2021

Good Morning ALL! We hope that you are doing great on this Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Mid June. I am not sure if the weather has been playing havoc with Mr. Alvin but he did not sleep well last night and therefore Momma did not either. I am hoping that today will be quiet. The air is cool this morning which is refreshing from the hot muggy air of yesterday. The house is still hot but with the windows open it is cooling down. We slept with fans going all night. The lightning flashed and the thunder roared. At points in time when we were outside, I could see the stars. So there were clear times. Tis the season for summer rain storms. Yesterday near the end of my lunch break I hauled EVERY single one of my flowers pots into the garage. It took me a few minutes, actually over 10 minutes to put them in the safety of the garage. I always panic with respect to my flowers and plants when the forecast says “storm watch” with possible high winds and hail. So now I will have to bring them all out. It is windy and there are clouds but it has cooled down so they/we should be okay if they come out. I just think if I take all the time and money to plant them, I should look after them. Some of those pots are very heavy. The three larger black pots that were on the top deck closest to the garage door, I was able to slide them and then lift them over the door frame and into the garage. But the rest I had to lift so had to be careful. Perhaps getting some cool air will be good for us.

Yesterday it was too hot at noon for a walk so after work it had cooled down somewhat when there were clouds over head so we headed out for a walk. We did not get too far but did manage to get in a bit of a walk. Alvin drank his whole bottle of water on the walk which was about 1/2 of our regular one or close to it.

I am sorry but I am experiencing a bit of writer’s block due to being up and down all night. So I am going to sign off for today. We hope that you have a fantastic day. Hopefully you were able to sleep.

Continuing this journey called life with kindness, respect, compassion, passion, love and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought I would add this ……. “hope”

• 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning.

We were up once again in good time and had a lovely walk.

The sky was filling up with clouds and the thunder roared as we went about our morning stroll.

We were just about home when we spotted our neighbour Irene out painting her fence.

She is the wife of Norbert.

Yesterday he was trimming their hedge in the front yard.

Alvin and I stopped and had a quick visit just as it started to rain.

Luckily it did not amount to much so we did not get wet before reaching home.

We were home long enough to get Alvin a treat, grind some coffee beans and put on the coffee.

I was at the kitchen window pulling up the massive blind trying to open them when I heard at the back window the voice of my neighbour.

Asking me to please come as Humphrey and Bogart got out.

“Outside,” I said and she replied YES.

I ran to the front door telling Alvin as I left that I would be back.

We ran out front calling them and looking for the cats when my friend had gone back to look in front of her house, she had her front door open and saw them at the patio door

off her kitchen.

They were in the backyard after all.

What a relief!

In the backyard, we found that the kitten could get on top of the back gate and make his escape that way.

He could follow the gates and even come into our yard.

Master Houdini.

Wow, I haven’t seen Bogart for a few days and he has really grown.

We visited for a few minutes before I returned home to Alvin.

So time to have him in a harness and on a leash while outside in the backyard if she is not able to be out there with him.

Lots of excitement this morning.

Also lots of thunder happening but not much rain as yet.

 

Well we had fun with Bailey the puppy from down the street.

Her Mom dropped her off about 4:30 and picked her up about 9:00 p.m.

She is a busy little one.

Reminds me of a two year old child.

When Bailey was not running all over the place she was attempting to bite me and everything else.

She loves Alvin’s chew treats so I gave her a couple and that kept her busy for some time.

Alvin and I were played out between Bailey and the 83+ degree temperature it was in the house.

Even with fans going full blast it was still hot and most especially for Mr. Alvin with his fur coat on.

There is a nice cool breeze coming in through the office window.

Back to Bailey.

There were a couple of times of course when they each had a chew treat and Mr. Alvin was not very gracious.

He growled at her only because she had one of his treats.

Finally after a couple of times, I resorted to giving them each a shot with the water bottle.

That released Alvin’s thoughts and hers.

Actually with the heat the water likely felt refreshing.

I was so impressed with Miss Bailey as she barked at the back door when she had to go outside to pee or to poo.

 

Holy catfish, that thunder is loud.

The lights flickered a minute ago.

I am wondering if I should move my flowers …. downpour coming?

Not sure….

But I am going to run down for a minute …. will be right back

I am back.

Just moved a few of my flower pots closer to the house.

Lights just went out for a second.

Likely better for me to end this soon.

 

Back to Bailey, we enjoyed having the puppy with us.

I have some photos but will share them later.

She was so cute when she would just snuggle up beside me on the sofa.

Bailey on one side of me and Alvin on the other.

That peaceful glorious moment was amazing.

 

Okay time to go.

 

Living with respect and kindness.

I/We shall remain,

AS Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning after WHAT A  NIGHT!

Another storm rolled in after a hot sunny day.

I am reading this book which is a crime psychological suspense novel.

THE TURN OF THE KEY by Ruth Ware.

WOW, what a book.

Likely not the best to be reading before bed with a storm looming.

Anyway that is what I have been reading.

I only read a few pages last night as we were up late.

I decided to rent a movie “The Old Guard” from our cable provider.

It was good but it was 10:30 by the time it was over and then we had to get ready for bed.

So it was late for me and Alvin.

After putting down the book – I found it hard to settle down.

Alvin did as well.

Likely in part as it was warm.

I had the electric fan on a low setting with the window open.

At first there was not much of a breeze but it increased over time.

I would just almost be asleep and then Alvin would stir.

Then settle down again.

Only to be awoke by this noise.

It sounded like someone was in the house and coming up the stairs.

I froze.

I could not move.

No blinking of my eyes or beat of my heart, as I momentarily held my breath.

As I lay there in sheer terror for what felt like forever – I suddenly realized that Alvin was not stirring.

Odd, as he would have been up and barking if there were anyone or anything in the house.

So I took a breath and looked around the room in the partial light coming in from the windows.

One of the blinds was not closed to the bottom of the window so a bit of light was coming in.

As I lay there I scanned the room.

Nothing and then I realized where the noise was coming from.

That whossing, small thud was coming from the door.

The darn door.

I was relieved to be sure.

I have started in the last couple of years to close but not shut the door tight.

My thoughts were if something happened to me during the night at least Alvin could get out of the bedroom.

I still was a bit nervous, I will be say but I climbed out of bed and closed the door.

The noise stopped.

I stopped and listened and no more noise.

Do you think that I turned on the light and looked further, absolutely NOT.

So that was our excitement for the night.

Alvin woke up about 4:30 or was it 5:30, actually I do not remember as I was so tired.

Exhausted after two nights of storms.

After he was fed, watered and went outside we hit the sofa, it was 7:22 when we woke again.

My mind said get up but my body said not until 8:00 a.m. so I set the timer on the microwave for 40 minutes.

We were up just after 8:00 a.m.

The sun is shining and the birds are singing.

I went outside in my pj’s to the backyard to move my potted flowers back to their spots away from the protection of the house.

Surviving another storm.

I decided to go into the garage and bring out the cushions for the patio furniture and put up the umbrella as the sun is shining bright.

Thinking that was a great idea until I checked the weather station and they are forecasting rain to start at 9:00 a.m. which is in less than 10 minutes now.

Oh well,

I have decided to take Mr.Alvin for a walk after I am done writing this post as according to the forecast we are to get rain off and on all day.

My friend Gillian invited me over for coffee at 10:00 so there is time to get out for a walk before I leave.

She lives about 3 minutes away.

 

So that was my night.

My day was far better.

I did some laundry, gave Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath and worked at my job for 3.5 hours.

I know, crazy working on a beautiful afternoon.

But there is so much to do this really gives me peace of mind that I will not be super stressed out during the week.

I have a few hours to do this afternoon as well.

I was thinking that I have not been further than a few blocks from my house since March 19, 2020.

My daughter and my friends have been picking up groceries as I need things.

To be honest the thought of going on the bus or to the store or to work slightly frightens me at this point.

 

Well I must go.

Time to get the boy out for a walk.

There is a nice breeze.

 

Wishing you a great Sunday.

Be surrounded by love and laughter.

Living in kindness with respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

This morning exactly the same as yesterday.

Oh, I put the cushions on the furniture ….

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 28th day of July, 2017.

Yay, it is the weekend.

Good thing as the heat of yesterday and the storm of last night has me needing some extra sleep.

I do love storms as long as the lightning is far away and no hail or torrential downpours or gale force winds.

Not that watching the rain come pouring out of the sky so fast it gives you cause to take a deep breath.

I as most reasonable human beings does not appreciate the damage that can come as a result of a summer storm.

The force of nature in a storm is out of this world.

So I am a cautiously optimistic storm watcher.

Alvin, thank goodness does not appear to get to freaked out over storms.

Perhaps that is because I am pretty cool about the whole thing.

Sometimes the first clap of thunder might set me to jumping but otherwise I am pretty relaxed.

Bearing in mind what can happen and being careful to watch for the signs.

I have been in the path of a tornado and because I was taken by it – did not take precautions.

Fortunately I was okay but the house directly south of ours at the time was not so.

So live and learn (if you are lucky to do so).

Be careful and be safe.

Well a bit cooler forecast for today …. 26 degrees celsius which is better than 30+

 

Have an awesome Friday and I will be spending the weekend in anxious preparation for the arrival of my sister on August 4th followed by one of my brother on August 8th.

Life is great.

 

Special Hello to: my siblings …. you all rock.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 22nd day of June, 2017.

The second official day of summer.

Our longest day yesterday and it was hard to sleep as it was still bright outside when we went to bed at 9:00 p.m.

Later in the evening the weather changed.

Wind got stronger and it started to rain.

This morning the skies are GREY and it is very windy.

Not looking forward for the walk to the bus.

Thankfully I have shoes, a coat and an umbrella (although the umbrellie is not going to be much help with this wind).

 

Question?

Do you have a hard time keeping quiet during meetings or talks at work?

I confess that I do.

Sometimes I just want to lighten the mood and end up saying something self-deprecating.

That is one thing that I have a problem with ….. have to learn to sit still and listen only.

Working on it but almost 60 years into this life and I still cannot sit quiet during a whole meeting.

I will get this ….. there is always time to just listen and not make a remark or comment.

In other situations I can sit quiet …. why not meetings???

Anyway …. time to get the coat and shoes and stuff ready for my walk to the bus.

Appears not to be raining for now so that is great.

 

Happy Thursday.

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who is always crazy busy. I am so proud to call her my friend because she is so wonderful.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of July, 2014.

I hope that everyone in North America had a great week of celebrations.

We celebrate Canada Day on Tuesday, July 1st and on July 4th our friends and neighbours to the south, the United States celebrated their birthday.

A full week.  Eating.  Fireworks.  YAY.

There were a great many of our fellow North Americans that have been caught in flooding due to the enormous never ending rainfall, also forest fires, hurricanes and tornadoes.

We hope that they are all safe and receiving help where needed.

Last night or actually earlier this morning we had quite the light show.

I am reminded of the power of Mother Nature.

One moment it was still – the next what seemed like torrential downpour.

Then it ended.

Then the thunder and the lightning.

A couple of times it was so sudden that I jumped up in bed.

I wonder how Alvin did ….. he is at his sister’s house.

It is overcast here this morning and windy.

Well time to get the laundry going, start moving things to the garage for the garage sale next weekend.

I am preparing the house for my daughter and son-in-law and my two grand-puppies who will be living with me and Alvin while their new home is being built.

It is a great time to donate, recycle, sell and give away items no longer needed.

I am so excited.

I have most of the upstairs done.

Just have to rearrange the basement and the garage somewhat.

Also string the bracelets for the wedding jewellery as next Saturday we are having a “jewellery fitting.”

I love the sound of those words.

I have heard of dress fitting but never jewellery fitting.

Sounds appropriate.

On this somewhat dreary but exciting day nonetheless, I hope you are happy and safe.

Take Care.

Special Hello to: my sister …… we have to talk …… and catch up.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

The heavens have opened WIDE and it has been raining hard since before 4:30 this morning.

I love listening to the thunder and seeing the flashes of lightning “far away” in the sky.

Summer storms are intriguing and also a bit “scary” depending on where you are at the time.

Alvin sure wondered what was going on this morning when the first crack of thunder roared.

A few minutes ago the sky to the east was the most gorgeous shades of pink/red.

Funny how it could be raining and sun coming up at the same time.

How marvellous is that “Mother Nature” !

She is always full of surprises.

So the thought for this raining Tuesday morning is this …..

take the time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures ….

like rain in the morning …..

a beautiful sunrise …..

thunder and lightning …..

Have a blessed and grand day.

Always, Carol

P.S. Alvin says hi to …… in his own way of course….

P.P.S. if I were more adventurous I would grab my camera and take some photos of  the morning sky …..  🙂