A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well, I will leave the “sleep” alone for this post. I will say this that the moon last night was so full and awesome. The moon seemed to be more bright than usual. The sky was clear and I could see “stars” and likely sateilttes taking up their position in the sky. Looks like the sky is overcast this morning and there is no wind at this time. We were up a bit later this morning but not too late for a Sunday.

Yesterday was a great day. Woke up having my daughter, Alvin’s sister in the house which was awesome, we so love having her sleep over. I was dressed and ready for the birthday party while the coffee perked. We girls had coffee and visited while she worked on transferred my photos to the external hard drive. Surely is not a quick process but thankfully is not super difficult. I will report exactly how that goes the first time that I do it for myself. Yesterday afternoon I was supposed to do some more but did not happen. Amanda left just before I was leaving for the birthday party. The sky was a magical blue and the sun so bright and mighty. I wore my fav sweatshirt, my only sweatshirt, but I love it and jeans. Instead of wearing a winter coat, I opted to throw on my winter down vest. Perfect. Alvin had gone pee before I left and was settled on the sofa with the television on for company. The birthday girl was running late as she now is working two jobs and overshot how long it would take her to be done (I think she slept in as did I, actually I think she mentioned something about that, too). Gillian and I had coffee and chatted. I filled her in on my latest drama. Sure would be nice to have a light hearted comedy going on, instead, lol. Just as we were about to dive in on the “food” (what a spread), the birthday girl arrived. Food went on the table and then we were eating and chatting, laughing and crunching on food. Friends around the table, enjoying a beverage (tea and coffee), good food and each other. Oh, how I love these girls. They are the best. Gillian’s boys joined us for us food. Then it was time to open gifts and then the birthday cake. Signe had two cake a strawberry one and then a chocolate one. Both so yummy. The birthday girl is not fond of chocolate cake. We did not more chatting and then cleaning up and then it was two hours later and we were on our way home. Signe lives closer to Gillian than I do, across the alley actually and me well a few doors down. Maybe a two-three minute walk, maybe. Then I was home, I turned on a load of laundry and had more coffee, chilled with Alvin and of course, let him outside. We went for a walk about 40 minutes later. Oh, it was so warm and I could have kept going. Alvin surprised me and instead of walking into the park by the ponds, he made a dash towards Teddy’s house. Yup, I let him led the way. Exactly where he was going. When we got to their house, he darted up the driveway before I was able to stop him and explain that his BF was not at home. I felt so badly for him, I am sure that he misses the little guy. He has not seen many friends as of late. Lots of human friends but no puppies or kitties. Might be a good time soon to have Humphrey come and spend some time with us. Unfortunately will not be today. Maybe tomorrow when I go to the office Alyaa could bring Cookie with her, I will ask. On the way home from our walk, close to home, he went up the sidewalk of another friend and just so happened she was by the window and saw him so she came to the door. Next thing we were in the house. He was having a treat and we were chatting. It was 4:00 p.m. when we got home and was 2:39 when we left so it was another nice break. More social happenings yesterday than not. Back home I finished up the laundry and vacuumed the main floor.

One more thing, there has been a foul odour coming from under the sink. Last week I took everything out from under there and did a deep clean. But no luck, the smell was still there. I even left baking soda under there to no avail. So yesterday once again, I took everything out and did an even deeper clean and still. I have no idea where this is coming from? There is the wall and then there is a partial wall under the sink, maybe something got in there? Food or something? So frustrating. Or is it coming from the dishwasher. Anyway, I put an open candle (unlit) under there and last night it did not smell bad. I will keep investigating. Perhaps a vinegar wash in the dishwasher would help. Life in the fast lane.

We had a quiet evening. Oh, my friend Signe picked me up a lottery ticket and I have not checked it, still living the dream.

Finally the movie that I have been waiting for was “streaming” on Disney, “WAKANDA FOREVER.” I ended up watching the making of this movie and the making of the new Avatar movie as well before hand while I was feeding Alvin, cooking some chicken for me and cleaning up. Then I watched WAKANDA FOREVER, what a great movie. Not sure if I liked it better or not, I think both movies could hold themselves up individually. I did miss Chadwick Boseman, and nice to see Michael B Jordan playing a cameo (he passed in the first movie). Anyway, two of my all time fav movies.

Okay, I have to fly. Time to get the coffee going. I have to give Alvin a haircut and bath. This afternoon I will be chatting with my sister and then going for a walk. There is more laundry to do and then get ready for working at the office tomorrow. Oh, how I wished that this was not my new norm as I loved working from home.

Have a great day.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, love, laughter, understanding gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. Always has to be coffee.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P. S. I am planning to move some photos to the external hard drive this afternoon. Lots to do.

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I are doing okay. Up first at 4:00 and then at 5:30 for the day. I woke up with a headache that I cannot seem to shake. Might have to take something. Back to the office today, tomorrow and Friday. Not too excited about that but it is okay. I have resolved my thoughts about going to the office. Sometimes you just have to get over it and do go ahead. Not much point in going on and on about it at this point.

The air did not seem too cool this morning and the morning sky was delightful with the moon still shining ever so brightly and what appeared to be stars, although I suppose some may be satellites. I have been using the feature “Siri” on my phone this morning. I had no idea that she would turn on the flashlight or could look up the spelling of a word in the dictionary. She is my new best friend. Very cool. I said “thank you Siri” and she said “my pleasure.” Who knew they even built ”manners” into the program. I am impressed.

My friend and neighbour from a few doors down is coming over to check in on Mr. Alvin for the next three days. She did not get booked for hours at her new job. Lucky us.

Yesterday my neighbour mowed the lawn before I had a chance to rake up the remaining leaves that had not blown away – the lawn has red and gold stains. Good fertilizer, I suppose. I had been thinking of putting some of the fallen leaves onto my back garden but did not get to it.

I heard from a friend that today is supposed to be cooler and windy. I thought that was yesterday, lol.

I suppose it is almost time to head downstairs and put the finishing touches on preparations to leave for the day. I shall miss my guy but I know that he has someone to check on him so that makes me feel a bit better in the worry department.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: coffee at the office

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I are well. We slept through till 3:00 a.m. and then at 5:00 a.m. from the sofa, I heard this low noise and jumped up as I realized it was the alarm clock on my phone. When I get to the office I turn the sound for notification and such, all the way down so that I do not disturb anyone should the phone “ring.” I must ask my daughter if there is any other way to do this function. Remember I am not the most tech savvy person on the planet. Not even remotely close! Anyway, I reset the alarm to 5:15 for an extra few minutes and then we were up. Mr. Alvin had his breakfast and then we went outside. Once back into the house, made our bed, brushed my teeth and then hit the shower. That felt good. I stopped showering everyday a while ago as I found that my skin got dry and who likes dry skin. When we were outside around 5:25, I noticed that the stars seemed to be more bright and noticeable than usual. I wonder if there are more satellites in the sky now? Perhaps not even stars but man made objects taking up space above us. The moon did not appear to be anywhere in sight? I scanned the sky with my eagle eyes (lol) – with my glasses on. I did attempt to take a photo with my phone but all I got was black. We are having a great morning thus far.

Yesterday when I arrived home from work, I unlocked the door and called out to Mr. Alvin. He did not come and I called him several times. I thought that I saw him standing at the window but wasn’t sure. My heart sank to my toes for a brief moment or three. Kicking off my shoes, I walked into the living room and over to the chairs by the window and there he was standing looking out the window. I thought he would have saw me or maybe I made it to the door as he was going to the window, not sure. Anyway, I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I saw him standing up and breathing. My mind went to a place that I was scared to even think about at this time. Anyway, all is well. Perhaps the boy’s hearing is going. I noticed that when he was in my bathroom this morning waiting for me to get ready. He was laying on one of the small rugs and when I spoke to him, he did not move. When I lightly touched him he jumped. I walked around him so that he could see me from the front and he did not immediately jump up. Today I am noticing his age. My poor boy. The joys of getting older! We had a good night. I took him outside right away for a pee and then fed him his supper before we head out for a walk. OMG, it was so beautiful outside last night after work. I am getting home by 4:30 which is early. When I carpooled before, it was usually 5:00 or later. Definitely helps catching a ride with someone you directly work with that is for sure. I am grateful that at least at night I am only losing 1/2 hour of personal time. The morning well that is a different story and time away from Alvin a total other story. Yesterday my neighbour Sonja popped by a couple of times to check on him, make sure he goes outside, has something to eat and to drink and then she has snuggle time. I appreciate that. We are like family and she feels like a daughter to me. We both love her very much. She is a kind-hearted lovely human being. I am so grateful that I am surrounded by good people. Very grateful.

Tonight after work, my daughter is picking me up from work. We are going to get some keys cut as I want to ensure that everyone looking after Alvin has a key so that I don’t have to play “chase the key” when the schedule changes. Amanda is sleeping over and I am so excited. Last night I made a huge apple crisp with some of the apples from my friend Pauline. I had to try some even though it was late to eat at 8:07 p.m. Turned out pretty good, I must say.

Well time to head on downstairs so that I can take Mr. Alvin outside again. He will need to poop (yes, I am talking about that subject again, lol) again before I leave for work. Remember p-o-o-p is important to keep track of – it can tell you so much about your health.

I hope that you have a great Friday. Another sunny warm fall day on the way. I am so happy.

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

Thank goodness coffee is free at work especially with the soaring prices.

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: thank you for this day and I am grateful it is almost the weekend.

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! The sky is clear in the distance but at home there are rain clouds hovering as they dropped their precious cargo over us. The colours are more brilliant this morning as a result of the rain and the cooler temperatures a welcome relief for some of us. The wind is very strong this morning much different than yesterday morning. I love weather. Ever changing. The sky is amazing. I cannot wait to be in the country for a few days. One of the things that I love the most about the countryside is the night sky. The sky is filled with brilliant shining stars. So different than in the city where you might see five on a good night. Oh how I love the countryside!

How about some GREAT news? It seems as of late my news has been all over the place. Yesterday I called Alvin’s Vet and the tech answered the phone. She was just the person that I needed to speak with so I was very happy. Yes, the only changes that Alvin needs to do is FOOD. Change the diet. Perhaps a supplement. No more testing. No abdominal ultrasound. I confirmed that for certain. Yes, she just has to contact the reps for the food companies and sort out which is the best food for Alvin and also find out how long it is backordered. That is the problem with human food and pets alike. Backorder. I have come to despise that word. I get the supply chain, I get it. We have so many options and my Alvin does not so I am hoping that we can work something out. He will need to get on it sooner than later. I recently bought a bag of food which has not been opened yet and I was hoping that I could trade it in for the new food. I guess time will tell. Not likely as it is looking as today is Thursday. He can also take a supplement so perhaps that will help in the meantime while we wait for the food to come in. I will have to phone and find out and then pick up the supplement. I wonder how much that will cost? Michelle, also advised that he will need to have bloodwork and urinalysis in six months. We can do that. That will be during his 14th year birthday month.

Anyway, I can breathe a sigh of relief, actually I did and I did a little jig as well. Alvin must have sensed my joy and became playful. He ran into the living room and grabbed one of his toys, his favourite “teddy bear” and brought it to me so that we could play tug-o-war. The look in his eyes brought tears of joy to my eyes.

Wow, it is really raining out there now. Sure am happy that we did get a walk in yesterday. Today may be a raining day with no walking permitted.

Time to head downstairs. Walking on sunshine or perhaps a rainbow!.

Have a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 5 days till I turn 65. Will I feel any different?

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. I cannot believe how much snow we got, well actually I can because I shovelled like a ton of it, lol. As I turn my head and look out of my office window I see the sunrise. The horizon is filled with light pastel colours. A happy palette. They bring me joy. I wished that Alvin could see colours, he would definitely love the sky. Late yesterday afternoon the sky cleared and stayed clear overnight as I saw the stars in the sky when we were outside at 2:30 a.m. Yes we were. It is the age thing and the bathroom. I cannot fault Mr. Alvin as I am usually up at least once during the night to “pee,” so what can you do! Life is life. Sometimes I get “bent out shape” over things because I am an emotional creature. I don’t mean that I do bad things to Alvin or to people but I cry easily and I have raised my voice to both Alvin and people. Not that I am proud of those times but I am human. I apologize and move on. Trying to better the next time. Making those times fewer and more far between. One thing is I do not raise my voice to Alvin when he gets up during the night to go outside, I do not. Sometimes he whines when I am doing things, usually because he wants to eat or wants some food that I have ….. there has been the occasional time that I have raised my voice but not often. I guess I am feeling guilty this morning because I did raise my voice to him yesterday. Bad Momma. One thing that I have to remember to do is to take four deep breaths and count to ten. Distracting myself from the situation and that would help with my job as well. Somedays I want to scream at certain situations. So you see, I am not perfect and I am human. I try to be a good neighbour, good Mom, good friend, good coworker and good person overall.

Well I took all of my writing time “venting” on this post. I apologize for that. The words just tumbled out onto the page and I am always writing in the moment. The things that come to my head, to my mind. Sometimes there are “raw feelings” that emerge onto the page. Thank you for reading my posts and for continuing to fall my post. It is appreciated.

Wishing you a great day.

Time to go and make some coffee and start work in a few minutes.

Continuing to live this life with respect, kindness, compassion, patience (work in progress), love, laughter, and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Thursday morning? I almost typed Friday. Guess I am rushing the weekend just a wee bit. Oh well! It has been one of those weeks. I lost my patience a couple of times but tried to remain composed which is so much better when you are working from home. Some days even though I am very grateful for my job – it drives me around the bend. I guess most people say that. There are many aspects that I enjoy about my job and others not so much. Okay enough of venting first thing in the morning. Not the way that I want to start to my day.

I do want to share something with you. We were up about 3:00 a.m. and outside. The sky was so crystal clear that even though we are in the city, we could see so many stars in the sky. In fact, the sky was so full of stars that I was in awe. First time in the city that I have been able to see so many stars. It reminded me of our trip to see the kids for Thanksgiving and how clear the night sky was and how many billions of stars I could see. I was also reminded of being a child and looking up to the sky and making wishes on the first star and then seeing so many others. I have always throughout my entire life being drawn to the sky. I most especially love the stars. Maybe that is why some of my fav television shows and movies are situated in space. Although they cannot see the stars, one could imagine they were surrounded by them. As I have not been to space, I do not know what you can see or not. The stars took my mind off of being outside at 3:00 a.m., I will tell you.

We enjoyed two walks yesterday. The after work walk was most especially special as we bumped into a neighbor who lives just off the park, she was out walking the puppy. We have spoke before but never had such a conversation and I enjoyed it so much. The puppy for which I have now forgotten her name is so adorable. Not tiny and full of energy. She reminded me of a poodle. We chatted for several minutes admiring each other’s pups. She loved Alvin, too. Rosie was the Mom’s name. We were walking with them back toward their home and to ours when Alvin started to pull big time. I could not see anyone or anything around so wondering why he was pulling forward. So we said goodbye. I thought maybe because he was hungry. As we walked we came across people with a dog and I could see our friend Kelly and her pup Jack and then I knew. He definitely could smell their scent even though they were partially hidden by the trees at the entrance. How cool is that? So we raced over to them. I have not seen Alvin move that fast since before his surgery and not even in recent times. He chased after Jack as though he wanted to play. Running fast. It was funny too watch and also made me a little anxious. But I could not stop him and I wanted him to do something that obviously he really wanted to do. We visited with our friends and then Alvin wanted to go. I think he was getting hungry for supper. By the time we got home it was well after 5:00 p.m. Also on the way, a car pulled up and I could see our friends Ali and Bailey. Bailey spotted us and was yelping and so excited. We quickly said hello and were on our way. Our evening was much more quiet, I will say but we had a great walk. I am so happy that I know so many people in our neighbourhood and that I can get to know some of them even more. It was a great end to a somewhat frustrating day.

I hope that you have an awesome Thursday. Get out and walk. You never know who you will bump into or meet. Even though there still is a pandemic – we can still chat outside and keep apart and safe.

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

Today I choose to laugh more and have more patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? When I went outside this morning with Alvin at 5:00 a.m. the grass in the backyard was cold and crusty (frozen). So dark almost like the deep of night.

MORNINGS WITH ALVIN

When we wake and I follow you ouside.

The early morning is as the deep of night.

We walk across the deck,

You jump off at the low end and I take the steps.

We enter the grass area of the backyard.

Not too big,

Just enough for you, my Alvin.

You prefer to walk around and sniff.

Nothing new but sniff you do.

Wishing that I had remembered to buy batteries.

For the big flashlight,

As this small one brings me bent over to the ground.

To ensure that I did not miss picking up any poo,

Yes, poo from you.

Oh my Alvin,

Without you I would never have experienced the deep of night.

Out in the backyard.

This morning the stars were shining brightly in the sky.

Yes, we could see the stars.

There is nothing better than stars shining in the early morning sky.

The sky being so crystal clear.

I can see my breath and yours.

Thank you for bringing me outside to enjoy.

The early morning sky.

P.S. there are lots of middle of the night sky, too.

Thank you Alvin.

I love you.

Written by CY Lewis @ this morning October 26, 2021

Sometimes you just feel like writing a poem.

Wishing you a wonderful day.

Time to go and make a pot of coffee and perhaps start work a bit earlier than usual.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. Someone just had to be upstairs with me so I let him come upstairs (all by himself). I shall carry him down.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am well, we are well. Perhaps a slight bit sleep deprived but nothing new. Still dark outside and that is part of living in Western Canada. The sun will not rise for awhile but that is okay. We will be voting on the time change next week. “To be or not to be, that is the question.” Sound familiar. Someone has decided this morning to bark every 10 seconds or so while I am upstairs despite my calling down to reassure him. Perhaps he has to pee but not likely. He is joined to me at the hip and whenever I am in the house and not beside him …. it is a problem. Definitely is getting more anxious as he ages. When I am outside and he can see me, no problem. Thank goodness that I do not have to go back to work at the office very often. My next time is November 9th, 2021, I think but I will have to find someone to come and check on him or he will go spend the day with someone. There is no way he will survive a 10 or so hour day without going outside or having human contact. Life.

Yesterday morning Canadian born William Shatner became the oldest person to go to space. I listened to him as he spoke to Jeff B. upon his return to Earth. He was so genuinely excited about the trip and grateful that he was able to see Earth from space. As he said he will be changed forever and he wished that everyone could have that experience. I wish that as well. I am so happy that “Captain Kirk” got to actually go to space. How strangely wonderful is that. Pretty darn exciting.

Someone is finally quiet down there and I am not sure why. Grateful for the quiet.

Yesterday we enjoyed two walks, one at my lunch break and the other after work. Before the walk after work I raked the leaves from our front lawn including Humphrey & Bogart’s. The leaves were crunchy. So pretty. Love this time of year.

• 

  Sunflower in my back garden couple of years ago

I thought that perhaps we needed a bit of “yellow perfection” in our Thursday. I love Sunflowers. So perfectly beautiful. My gift to you for today.

Well time to go and get that coffee on to perk and see if Mr. Alvin does in fact have to go outside.

I wish you a great Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning All,

We are back to our normal household. Mr. Alvin is back home. His sister brought him home early yesterday afternoon. He was happy and mad at me at the same time. I could tell that he was glad to be back home but at the same time he let me know in no uncertain terms that he was harbouring some unhappiness toward me. Body language in dogs is very transparent. This is one of the longest periods of time that we have been apart over our ten years together. After he was home for a bit he started to warm up to me, thank goodness. I teased my daughter in a text that “she might be having company once again.” It is wonderful to have him back home and it was nice to have a break, I think that we both needed that time apart. I will say that I slept better with him home and in bed with me. However, it was a typical Sunday night where it takes me forever to get settled down. We were up at 4:00 a.m. …… outside for a bathroom break and then back to the sofa until 6:30 a.m. when we were up and I fed him breakfast,which is late for him to eat at home but it was fine. Another outside break followed by preparing my coffee so it was ready to plug in and then we hit the sofa for 30 more minutes.

The grass was wet earlier with dew but the air was warm with the moon shining brightly in the sky dotted with stars or perhaps satellites and perhaps the space station. It was pretty nonetheless.

Well it is time to get this day going. The sun is now rising and the sky is that delicate balance of pinks and oranges with the night sky slowly disappearing.

I am looking forward to our walks together.

Welcome Home Mr. Alvin.

I hope that you all had a great Sunday.

Living our lives with kindness and respect.

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 24th day of June, 2018.

Another beautiful sunny morning.

Alvin slept from 10:00 p.m. until 6:40 a.m. (he must have been pooped after his sleepover with Teddy.

He had a moment this morning and did not wish to walk down the stairs.

So I gingerly picked him up to carry him downstairs.

He wasn’t really happy about that and perhaps he did not trust that I could manage carrying him down the stairs.

I was carefully as after all he is “me Alvin” and I would never intentionally put him in harm’s way.

We made it to the bottom of the stairs and I carefully set him down.

After that he has been up and down the stairs.

He has been looking around and not sure if he thinks that perhaps Teddy is here somewhere.

 

Yesterday my daughter and Milo came for an unexpected visit.

Timing was perfect as I was giving Mr. Alvin a haircut.

Teddy just watched and perhaps was thinking “Yikes, I may be next.”

Even with the two of us we were not able to get Alvin’s front paws trimmed very short.

So it is what it is.

He looks good and will be much cooler.

Now after tomorrow the temperatures are cooling off.

I give him a trim/cut once a month.

Timing.

The boys had fun playing and hanging out.

Milo and Teddy got along well.

So great to have Teddy come to hang out with Alvin.

We enjoyed having him over.

 

Happiness means something different for everyone.

What brings you great joy?

What makes you feel giddy with joy to the very bottom of your being?

Happiness for me is being in good health, being surrounded by family and friends and being at home.

I have always wanted as long as I have lived to have my very own home.

This belongs to me (and to the bank), and I am so grateful to call this mine.

I can come home every night after work to my little piece of heaven.

I have flowers in the spring until fall.

I have room for me Alvin to relax and to run around.

There is room to sit for me, Alvin and company.

I can sit under an umbrella and sip on a cup of coffee and read a book, if I wish.

I can lay down if I wish but have to watch out for the “ants.”

They seem to be living everywhere these days.

I can take in the sunshine, the moon, the stars.

I can breathe fresh air sitting on my deck.

I can be proud of what this is and I am.

I can admire the flowers.

I can watch the clouds rolling by.

I can smell the fragrances of the flowers.

This is it.

Happy Days.

These were taken last night about mid evening before the sun went down.

 

 

 

 

 

Love the reflection of the night sky in the garage window.  It was so perfect out last night.

Well I guess I had better fly into the shower and then head out for coffee with my girls.

Always enjoy our get togethers.

Happy Sunday.

Enjoy what you have …..

Big or small …..

It is yours……

 

Special Hello to:  my sister – these flowers are for you …

Always, Carol & Alvin