The Next Chapter

Good Morning! How are you this morning? I am okay. Had a much better sleep last night. I have been going for walks after work and I am finding that this enables me to clear the “crap” from my brain and then settle down for the evening. Did you ever see that when you slow down and concentrate on one task or one thought at a time, that you feel more positive and just feel more relaxed? I have noticed that with me. Yesterday when I was feeling better and then last night after work. Just refocused to one thing at a time.

Starting to feel like spring during the day as the sun rises higher in the daytime sky. Yesterday there was a lot of water that had melted so it begins to get sloppy. I noticed when I was outside that the storm drain is plugged again. People driving over it pushing the snow onto the grates and eventually plugging it. So tonight if it is melting and the ice has softened I will chip away and try to open it up so that the water does not pool on the street. Our streets are always a pain. Either icy or full of massive ruts. Most of the time in the winter it is massive ruts. When the street was “plowed” a few weeks ago, they basically went down the middle of the street so the middle is clear but they pushed the snow up. Anyway, it is always fun when you are driving. Of course, cars line both sides of the street so down to one lane driving. I am grateful that spring is close.

I am going to try something different today and have breakfast before I leave home. Finding eating at the new office is a pain. Everyone is so busy – no one takes a coffee break. Lunch, I usually don’t eat anyway so unless I go for a walk, it is hard to actually take a break. So have to work out some things. Anyway, I will see what my body likes. I used to always eat in the morning and then eat at supper and sometimes have a snack at noon. I like breakfast and supper, not so much lunch. But have to have something during the day (including morning) otherwise I get a headache. Experiment, I guess.

I hope that life is treating you kindly. May your day be filled with possibilities of all good things and that your dreams are coming true.

Have a wonderful day.

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)

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! It has been quite the week and I for one, is most grateful that today is Friday and once work is done, the weekend begins. Thank goodness.

We had a pretty good sleep last night although it was bed at 10:00 and up at 2:00 for a quick outside “break” and then back to sleep until 6:00 a.m. All in all, pretty good. Alvin seems to be doing quite well and I hope that keeps holding for quite a bit longer. No one knows.

Today, starting with flowers …….

I would like to post this poem that I wrote when my Grandmother passed in September of 1998. She was 97 years old. Queen Elizabeth reminds me so much of my Grandmother. Both were strong, intelligent, both believed in service to their communities, loved their family, both ahead of their times, women well into their 90’s and both passing in September with their beloved husbands leaving ahead of them.

Beyond the Sunset

The sun melts into hues of gold and pink,

as the sky darkens.

A peaceful sigh, as she closes her eyes.

She sees the roses in her garden.

The fragrance soft but strong in the air.

She sees her children and theirs,

She feels her husband’s touch.

She remembers times gone by,

It has been a great life!

She is not afraid.

The time has come.

The Lord extends his hand,

And she follows him home.

Written by: Carol Lewis (Granddaughter)

September 29/30, 1998

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I want to wish you all sunshine and rainbows on this Friday as we begin the weekend.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday morning? We are back to normal. Yesterday after we went downstairs in the morning, after the blog was written, Mr. Alvin started to shake and pant. This continued for most of the day. He did not even rush or bark for his food. At his breakfast he ate it with no problem. That was at 6:00 a.m. It was about 10:00 a.m. that our day changed. Out of the blue. It was so odd. I am not sure if it was a combination of the heat from the day, perhaps the arthritis in his legs/paws, I do not know. But I am over the moon happy that this morning he was right in there to eat his breakfast. He has one more day of antibiotics remaining. Fingers crossed and prayers going out that he remains in good health. We were up at 1:21 a.m. and then again at 3:00 a.m. but at that time we were sleeping on the sofa, so I managed to coax him to lay back down which he did after having a drink of water. My boy.

The moon has been full for the past few days. So big and bright in the morning and night sky. We will head out for a walk in a little bit. Tomorrow is back to the office for another day. I have been thinking about how much our work/life balance is going to change with the return to the office. Back to heading off to bed between 8:30-9:00 a.m. and up to stay at 5:00 a.m. AND returning home around 5:30 a.m. I am so grateful that I had these extra precious hours and days at home with Alvin for the past almost three years. Also just to be home and enjoying my home as well. Another new norm is rising. Are we up for yet another “new?” Not sure but for now it will be.

Life is so interesting when you sit back and look back all all the years and everything that has happened. Most of us “find ourselves doing something new” each and every day of our lives. Some folks seem to hunker down and stay unchanged for most of their days. Perhaps it is all in the mindset. Our thoughts become things. I must practise this more. I do find that my thoughts are not consistent about the things that I want and that is due in part to the life beat going on around me. Pretty hard to say that you love working from home and then have to return to work the next week. Still have to make plans for Alvin’s care and getting ready for work each day. I do struggle with this. How can I have my “thoughts become things” when my life is upside down or feels like it anyway? Hopefully I will figure it out soon. Also our actions play a role as well. They go hand in hand!

I miss the early morning sunrises and the late sunsets.

It would be wonderful to wake up in the morning and just be retired, with no mortgage, lots of money to live on comfortably and be home permanently with Mr. Alvin. That is my dream. Wake up on our own timetable. I think Mr. Alvin would have us up early for his breakfast but then we could head back to bed to wake up when my body wanted me to get up. That would be wonderful. We could walk anytime. We could stay up late or go to bed early. We could do whatever we wanted to do during the day. I could work in the garden in the mornings when it was hot. I would have all day to write, to scan photos, to go through all of the photos on my computer, to do so much. Just like a never ending vacation. That is my dream. Everyday would be a new adventure!

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

We are going to head out for a walk.

Dream, dream, dream. Thank you. I am grateful for my dreams.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! What a great morning. The sun is coming up (starting to be later each morning). There is a bit of a breeze as I just saw the tips of the trees to the south of us, swaying a bit. YAY.

We will be heading out for another morning walk before the heat sets in. I cannot wait until we can walk at noon and after work.

Today, being August 25th, is a special date. Today marks the birthdate of my Mother who would have been 84. Happy Birthday Mom. We miss you.

My brother-in-law Todd celebrates his 54th Birthday today. We wish him a very Happy Birthday. There was an early birthday celebration here one week ago tomorrow. It was great seeing them.

Other friends celebrate today and we wish them a wonderful day as well.

August is a busy month for birthdays.

Photo by George Dolgikh on Pexels.com

Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com

Photo by Dan Prado on Pexels.com

Well as the days roll by the sun is up later and sets earlier. We are fast approaching my favorite time of year which is fall or autumn. I love the slight coolness to the air and the warm feeling that I have and the colour of the leaves.

I am grateful for my life. I am happy when I can connect with a longtime friend (Carolyn). I am happen to meet new friends Jennie and Robyn. I am happy when Alvin is in good health. I am happy that I am in good health. I am happy to be surrounded by loving family and friends. I am happy for electricity (fans in this heat). I am happy that I can walk and enjoy these beautiful mornings.

Today is all about gratitude. Be happy.

Have an awesome day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are well this morning! Also sending positive thoughts and energy out to all my friends and family. I hope that the fog is lifted, the job is secure and more orders come in, that good health is once again restored and life is less complicated. Last night we were in bed a bit later than usual, shortly after we laid down, Mr. Alvin was frantically rubbing his ear against the bed as he laid down, then he would jump up and shake his head and then lay down and lick his paws. I tried to soothe him as much as possible and after a few minutes of this, I got an idea. Off downstairs I went. In the drawer I secured one of his tramadol pills and in the fridge grabbed his wet food. In a small bowl I placed the pill inside a bite sized piece of food, put the food back in the fridge, rinse the spoon and went back upstairs. He was very happy to have more food and very easily took the pill which was hidden inside. In a little bit of time, he had calmed down and was able to sleep. He has not shook his head or rubbed his ear yet this morning. Was it possibly that his paws were bothering him so much that he did not know what was hurting. Or what? I do not know for sure. His ears look good. I was so careful when I gave him a bath not to get any water in his ears. So for today, I will monitor him and if he shows any signs of discomfort or pain, I will be calling the vet to make him an appointment. My poor boy. At this moment he is laying on his round dog bed which has a new home in my upstairs office.

Yesterday we had a nice walk at noon. It was a bit cool and windy but not bad for this time of year. After work I made another great escape by borrowing my neighbour’s car and going to both Shoppers and Save-On Foods. Both stores were surprisingly busy for that time of day. I guess most people had the same idea as I did. While in the checkout at Shoppers I noticed that they had self-serve areas and happened to say it to the Customer Service Clerk who said “Yes, they were put in back in May” and I replied “Oh I hadn’t realized it was that long since I was in the store and continued to tell her about my neighbours and daughter who for the past 18 months have been picking up my groceries. Lately I have been going myself but only once every couple of weeks. Sometimes my daughter picks me up things in between or another friend grabs me coffee from Costco or other items, if I need or on a good sale.

I was back home in less than one hour. At home first thing after parking, hauling the groceries to our porch and returning the keys to my neighbour and then placing the bags inside the door – I quickly gave Mr. Alvin his supper. He does not appreciate being late for supper. He is so funny that way. A foodie for sure.

The sunrise looks beautiful with streaks of pink and orange in between the layers of blue sky. I love this time of day ….. I especially love sunrises and sunsets. The colours bring me joy. Well on that note, I am going to sign off and head back downstairs. I hope that you have an awesome day. May your ears be clear, your hands and feed be pain free and may you be able to have a nap anytime you wish and that you sleep through the night! Be in good health.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this Tuesday morning? Today i work the late shift so I start at 11:00 am. We had a good sleep although to bed quite a bit later than usual.

Last night just before sunset we were out on the deck. Me watering the front and back flower beds and the flower pots on the deck with Alvin keeping an eagle eye on my every move. Once done I thought we would just sit on the love seat which happens to be the boy’s favourite spot. I gently lifted him onto the sofa and then sat next to him. He got comfortable and then started to look about. If he heard a bird his head snapped in the direction of the chirping. Me on the other hand focused on the flowers on the upper deck which are a mass of bright colours. They just seemed to blend into each other. So beautiful. No bugs to disturb our peace. We must have sat there enjoying the most perfect evening for a good hour or so. The air was cool enough for Alvin in his fur coat and I even had on a light sweater/jacket. As the sun dipped in the evening sky, I thought how very lucky am I, are we, to have this little piece of heaven to call our own.

This morning first check was on my lilies. Yes, we have lift off- they are blooming.

• 

• 

• 

  The Lilies

• 

  Thank you from Bailey & Mom

I am so grateful for all the beautiful flowers.

well time to head upstairs and have a shower.

we may even be able to enjoy time on the deck before gets too warm. Tomorrow they are coming to service the air conditioning do we will be cool with resorting to fans all over the main floor.

I am so grateful for our life. There may be a wrench thrown in once in awhile to make us remember just how blessed we truly are although I’m not sure that Alvin would agree with that assessment. Poor little guy, I did not mean that he needs to have surgery for us to be grateful. Not at all.

Wishing you a great Tuesday.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, understanding and gratitude for all.

Love Carol&Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 6th day of May, 2019.

Almost one day into the month of May and the third morning in a row that we woke up to NO SNOW so that is progress.

Forecast showing rain for Wednesday which is another good thing.

We can use the moisture.

The sun is slowly rising in the eastern sky.

As I look out of the window I can see just above my sight line patches of that pure blue sky.

There is also a bit that is hard to explain but appears to be a opening of blue sky with darker blue clouds and a wisp of white clouds semi covering with a shout out to the SUN.

So beautiful but really difficult to explain and of course, no camera to be seen at this moment.

I am not certain that my camera would capture this very delicate but beautiful sight.

I could look at the sky all day long from sun up to sun down and onward.

Nothing like SKY.

 

Well here we are almost time to leave for work once again.

Seems like it was just Friday night.

We have been and continue to be on watering duty and I am proud to say that the plants appear to be doing great.

My green thumb is not quite as deep a green as my friend’s but I do okay.

 

Mr. Alvin is resting on the double thick blankets on the floor beside me.

He is always at my side except when I am at work.

Definitely my boy.

I would not have it any other way.

 

We had a quiet weekend and the only human contact we had was a brief conversation with our neighbour.

Isn’t it funny how one can go that many hours with out actually seeing anyone – well actually speaking to anyone.

We did see people out and about.

Productive weekend and I even did some extra writing which I am very happy about …..

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Perhaps Mr. Alvin needs to go outside once again before I leave the house.

Wishing you all a most wonderful Monday ….

May your week be filled with perfect health and much joy…..

Oh and laughter ….. gotta have some laughs along the way.

 

Special Hello to: my family ….. I don’t call nearly enough ….. I know that …… thinking of you all….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 3rd day of January, 2019.

WOW, day three of the New Year.

Our weather has been absolutely gorgeous breaking high temperatures for this time in history.

Yesterday was almost +8.

Pretty great for January.

 

Back to it today.

I am feeling much better and not certain what hit me yesterday.

Who knows.

Not to question, just feeling grateful.

 

Mr. Alvin is laying beside me on his blue blanket.

I love this part of the morning.

Listening to my fingers click clicking on the keyboard and listening to Mr. Alvin breathing/resting.

Looking out my window at 6:20 a.m. is much different than when we were on Christmas Vacation and getting up at 8:20 a.m.

Dark now and back then it was mostly overcast but some mornings we were treated to sunshine.

Nothing better than the early morning sunshine ….. sunrise….best time of the day.

Well perhaps I would have a small debate with myself as I love sunsets and the evening sky with the stars twinkling at us.

I guess I love mornings and evenings.

 

Back to work.

This will be our first day open to the public at our new temporary digs.

Should be interesting I am sure.

Likely will take people a bit of time to get used to our new location.

 

I am grateful to have this bit of warm weather.

Even the weekend at minus 10 degrees celsius is not too cold.

I wonder if this is due to climate change?

Likely in part.

Although we humans are enjoying this break in the cold temperatures, it can certainly mess up Mother Nature.

 

To my friend who sent me “some of her favourite things” for Christmas.

No, sorry not THE Oprah but she is my Oprah.

I tried the brow wax this morning and OMG, this is one of my favs.

If you have an opportunity to try this product – you will love it.

“ACTI-LABS” made in USA and Europe.

This one came from France.

When I first started applying it – I thought it was too light – Hickory.

But oh no, it was perfect.

It makes my old eyebrows look like they did when I was in my 20’s.

Thank you my friend.

I also love the SHEA hand lotion and the toothpaste.

Still have the deodorant to try.

GREAT Product line.

 

Well here we are almost time to leave for work.

The Christmas Vacation was awesome but always could be longer.

Grateful to have had the time off.

Grateful to have spent time with friends and family.

Grateful to have had all that time with me, Alvin.

Grateful to be alive.

 

Happy New Year.

Best life in 2019.

 

Special Hello to: my friend who is so thoughtful and kind.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 6th day of November, 2018.

It would seem that winter is now upon us although I did see “0” temperatures in our no too distant future.

So whether or not the snow is permanent for the next few months – time will tell.

Today is a big day ….

Alvin’s BFF Teddy is coming to stay with us until the 18th of November.

The U.S. mid-term elections are today.  That should be interesting.

 

How about favourite things Tuesday?

Food, Nature, Food, Coffee, Flowers, Sweets, Wrapping Gifts, Christmas?

 

 

What are you favourite things?

I hope that you all have an awesome Tuesday.

I am grateful for everything in my life.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to:  the best sister on the planet.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 28th day of September, 2016.

Third last day for September 2016.

I believe it was only five days ago that we were welcoming in the month of September 2016.

Honestly I do not believe where the time goes but go it does.

So mid week.

Last night we had my Son-in-law’s birthday supper celebration.

I was able to leave work one hour early which helped me to finish the preparations for the supper.

Supper was just finished as they arrived.

The boys were happy to see them.

Everyone enjoyed the meal.

We decided a while back to cut back on the gift giving (unless someone is in dire need of something) …. so this year I decided

to give the gift that keeps on giving and that was “Girl Guide Cookies.”

Help the Girl Guides with their fundraising campaign and give a gift to someone else as well.

So I had ordered a box from a girl at the office and then the night before when we were out walking one of my neighbours was sitting on

her front door step with her little girl and we stopped by for a quick visit.

They were waiting to be picked up for Sparks and we chatted about the cookie sale.

So I ordered a box from her.

Good thing as the first order fell through – yup.

My neighbour said she would bring them to my house last night which was perfect timing.

So just after we finished eating and before birthday cake I saw some people including kids on the sidewalk and knew it was the cookie deliverers.

Right on time.

So I bought two boxes.

The little girl said “thank you for the money.”

Very cute.

Manners, always important.

Remember she is a “Spark.”

My kids were very pleased about the cookies most especially my daughter as they are her favourites.

I quickly slipped the boxes of cookies into the gift bag that I had prepared the night before and proceeded to give the bag to my Son-in-law.

He opened his cards from me and Alvin and then his gift.

We enjoyed chocolate cake for dessert.

Perfect evening.

After they went home we went for a walk.

I was surprised by how fast the sun was going down.

That time of year …

It goes up and comes down in a blink of an eye.

It was another beautiful evening.

Well time to go to work once again.

The nights go quickly.

I hope that you have an awesome Wednesday.

Be good to yourself and to others.

Perfect combination.

Always good to note not just for you but for me, as well.

Special Hello to: all those folks who give so much but forget about themselves.

Always, Carol and Alvin