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! Welcome to Friday, December 24, 2021. Are you excited? I am so excited. I am so grateful that I am off work at noon which will give me proper time to get ready for our company. I am close but there are some finishing touches that I like to do before receiving company. You know what I mean! Alvin and Cookie are doing well.

My Christmas Story

It was quiet in the house as I worked my office job from the kitchen table, no sounds of pups.

The tree was decorated and the fireplace ready for the jolly soul in the red suit.

All of a sudden there was clanging and banging noises coming from the living room.

I sprang from my chair to see what the matter!

There I found little Miss Cookie surrounded by Alvin’s toys,

Sitting in the big chair by the window.

How this little one had got those toys all up in the big chair, I will never know.

Alvin sitting nearby on the sofa, watching in amazement.

The pups settled in,

All ready for tonight.

They will be surprised by the treats in their stockings,

The gifts under the tree.

From Our House to Yours We Wish you a Merry Christmas.

May your New Year be filled with Good Health, Joy and Abundance.

Written by CYLewis on December 24, 2021.

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

Merry Christmas

Love Carol, Alvin and Cookie

P.S. we are all so excited for tonight. I cannot wait to see Alvin open his gift.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you today? Alvin and I are well. Wishing my special nephew Taylor a Happy Birthday. Last year on Remembrance Day I wrote the following and thought that I would share it again. Let us remember.

REMEMBRANCE

An old woman sits alone in a small room,

Quietly weeping as she remembers,

The lives lost because of wars fought on this earth.

The first person she remembers losing was her Uncle Jack, she was only a small girl at the time, age four.

Uncle Jack used to bring a bag of sweets when he visited her family.

He was her Father’s oldest brother,

He fought in the first World War.

She remembers her grandparents receiving a telegram briefly stating that Uncle Jack was killed in action and thanking them for his service to his country.

She was married when World War II started and had a family of her own.

She remembers two of her four brothers enlisting at the beginning of the war.

She remembers her Mother’s quiet screams when they received notification that they were killed in action in some country far far away.

On the day when her husband decided he could no longer sit back and hear of the stories of lost family and friends and the possibility of the world being lost to a mad man, he hugged her and enlisted in the armed forces. A trained pilot was badly needed. She felt in her heart that he would not return. She hugged him tightly and kisses him hard on the mouth so that she would have that memory for the rest of her life.

In 1943, she received the yellow paper stating that her husband John and his crew were shot down and presumed killed in action. She wept quietly as she held the paper in her hands. Now she was truly alone and would continue to raise her six children on her own.

Years later when her second eldest son, also a pilot like his father joined the Armed Forces and went to fly in the Korean War, her heart skipped a beat. How could she go through this again but there was no stopping Edward, he was much like his Father when he made up his mind. Only a few short months after he left his plane was shot down by the enemy. Another letter, another life lost to these terrible wars. When would they end?

In the Vietnam War, her youngest daughter Katherine who was a nurse signed up, as a sign of the times to go and provide aid to the wounded. Also a short time later another son Mark decided to follow his sister, he was a Doctor. Medical personnel were greatly needed.

She remembers listening to the television and watching news clips of the war and missing her children so much not knowing if they would return. Occasionally receiving a letter from them.

On a summer day a black car pulled up to her home and two men in uniforms came to the door. Her daughter Katherine had been killed by enemy fire when she was tending to the wounded. Her son Mark returned home at Christmas in 1974 he had been wounded but he was alive. He was the first family member in all those decades to return home alive from a war. She was grateful.

The last war that involved her family was the Persian Gulf War in 1990. Two of her great grandchildren were enlisted in the Army at this time but thankfully they returned home, uninjured.

At 107, she had lost so many members of her family to War. The memories still front and centre in her mind. That was her cross to bear having a good sense of recollection.

Now, too old to participate in Remembrance Day Ceremonies, she sits quietly in her room …….

Written by C.Lewis on November 11, 2020

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Saturday morning? Alvin and I are well. We had a good night sleep and were up several times starting at 3:00 a.m. but that is my/our life. The sun is shining as it rises in the sky. From my office window which faces south I can see beyond my garage this most beautiful tree swaying in the breeze with the most glorious golden leaves. They almost appear to be magical from this distance. Absolutely beautiful. Mother Nature in all her glory. I love the colours of fall and I guess if you have been reading my posts – that is not new.

I had a great Halloween at work in my house, in my kitchen followed by a Zoom Halloween Party from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. We got a chance to see our fellow co-workers Halloween costumes and play some games. It was really a lot of fun.

Here are some photos of my costume:

I am sorry, I heard my neighbour calling out for her cat “Bogart” who is now sporting a GPS gadget as he likes to play escape artist. I opened the window when I heard her and she asked if he was in my backyard (which he likes to come into) but I could not see him nor could I see the entire backyard from my vantage point. Sonja said that she would come through the garage ….. she wasn’t coming so I called out to her and she said the keypad to the garage is dead (battery operated). So downstairs and outside me and Alvin ran. Alvin ran and jumped as he left the house as though he were two again. I forgot to take my keys to unlock the garage so back into the house. Oh, he was not in our yard. I left Alvin in the backyard while I quickly scoured the area close to our homes. The GPS said he was 22 metres away so he was not far. Alvin barked the few minutes that I was gone so I came back and put him in the house and he kept barking. He certainly does not like it when I am out of his sight. Sonja finally found him under the deck of her neighbour on the other side of her house. What a boy! I don’t think that Bogart will be getting any treats in the near future. She threatened to put a leash on him when he is in the backyard. We will see what happens. She is a good Mom and is always taking such good care of them. Giving him a chance to live his best life with a bit of “freedom.”

Photos now: My throw together WITCH COSTUME.

• 

  Love my Witch’s Hat

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

  The spider is on the net from the hat

• 

  Love this witchy looking ring

• 

• 

  Love these antique rings – not great photo

• 

I was thinking that perhaps next year as it will be my 65th year that I will go all out and prepare in advance a great costume. Just have to decide on what.

Well I think that I have had enough excitement for this morning, time to get going on this day. I did water and look after my plants on the main floor at 6:00 a.m. when I was up with Alvin (breakfast). I changed our bedding and gathered the towels from the upstairs bathrooms and have written this post and searched for a missing “cat named Bogart” which is not too bad for 9:30 in the morning.

Have a great day and I am on my way to start the laundry and have some coffee. It is darn cold outside this morning. I had to come back into the house at one point and grab my winter coat. A fleece pullover was not warm enough.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

• 

  Baked Chicken Pasta with Brussel Sprouts and

• 

  Mushrooms, Corn and Pumpkin

This is a large full of goodness topped with a mixed shredded Italian Cheese. So yummy and it is what I will eating for supper for the next few days. So good.

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday morning? When Al and I were first up at 3:30 a.m. – it was dry, next time we were up at 5:30 it was overcast and the deck was wet and it was lightly raining and it continued. Until a few minutes ago the sky was grey with rain clouds but now the clouds are breaking up and I can see clear blue sky to the south. I cannot believe that the forecast had the rain starting and ending down to the hour and were correct. How is that even possible? Luck? Perhaps. It is windy. The temperature was to be 30 today but has been reduced to 29 but what is the difference of one degree? Likely won’t feel any differently.

Yesterday was a FANTASTIC day. We were up in good time. I wrote my blog, had a shower and went for a walk before my friend, S came over for a visit on the deck. We had a great visit in the sunshine. Mr. Alvin was barking and was getting warm so we moved from one side of the deck to the sofa. He laid down and I sat next to him. He settled right down. We, girls continued our visit. My friend still had some sunshine. I love my talks with my friends, I get caught up on all things children and with them. I learned so much yesterday morning. Also another thing that happened after our walk. I checked my phone to find two missed calls from our friend G, who usually comes with S for coffee and visits. Quickly called her back to find out that the “upright freezer” that I had been eyeing up at the COSTCO store where her husband works was on sale. He had not noticed and yesterday was the last day of the sale. It was a huge $60 off so I could not refuse. Lucky for me, they have a truck and could load up and bring it over to me after he was done work and that is exactly what happened. I am so grateful to have an upright freezer. Now there is no chance of me falling in and not being able to get out. For some reason I had that in my head and what would Mr. Alvin do? Would be funny for sure! Also for a second time I had groceries delivered to me. This time from Save-On Foods. They were a few minutes with their delivery but the driver called me to let me know he would be late and to make sure that okay to leave on the steps. I advised him that I would be at home and it was okay. Poor guy. Last night we watered the flowers and plants after a hot day. Yup, watered everything and everything had another good drink this morning. Thankfully it has stopped raining.

Sometimes you just never know what can happen during the course of a day.

What a day we had. Good on all fronts. I am so grateful to have such wonderful friends and family. Thank you to my daughter for ordering the groceries from Save-On to have them delivered. I tried to use the APP and had nothing but problems. My daughter to the rescue as always. So grateful to have her ….. she is good to her Momma. Sometimes technology drives me crazy.

Well looks like it is almost time to head on downstairs and put on the coffee, turn on some music, and grab Mr. Alvin’s bed from the living room and set it up in the kitchen so he can lay down there when he chooses. Usually he flip flops between the kitchen and sofa in the living room.

Too bad we could not get out for an early morning walk but to walk in the rain is not a great idea especially when there was thunder and lightning. Better to be safe. Hopefully the temperature will allow us to walk at noon. Most days we get in two walks so I guess if we miss one here and there we will be okay.

I am continuing to write the story that I started Saturday night ….. another chapter …..making more notes. Going in the right direction. So grateful for that ah ah moment.

I wish you a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to Sunday, June 13th, 2021. How are you this morning? We are well. Alvin has his own clock and of course it almost never lines up with mine, you would think it may after this many years together but it has not. Oh well, what can you do? Not much. Today is the birthday of a friend of mine who lives in our neighbourhood. I talk of her often as she has the most beautiful garden and Alvin always stops when we are walking and looks into her yard from the public sidewalk to see if she is outside. If she is outside, he pulls me toward her and there is no stopping him until we get to her yard. Happy Birthday our friend, we hope that you have an awesome day. It is the perfect blue sky and sunny morning for her birthday. There are birds chirping happily outside somewhere. We are up and at it quite early. I can feel a bit of coolness coming in through the open window in my office as it dances upon my skin. The forecast for the next few days is to be warm. One of my “younger” girlfriends in the neighbourhood is coming for tea/coffee and a visit this morning. “G” is unable to attend as she has other commitments. We are excited to have company. The flowers are looking beautiful and the backyard lawn has been mowed and is looking good.

It is true that we are inspired at the most unusual of times. For me, when I get an idea for a story it comes after I climb into bed and am comfortable. Sometimes I tell myself – oh you will remember in the morning and can write it down and then come the morning, I have forgotten. So last night, I got up twice and wrote in my notes on my iPhone the story line as it tumbled into my brain. Yay, me, I have a good part of a children’s story written. Honestly not much left to do but to elicit an illustrator. Lucky for me, I happy to have close family and friends that are good at drawing. I am feeling really good about this story. Very good. Excited in fact. Sometimes you just know when you have an idea that it is the one. The one that is going to do it. YAY, me.

I absolutely love the cool air as it drifts through the house landing and cooling everything it touches. The amount of wind in Edmonton seems to have increased over the years since I moved here.

Well I am ready to head into the shower and then have breakfast before our company arrives. The laundry should be dried in the basement so I will bring that up and I have one more load to wash or maybe two and then done.

I hope that you are inspired to go outside your comfort zone today. Take a chance and go for it. Do it today. In this moment if you have an idea for a book or a podcast or a business or a new recipe or whatever it may be – go for it. Take that first step. I know that you can do it ….. I feel it in my core. You have what it takes. After all, don’t we all. If we just lift that veil of “uncertainty” and literally take that first step. Pushing down barriers and fears and negative thoughts we can make our dreams come true. Hey, I am with you. I am the first person who has great ideas and then pushes them aside or ignores them due to FEAR. Fear of not knowing what to do next. Fear of what is ahead. Fear of it all, really. But together we are going to do this. I know that we can. As I always tell Alvin when he is afraid to cross from the area rug in our bedroom to the bathroom floor …. “put one paw (foot) in front of the other and soon you will be walking across the floor.” He eventually calms and makes the journey. You got this. We got this. I got this.

Time to hit the shower. I wish you the best day ever.

Continuing to live each and every day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude and to be fearless in the journey ahead.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am well but bothered by a situation that occured in our neighbourhood last night. Alvin is okay other than wanting my attention but that is nothing new. Yesterday as you know I took the afternoon off as vacation time as Alvin had an appointment. The weather was so nice but incredibly windy. We enjoyed our walk at noon. I received some good information from Alvin’s Vet regarding the covid vaccine and was able to speak to a pharmacist nearby so I should be able to get in for my first shot next week. I am happy about that. Seems like a muddle of a mess going on. I heard later in the day that vaccines were pulled and sent to “hot spots” in our province. I understand the reasoning. Anyway, at least this sounds promising.

After Alvin’s appointment we went home and just hung out together. I did a bit of tidying up and then it was time for supper. Alvin, first as always and I had leftovers. Easy peasy. Later on about 7:00 p.m., I was looking for a movie to watch and came across “Shrek the Third” on one of the channels so I started to watch. It was only a few minutes into the movie when I happened to see out the window what looked like two small dogs running. Some people walking across the street and stopped and looked and then carried on and on my side of the street along came some teenagers who had been looking as well. Of course, not one person was doing anything. I ran to the door and asked the kids as I could not see the dogs at that point due to cars parked along the street and the mailboxes if they saw two dogs without owners and they said yes by the mailboxes. Just as I was about to turn and run for my shoes, phone and keys, I noticed one of my neighbours from down the street walking on the other side of the street. I called out to her and said about the dogs and she said that she was trying to catch them. I quickly called out that I was going to grab my shoes and then I would be out. So I put on my shoes, grabbed my phone and keys, locking the door as I flew out of the house. Dogs off leash are always a concern in our neighbourhood as there is a lot of traffic and people always speed. By the time I got out they had crossed to my side of the street and my friend was right beside them. I had to run to catch up. Have not had to run in a long time. Anyway, I reached them. She had brought a leash with her (smart) and was trying to put it one of the dogs who had a harness. I was able to grab the other little one and took my lanyard with my keys to stop it and as I did not think to bring a leash with me, I scooped the furry bundle up into my arms. The other pup ran over and was growling and trying to jump up on me. Neither was vicious at all. But what they were was noticeably neglected. Both pups desperately needed baths and hair cuts. They had matts and smelled badly. Friendly and oh so cute.

We had not idea what laid ahead once we got back to my house. I had snapped a couple of photos as I thought they may be needed. My friend and I took the pups back to my house. We were on the porch and I said that I had a leash in the house but due to the condition and possibility that they have have mites or ticks or something else, I did not want to bring them into the house close to Alvin. So in the moment I was going to leave them with my friend on the porch but that was not working as both pups wanted to come in and it was clear that I could not leave the one without the leash on the porch. I scooped him up, went into the house and searched for the leash in with Alvin’s things. I found it quickly and my friend determined that in fact the pup did have a collar on so I did not need to bring the only one I have (which only had for emergencies as Alvin wears a harness). Alvin was wondering what was going on and got by me but I managed to get him back into the house without contact with the pup that was waiting on the porch with my friend. OH my goodness what a time. Anyway everything seemed to be happening so fast.

Next thing Alvin was in the house and we were discussing what to do when we noticed the Police SWAT vehicle across the street and a Swat Officer was coming towards us. Apparently they had been called out to a house in the neighbourhood and while going into the house two dogs got out. They had come over and were asking if I lived in the house and if they were my dogs. I said “No, that they were on the loose and we had rescued them and were waiting to figure out what to do next.” I made sure to mention to the Officer about the neglect of these poor dogs. He said could we hold onto them for a few minutes as another Officer would come and speak to us. I said Yes. A couple of minutes later he was into the vehicle and they were gone. While the back door of the vehicle was open I could see a man inside. A Police Officer approached us a few minutes later. He explained that they were searching a house (no details) and asked if we could keep the dogs until the owner of the house could come for them and that it would not be too long. I said Yes. I also told this Officer about the condition of the dogs. He left and a few minutes later another neighbour from down the street who had driven by just as this was all happening came over to see what was going on. She stayed. We were standing on my porch and sidewalk chatting about the situation. The first woman on the rescue team had to go home as she had not had supper. Then we were down to two. The dogs were friendly. I went into the house at one point and got them some water. We had to loosen the collar on the one dog as it was so tight. His hair was matted and a mess. He/She (we could not easily see but figure were boys due to the way they peed with leg up on my tree) laid on my outdoor porch matt and rubbed his stomach against the matt. I think that he was really itchy. Really what should have happened was that the police called Animal Control and had them taken in where they would have been looked after and the owner should have been charged with animal cruelty and neglect but alas that did not happen. I still cannot get them out of my head. Anyway after waiting over 1.5 hours for someone to come and fetch the dogs, the neighbour that was waiting with me (nice to have the company) decided to walk over, and see if she could see anything (we knew where the police were) and she seemed to be gone a long time when she finally came back. Lo and behold, she went up to the house and spoke to the Police and found that she actually knew the owner of the house. One of the officers told her that they were almost done and it was okay to bring back the dogs. I had been starting to get cold and was thinking that they needed to get inside anyway, so off we went to take them home.

I was not prepared for what happened. When we arrived at the house, the door was open. We could see from the sidewalk several Police Officers inside, and “the owner.” As we came closer to the house, my friend addressed him and the man said thank you. I don’t remember what else he said but as I leaned over to first undo the leash for one of the dogs and then the other, the words spilled out of my mouth about their poor condition and that I should be reporting them and that was clearly not the words to be saying. He got MAD. Before anything else could happen my friend urged me to go.

In hindsight, I wanted the man to know how badly they needed care and attention and that this was not acceptable. Besides there were several police officers there and I wanted them to hear this, as well. I at no time was afraid for my life. I was only hoping the dogs would get some help. Before we had gone to the house my friend had said that the dogs belonged to the son of the homeowner and that he had complained about all they do is “piss in the house” (his words not mine). Clearly he had no concerns for their well being and it breaks my heart that these darling little creatures had to be left in this house. I am MAD. How could that man not be ashamed? I am willing to bet that those dogs are never walked, never gone to a groomers or to the vet, not bathed in a really long time.

The Police Officer not the Swat Officer had taken my name and phone number initially so perhaps they will contact me about the dogs. I did not think to take note of the house number and it was dark by this point. We walked back to the first neighbour’s house after leaving the pups to drop off the leash. One thing is for sure, should we ever see those pups out again, we will be calling the authorities. I do hope and pray that maybe my words would give him a kick in the butt and the pups will receive some care and attention OR if they do not want to look after them at least give them up to the authorities so that someone that truly wanted dogs would take these darling little ones. They would have to go together as the one is super protective of the other. It was a Friday night that I will not soon forget.

Well I had better get dressed as it is getting late and Alvin is giving me the stare. I do hope that if anyone reading this story and sees any dogs or cats or any creature neglected that they will take the time and call the authorities. Animals do not deserve to be treated badly.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience for ALL.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to a BRIGHT SUNNY DAY here in Edmonton.

I hope that it is bright and sunny wherever you may be.

Today is the day finally that our fence gets repaired.

Work starts at 9:00 a.m. or rather the workman arrives at 9:00 a.m.

Hopefully it can be finished today or at the latest tomorrow at noon.

I would not wish there to be a space in our fence overnight.

 

Quick story:  last night after work when we arrived home from our walk.

Humphrey was out front.

The boys went nose to nose to say hello.

Humphrey followed us home.

I stopped to fix the drainpipe.

The boys were on their leashes and waiting by the steps.

When I was done.

They both ran up the steps.

It was then that I realized that Humphrey’s leash was not hooked to anything.

He went into the house with us, all safe and sound.

WOW, that was a close one.

His Momma was grateful.

Timing again, is everything.

Right place at the right time.

 

Yesterday the weather was beautiful in between the rain so we took advantage and went for two walks.

Today we will miss the noon walk as we will have the workman here fixing our fence.

I am so excited to have that done, finally.

 

With the rain, the grass just turned the most gorgeous shade of green.

My favourite “kelly green.”

I love greens, most greens with the exception of khaki, not a big fan.

The trees are swaying in any breeze in a rhythm all of their own.

The sweet smell of the trees that are in flower is intoxicating.

I love the birth of a new year.

Spring should be the beginning of the year with all of the renewal of life.

 

I feel like some flower photos …..

Nothing like colour to boost the day….

Flowers from previous years living in Edmonton.

I love flowers.

They are one of my most favourite things on this planet.

Thank you for the flowers.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Work is calling.

Coffee is ready to be poured.

 

Soon the workman will arrive.

 

Wishing you all a glorious day.

May you be surrounded with beautiful flowers.

 

Wishing you a continued live of kindness and respect.

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and It is Tuesday, December 17, 2019.

Another day closer to Christmas.

One week today is Christmas EVE.

Our weather has been wonderful.

 

I am always so happy when I have a ride home with my daughter.

We chat about our days and catch up with life.

She is the apple of my eye and the warmth in my heart.

Love her with all my being.

We went to COSTCO and surprisingly enough it was not super busy.

There were people but not so many that one feels like you have to duck and dart to move about.

We picked up the items that were on our lists.

I was happy to see several of my items and additional ones on sale.

Then back home, unloaded the car and then she was gone.

Just me and Alvin once again.

I quickly put everything away and then we went for a walk.

It was quite nice out not warm but not cold either.

On the return part of our walk the wind was cold on my face but refreshing all the same.

 

I just had to return to the sofa for a few more zzz’s this morning therefore have to cut this post short.

I apologize.

Perhaps all of everything is catching up and I am so looking forward to the Christmas break.

We will be busy with all of our extra charges but I will be at home and not juggling work and everything.

Life is good …. sometimes a bit busy … sometimes a bit complicated but that is life.

Happy Tuesday.

 

I hope that you are having a great week thus far.

Spend some time with a good friend, your children, or just you.

Enjoy.

Life is spent well with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, Welcome to Sunday the 13th day of October, 2019.

We had rain overnight but now the sky is beginning to clear.

Last year at Thanksgiving it was raining and I believe it turned to snow.

Argh, I surely don’t like to say that word before Halloween.

It would be so wonderful if it would remain “brown” until November.

 

Change of plans, Alvin’s friend Teddy is arriving this morning instead of for a sleepover.

He should arrive in 30 minutes or so.

Yesterday we had Humphrey over for a bit.

We enjoyed a beautiful walk but were sad to leave Humphrey here at home.

I decided to take my phone so that I could snap some photos and am happy that I did.

My family are planning to come for supper.

We are always happy to have them over.

 

Keeping this short this morning.

But I wanted to share some photos of our walk late yesterday afternoon.

It was so lovely.

I also raked the front lawn as it was covered with a thick blanket of leaves.

Also cleaned out the middle area that has stones as it was covered in leaves as well.

So many leaves.  I filled two big black garbage bags.

Alvin and Humphrey watched from the living room as I cleaned away.

 

Here are some of the shots from our walk yesterday.

In the park not too far from our house.

Alvin sniffing away.

The fountain still running.

Leaves covering most of the trees but so many different colours.

So beautiful.

 

 

One cute story to share from near the beginning of our walk yesterday.

We had just arrived at the park when a car slowed down and pulled over.

I realized it was some neighbours.

Mom and three small boys.

The boys were screaming with delight at the sight of Alvin.

The older boy was out of his seatbelt and trying to get his head out of the window.

Mom and I were trying to speak to each other but all I heard her say was “I can’t hear anything but ALVIN.”

The boys were all screaming his name.

It was at that exact second that I came to realize something.

“Alvin is a ROCK STAR.”

Everyone loves him.

Everyone knows his name.

The kids get so excited to see him and even some adults.

So I have a ROCK STAR living in the house.

Doesn’t get better than that ….

Unless he had the finances of a Rock Star …. but I am happy that he is so loved and adored.

Makes me proud.

Now I also realize something …. he does have that mindset of a celebrity.

 

 

Okay almost time for Teddy to arrive.

Time to get that coffee perking.

I need a cup.

 

Happy Sunday and if you are celebrating Thanksgiving on this day …..

Well Happy Thanksgiving to you.

Enjoy your day.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin