend out there chipping and shovelling away, yes, I could certainly do it. But there are so many people that do not even try to get the ice removed. That kind of makes me sad and a little mad. Here I am almost 65 and I am out there shovelling and chipping at the ice and cleaning it so that no one falls. Oh well, I cannot change some people or any people for that matter.

So nice to see it getting light earlier each day. This makes me so happy. Yay, we are one more day closer to spring and closer to clear dry sidewalks so that we can safely and happily go for walks.

I am thinking that I should do a VISION BOARD! Have you tried doing one? I think that I did one years ago but never really followed up and not sure where it ended up. So it is feeling like spring and time to make some changes. Never too late. Besides the world is quickly changing and if I do not make some changes soon, I fear that I shall be left behind. We cannot have that.

Oh yes, quick story before I sign off for today. Yesterday I received an email from one of our staff that receives the mail and uploads to our client files. The email had an attachment which was a photocopy of a beautiful THANK YOU card which was to me from one of my clients. I was so touched. Truly made my day. The power of a THANK YOU card. I am going to grab some THANK YOU cards and with as many stamps as I have – mail them to random people. Of course, I have to have their addresses, lol.

Maybe today is the day that you send your first card, make it a THANK YOU card to someone. I guarantee that you will make their day.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

We must all say “thank you” to the people in our lives.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you today? I am well. Everytime I typed “2021” – I feel as though I am living in the far future. But yet here we are and I guess when I was a little girl in the early 1960’s – 2021 would have felt very futuristic. I also cannot believe we are less than four years away from 2025, which is another year that always interested me. Not quite sure why. Anyway. Got slightly sidetracked. This morning I am going into the office. We have quite strict protocols in place when we go to the office. I had to submit an online self assessment which I was finally able to do. At first I get receiving messages that my password or server weren’t something or other. Did not work. After many attempts I was able to complete the self assessment. YAY, me. This not very tech savvy “woman” was able to download the APP if that is the correct terminology and then actually get signed in and do the assessment. Well it is just over thirty minutes before my daughter picked me up. She is in my “bubble” or “pod.” I am not sure which term to use as I have heard both used. Guess it really does not matter. Mr. Alvin is feeling that something is up. It will be a long day for him without his Momma. Thankfully our neighbour Sonja will pop in and check on him. Let him outside and give him a treat or two. Then she will feed him at supper and let him out. He is used to eating around 4:30 p.m. and I won’t make it here by then. So grateful to have such great neighbours. I can smell the coffee perking as I am making some to take to work. I have my snacks or rather my breakfast on the go which consists of almonds and grapes. Usually I have oatmeal with cinnamon and cranberries but I didn’t want to eat this early and I also did not wish to take that to the office where I would have to warm it up in the microwave. Just want to keep my contact down to a minimum.

Well it is Friday and that is a good thing. I am looking forward to the trip to work chatting with my daughter along the way. I am excited to see the handful of staff including my Manager and a gal that is retiring and today is her very last day. I will have an opportunity to personally wish you all the best. We had a virtual Retirement party for her yesterday ….. no food, no card, no gift to hand to her. That part was sad. Some of us including her Management team had lots of nice things to say. She worked for our company for almost 39 years.

Okay time to go and finish getting ready. I am thinking I can get away with only wearing shoes instead of boots. Not much snow. I will be brave.

Have an awesome Friday. Continue to live our lives with kindness, respect and compassion.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Welcome to December 2020

Good Morning All. How are you on this fine Wednesday. Wishing a friend from Saskatchewan named Judy a very Happy Birthday today. Looks like weatherwise we are in for another unbelievably gorgeous day. Yesterday after the gale force winds of Monday night, I spent some time during and after our noon walk picking up runaway garbage mainly boxes. I wish that folks would pack their recycling properly. Don’t they know we live in a windy town, er I mean city? I guess they did not recognize that box lying on the street down from their house or perhaps they choose to ignore it. Oh well, I cleaned many cardboard boxes from the street.

Alvin’s vet appointment went well and I am happy to report that his ears are both infection free, thank goodness. Protocol at the vet have now changed. Staff took Alvin to the back area where they do surgeries etc. and they checked his ears, trimmed his nails and checked his anal glands while I waited in the patient room. They have two rooms and in non-Covid times that would be where the patients were examined with their Moms and Dads in tow. No longer. I felt a bit sad and Alvin did not wish to go without me. I will admit that my eyes welled up. When it came time to do his nails I could hear him whimper which is not out of the ordinary. But he is loved there and they would never intentionally harm him. Once done he was returned to the room where I was patiently waiting. The Vet came out and we chatted for a minute. I had given the Vet Tech a Christmas Card to give to her and she came out to thank me. I have given them a card with a photo of me and Alvin since we started going there ten years ago. When I asked about dropping off some baking on Monday she graciously declined as she cannot eat sweets at the moment – her fav is “snap green peas.” The girls were excited to hear that I was bringing baking on Monday. Dr. Karen said just the photo was gift enough as that was the best gift, our photo. We chatted for a minute and then were on our way home. Once home we went out to the deck to put the bag of garbage I had collected in the garage. Alvin had gotten full of energy and started running and jumping down the steps from the landing to the garage and to the middle part of the deck. He was having a great time, I could tell. I pretended for a moment to do the Monster thing and he ran hard. Then he leaped from the top of the landing to the middle part of the deck, airborne for a few seconds and landed almost like a belly flop. I cringed and had closed my eyes for a nanosecond worried he had injured himself but then he was up and ready to go into the house. My boy. In the house, he ran around for a few minutes before settling down on the sofa. What a guy!

Well I had better get on downstairs to work. A few minutes ago, when I was writing about Alvin, the phone rang and it was Humphrey’s Mom, “She said “there is a guy in your backyard,” – my heart went to my stomach. I ran to the window but of course it is dark and what did I think that I could see. Then I said, someone and she said “Bogart” who is Humphrey’s little not so little brother was in our backyard well actually on top of my deck railing. I ran downstairs with Alvin in close pursuit and boots on and outside. Bogart was rescued and back home. He hissed at Alvin who was just wanted to say hi.

Running late. Gotta fly.

Have a great day. Fill it will kindness, respect and compassion for all.

We are.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time

Good Morning and we are nearing Christmas and the end of 2019.

Thursday today.

 

Yesterday we had our Christmas Brunch at work, it was good.

We also toured our newly renovated old office space.

There were mixed comments and feelings as per usual.

Not everyone is going to be happy.

Me, well although our workstations are just that a place to work.

Mine is located by a window which is great.

Most businesses are going to small non-personal work spaces.

Some folks are feeling like a hamster on a wheel with nowhere to go.

At this point it is difficult to say what it will be like without actually spending time on a daily basis in our regular routine.

Will there be changes, yes, definitely.

We are going paperless and I think that “they” believe we should work with no paper at all.

Unfortunately it does not quite work that way but it will iron itself out as it always does.

I look forward to the New Year and will adapt as I always have.

There is no point “crying” or “stressing” or “losing sleep” over a situation that is not within your control to change.

Although we have control, we really do not.

There is always someone or something pulling at those strings.

You can change things to be more suitable.

I am not trying to be negative as mostly I am positive.

We have to find a way to pay the bills doing something that we love.

Now that may be doing a job that pays the bills but affords you a home life that you love.

I think that is acceptable.

Now that job has to be something that you can live with, of course.

You cannot or should not spend hours, days, months or years at a toxic environment just because it pays the bills.

I am not saying that ….

There has to be a happy mix.

Anyway I am listening to a BLAKE SHELTON Christmas song as I am keying these words.

Alvin laying on his blue blanket and the world is good.

One of my friends called last night to invite me to go with her next Monday (I am off work) to see the movie CATS, her treat.

How wonderful!

 

Well here we are …. almost time for me, for us to head back downstairs.

I had a hard time going to sleep last night and then Alvin was awake at 1:13 and finally after trying to convince him to go back to bed …. we went downstairs.

I gave him his glucosamine chew and he went outside to pee, which he did.

Then we laid down on the sofa and slept until about 4:30 and then up for him to eat and go outside, again.

Then back to the sofa and then up at 5:15 a.m. …… argh.

Might be a long day but I am going to stay positive.

I, we are going to have an awesome day.

Quiet in the office (meaning few phone calls) and my appointments on time.

That would be nice.

 

Happy Thursday.

Thank you Blake Shelton …. love your voice.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

YAY, today is Friday.

Always happy to see Friday as look forward to this day and the weekend.

Okay, a few days late.

Here are some photos.

I took the first five of the tree in front of my house while I was waiting for my ride in the morning.

The next four photos are of same tree but the next morning after the freshly fallen snow.

I love my tree.

It looks good fully clothed with leaves or with snow or even bare.

It is amazing how the snow just piles up on the branches with the underneath bare.

Handsome looking tree.

 

Government announced yesterday:

Affordable Housing.

They are going to streamline the information/process that is required for housing.

Making it easier for applicants, clients and in the end the staff.

Sounds like good news for everyone.

 

This weekend it is continuing with and finishing all of the Christmas Cards and letters.

Alvin needs a bath and I am debating as to whether or not I will give him a trim.

Will see.

My new wreath is being dropped off tonight.

I am submitting a STEEPED TEA order this evening.

Bit of shovelling to finish.

There is always the laundry and cleaning.

I want to look through the items that I have for gifts and see where I am at ….

Plan the baking …..

Make a list of those to have over for Christmas treats and visit before the big day.

Lots to do, always.

 

Well life continues to be interesting, amazing and full of surprises.

At this moment in time, I am happy, healthy and excited.

Starting the day with a SMILE is always a great thing.

 

Wishing you the best Friday ever.

Smiling.

Kindness

Respect

 

Three good words.

 

Always, Carol & Mr. Alvin

 

Mr. Alvin is laying on his pretty blue blanket.

He loves curling up on it while I type/key away on the computer.

Which reminds me that I must start deleting photos that are blurry, dark or duplicate from my computer.

Some should be printed or made into albums.

That should be a weekly project.

Spending a few hours every week working on the photos.

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 1st day of December, 2018.

Foggy and overcast this morning.

SNOW is on the way on this first day of December, 2018.

Perhaps some snow will make walking a bit more easy.

Alvin and I are going for a walk here shortly.

Just wanted to write this post and get dressed (having coffee).

Mr. Alvin has been waking up at 2:30 and then every two hours for the past week or so.

He doesn’t appear to be in any kind of pain.

Just wants to get up and pee at 2:30 ( I can identify with that).

After all we are both getting on in years and that seems to follow us as we age.

Then at 4:30 p.m. he is ready to get up and eat.

I do try and keep him in bed but then I cave, there is no point.

So up and he ate.

Then outside and then we laid down on the sofa.

Then up at 6:30 and back outside.

We really, okay, I really should have stayed up.

By this time which is close to 10:00 a.m., I could have basically had some major chores done by none.

But there is something about just laying there and dreaming or sleeping or combination of both on a non-work morning.

During the week we are up to stay around 5:00 a.m.

I hear the medical reports about getting up at the same time every day but I just cannot do it.

Perhaps I should try a bit harder.

Then I could always have a nap later.

But unless I am sick, I am not really a nap person.

Oh well.

That has been our morning so far.

Picked up poop outside in my pj’s (covered with a coat).

It is warm outside.

Made coffee and had some breakfast.

Stripped the bedding for laundry and put on fresh bedding.

Love the smell of clean sheets before the bodies lay on them.

Now just writing this post.

Happy December 1st.

One of the major jobs on my list is to give Mr. Alvin a hair cut and bath.

I am thinking as it is already 10 a.m. that perhaps I might put that job off to tomorrow.

Then get some cleaning, laundry, our WALK and Christmas cards done today.

Then tomorrow would just be him…..as it is a big job.

Supposed to be a snowy day anyway.

I will check the temperature for tomorrow ….

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Lots to do.

Also wanting to confirm my menu for the Christmas party that I am hosting for some of my co-workers.

The immediate group.

 

Have to share my COSTCO story.

My daughter picked me up from work yesterday.

I took some extra vacation time and left early.

That was such a treat to leave work at 2:30 p.m.

My daughter had an eye appointment just after 3:00 p.m. at COSTCO.

We decided upon arrival that she would look after her appointment and picking out new glasses AND

the Momma would take both of our lists and start the shopping.

No where did it dawn on us that perhaps I should tag along with her and help her pick out new specs.

I took a quick peek at the non-food things like Christmas decorations, clothing and books before heading to pick up the food items on our lists.

We made an arrangement to meet in that area at 4:00 p.m.

I was there with everything on both lists at 3:55 p.m. (there were a couple of things that were sold out of )

I waited and waited.

Strolled with a full cart from display to display looking for my girl.

Even walked over to the eye area …. did not see her.

Finally at 4:35 p.m. – I spotted her.

The Doctor was late and neither of us even considered the time it would take to pick out new frames.

With a sigh of relief and a bit of impatience TONE – we were almost ready to hit the lineups.

We picked up photo orders (photos to enclose with Christmas cards).

After we girls had gone our ways after arrival, I had been looking at mats/rugs to put near the front door.

I have one from COSTCO but was thinking with Christmas and so many people arriving … perhaps a longer one would be a good addition to what I already have…

So I picked up two and then when found my daughter later …. decided to go with the long narrow one.

Everything was paid for ….. we continue to the car …. my daughter stopped to pick up a bottle of wine while I continues to the car to start putting things away.

We loaded the car and continued on to SAVEON ….. another grocery store.

To pick up a few things that I could not get at COSTCO or at least in a lesser quantity.

Arrived home.

I grabbed some things and into the house to let Mr. Alvin outside.

We unloaded the car.

Once unloaded …. made supper ….. visited ….. ate supper.

It was not until my daughter was leaving for home that I realized two things …. I did not have my bag of avocados which I know that I had picked up two and the long ma

t/rug.

So we searched the car and nothing.

I was willing to just take it as a loss but …

My daughter said that she would go to COSTCO and check the carts outside to see if the rug / avocados were there.

When she got there one of the guys was gathering the carts and said that he found the mat.

However, the receipt was left with me and he could not just give it to her.

No avocados.

I did however notices on the receipt that we were only charged for one bag … so that was okay.

So I took some photos of the receipt with my tablet and sent them to my daughter.

She went into the store with the staff and they allowed her to take the rug/mat (as I had sent proof of the sale).

I felt bad for her as they had to escort her out of the store as she had no receipt.

The exit staff would not have let her out with the rug/matt without a receipt.

I was so thankful that the matt/rug was found.

Next visit I will have a new mat/rug for near the entrance way.

What a night!

 

I hope that you all have an awesome first day of December, 2018.

Happy December.

Love DECEMBER.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. Happy December…..

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 25th day of February, 2017.

It is a lovely morning here in Edmonton with the sun shining.

The temperature is a bit cooler than it has been, but that is okay.

Just finishing up a couple of things before jumping into the shower and then we are off to Alvin’s regular Vet appointment.

He has a pedicure and “bum glands” squeezed (sounds terrible but not so bad), will check his ears and pick him up some of his “Thera-Bites.”

Thera-Bites are glucosamine which he needs for his arthritis or for the on-start at least.

I think we should have time to take the long way around and that would give us a good walk.

I also would like to finish up canvassing for the Heart & Stroke today.

Lots of errands to squeeze in as well like picking up a March Bus Pass and a few things from the grocery store.

There seems like there is always lots to do on the weekend.

I do miss having every second Friday off ….. it was a good day to get outside errands and running around completed giving more time at home.

Years ago there was talk of shortening the work week ….. has not happened here.

I can see from my upstairs office window the smoke from a neighbour’s chimney dancing around in the air ….. must be a bit cold.

With the sunshine it will feel warmer so that is good.

Mr. Alvin is excited to see the girls at the Vet Clinic.

He loves the 2 “Jens”, the Doctor and all of the staff.

Well I guess it is time to hit the shower …. yikes er, not HIT the shower as such.

I will walk carefully to my bedroom and go into the shower.

Sometimes by writing words they will take on a life of their own ….. you know.

Have an awesome Saturday.

I hope that you have some time to relax by yourself and have time with your family and friends.

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: The World.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 27th day of November, 2016.

The sky is overcast, no frost on the cars and little snow on the lawns.

When one is writing a tribute to a loved one who has passed; you want to make sure that you get things just right, and say what you want to say, and

not miss anything.

In years gone by I have written Eulogies for my Grandmother, Nephew and then my Brother.

I wrote an tribute to our Penny who passed away just this past March, somedays it seems like yesterday, and others it seems like years.

Elton, our beloved guy was my first grand-puppy and he warmed my heart right from the beginning.

I will continue working on my tribute to him and will share when it is time.

In the meantime, life goes on and I know that ….

 

In everything that I have done over the past few days he is right there in my thoughts.

One thing I know that both Elton and Penny will never be forgotten.

 

This Christmas will be different without Elton and Penny for sure.

Milo will keep us hopping as he is the new addition, and is very much still a puppy at about three months now.

Bad Grandma, I have forgotten his actual birthdate – guess I had better write him down on our Birthday Calendar.

So it will be Alvin and Milo for now.

I am certain that the kids will adopt another pup (likely grown though) as Milo needs company.

Heaven knows there are so many pups out there that need a good home.

Any pup coming to live with my kids will have the best home ever.

The kids love them, and treat with them with respect and kindness.

So with Christmas right around the corner there are so many things to do.

I have put the tree and decorated the house both inside and out.

I have the Christmas Cards on the kitchen table ready to be written up.

The letter – yes that still has to be done – to say hello to folks and let them know what we have been doing in 2016.

Baking over the next few weeks.

Still a few things to do.

We have opted out of the gift giving this year between me and the kids.

We are not like the KRANKS and going on a cruise.

More like we are blessed, and do not need much so instead we will do some things.

Perhaps take in a local performance of “A Christmas Carol.”

Give to the less fortunate from children to seniors, and in between.

At our office, my department is giving special requested items to two seniors.

Sometimes I think they are the forgotten ones at Christmas.

Often times without family or friends they have no one except the staff at the homes where they live.

Let us not forget them this holiday season.

Remember the best gift of all is to give.

 

This morning my daughter is coming over so I must get going and prepare the pancakes.

I love making pancakes for her …..

I hope that you and your family are doing well.

Take Care.

 

Special Hello to: Everyone and Merry Christmas to You All.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 22nd day of November, 2015.

It is beautiful outside.

The sky looks like a summer morning with pale orange and white in the bottom layer of sky graduating up to pale blue.

So pretty.

What an odd night.

Alvin was eating again in bed ….. what a guy.

He woke me up at three as he needed to go outside.

So downstairs we went.

He went outside and then back upstairs where we slept until 8:00 a.m.

Guess what is missing?

He did not wake me up at 5:00 a.m. to EAT.

This is HUGE.

Unless I was in such a deep sleep that he could not wake me but I always hear him.

BIZARRE, hey.

Nevertheless he was more than happy to eat his breakfast at 8:00 a.m. patiently waiting until I made the bed and got dressed.

I mean patiently …. do you think he forgot?

Quite funny coming from such a foodie such as Alvin.

Anyway we are up …. first thing glass of lemon and water for the Momma and write this blog before starting laundry, having my breakfast and getting things done.

We had such a great time yesterday.

I love spending time with my girl.

The drive to Ponoka was awesome …. roads were dry as a board …. only a skiff of snow in the ditches and fields.

That is it as they say.

We arrived just before they were about to eat so we sat with my nephew in their dining room.

He surely has a great appetite and he did great.

Mostly eating by himself with a bit of help pushing the food onto his spoon made specially for him.

Afterward we went to the main lounge with him and had BIRTHDAY CAKE, he loved the cake.

Said “YUM” several times.

He was very happy to see us.

Face lit up and gave lots of hugs and kisses.

I found out that he is back to his old self, such a flirt with all of the girls including his cousin.

Kind of funny.

Sometimes we would hit a word that we could not understand but managed to work through it.

I cannot believe the progress he has made.

Sits in the wheelchair on his own.

He cannot walk yet I think in time he will.

We took him for a walk outside for about an hour just breathing in and enjoying the fresh air.

It was so nice not really cold at all.

We even saw a squirrel who managed to get in a few photos.

That is what happens when you have a photographer in the family.

Snapping lots of photos which he enjoyed.

It was a great day.

He loved the photo album that we took for him.

He has four now and he treasures them.

The nurses say that he looks at them all of the time.

It was hard to say good-bye but he is in such great hands.

Until next time.

The drive home went quickly and before you know it we were back in Edmonton.

Alvin was happy to see us.

My daughter stayed for a bit as we discussed some of the things to do before the craft show this coming Friday.

It will be fun.

Well I had better get this show on the road … I could write all day long but that will not get any of my tasks completed.

I hope that you had an awesome Saturday.

One thing I found …. sometimes a simple gift such as a book of photos is the best gift of all.

Simple is better most of the time.

Thank you to my neighbour for being with Mr. Alvin ….

Okay time to fly here …..

Special Hello to: all of those people who have a family member or friend with a brain injury, it is a long journey and sometimes things are never the same but it is important to remember that life is what you make of it ….. enjoy what time you have together.  Love is the best language as it is from the heart and there are no words necessary.

Always, Carol and Alvin