The Next Chapter

Good Morning. Another brisk winter’s morning. I hope that spring comes soon. Nice to have it light outside at 7:00 a.m. though. I feel like I need to see my boy’s face so if you would please indulge me as I share some previous shown photos of my buddy, my handsome, my beloved Alvin. Such cuteness. I miss this guy more than words can say. I feel his loss everywhere in our home.

A proper Gentleman

Just chilling

Alvin

What a cute boy

Walking with Mom

On the deck

Top of stairs, body?

Alvin at home…..

Enjoying a sunny winter’s day!

Alvin ……

Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!

Alvin in the snow…..

Posting this just because “ALVIN” is so cute here….

I know that I am cute.

Alvin, one of my babies

More please

Alvin

Loving Broccoli

Alvin & a chewy

New sweater

Alvin

He was such a good boy and I will miss him always. I just love seeing his face and going through photos to transfer to the external hard drive has brought back even more memories. When I get this technology all figured out, I will share some new photos that for now are in between the external hard drive and the old computer.

I am grateful to be working from home today. I can be closer to him.

I hope that you have a good day, be safe and take care.

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)

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I had a great sleep. As usual up at 3:00 a.m., he had his glucosamine chew, outside to pee and then back to sleep on the sofa. Up at 4:30 to have his breakfast and then back to the sofa until the alarm went off at 6:45. So all in all a good sleep. I am so grateful that most of the time I can fall back to sleep after our 3:00 a.m. wake up. You know if you had asked me this years ago, I could not have foreseen this. I will say that Alvin has always had a thing about getting up early. He did sleep longer in between the puppy and senior stages. But you know what, even though we have had our ups and downs, I would not change a thing. He has taught, is teaching me so much. I would say that I am more easy with change now than I ever was, I have more patience most days and I enjoy the moment. Dogs do that. They live in the moment. Back when I was working away from home – he was always super excited to see me. I know that part of that was that he had to pee really bad but he was happy to see me, I know it, just like every other dog owner on the planet. I do have one regret and that is not pee pad training him. If I had he could have drank more water during the day and peed on the pads. All those years, my poor pup. I feel badly for not doing this. Luckily for me he does not appear to have held a grudge although may in his own way he is doing so with the early morning starts. Live and learn. I know that I am not the most perfect pet owner but I am trying. I do ensure that he has good food to eat, lots of water, love and attention, regular 6 week visits to the vet for nail trim etc. and in between if he is under the weather and walks. We try to walk most days although as we age getting out in the winter can sometimes be a challenge but we do the best that we are able to. Mr. Alvin is the best cuddler when he is in the mood,lol. He is quite photogenic. When he wants some of my food he can turn those eyes into “soft puppy dogs pools of love” and it makes it hard to resist although most of the times I can because he cannot have what I am eating. He loves bananas and cauliflower and green peas. He likes a lot of other things but since his February surgery he is not allowed to have them. So just once in awhile I might give him a piece of carrot. I want to keep him healthy for as long as possible. Hopefully just the regular vet visits. I hope that his ears stay healthy for a long time. I think he needs a bath but with his ears being infected and being on medication likely better for a sponge bath. He might like that a lot better anyway. Maybe.

Cutest profile

New sweater

Mr. Alvin while I work

My Alvin over the last year or so.

Well the times is slipping away and closer to starting work for this Friday.

Happy Birthday to our angel “J.”

Have an awesome day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning All,

Thursday it is.

Yesterday turned out to be great weatherwise.

On our walk I just wore a sweater, yay.

The sun did shine.

 

After work I picked up Humphrey as his Mom was busy after work.

Then started supper as the TELUS service person was to arrive somewhere between 5-7 p.m.

Lucky for me he was at my house by 5:19 p.m. and finished everything and gone by 6:03 p.m.

So I quickly scooped up Mr. Alvin and went for a short walk as we did not wish to leave Sir Humphrey alone for too long.

I was pleasantly surprised when I learned from the TELUS person that I would not in fact lose my series scheduling.

Yes, I lost the few shows that I did not manage to watch from the old PVR but I was so OVER THE MOON pleased that I did not have to set up the scheduling again.

So it worked out.

Humphrey was very intrigued by this young man, he followed him and watched him as he worked.

Alvin he was excited and yes, barked some but behaved pretty well all things considered.

I really thought it was cute when Humphrey walked over to the young man’s bag and looked in.

He also laid on the floor in the office while he was swapping out the MODEM and just watched intently.

I was able to watch the two shows I missed on the TELUS ON DEMAND.

YAY, me.

We had a great night ….. pretty quiet and that is always great on a Wednesday.

 

You may wonder why I repeat my message, this message everyday?

About being kind and respectful.

It is a reminder to me mostly.

As some days, maybe most days it is easy to lose the kindness and respect aspect.

Sometimes I am disappointed in my behaviour but I always try to do better.

After all, I am only perfect in that I am not.

Well almost time to leave.

There be poop to pick up in the backyard.

Yup, that will always bring one back to earth.

Yes, it will.

 

I hope that you are having a great Thursday whether you are just starting, half way through or at the end.

Wherever you are….. whenever you are ….. have a wonderful day.

 

With kindness and respect I shall be me.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 16th day of July, 2018.

Another beautiful morning.

We went for a walk earlier as the forecast is for 30 + degrees celsius.

WARM.

It was glorious.

Just me and Alvin and the birds singing all along our path.

At the benches in the park there was a young man puffing away on a “vape” (not sure if that is the name or not) with head phones on listening to something.

After getting home I went over and visited Humphrey the Cat and  Cinder the Gecko to give them breakfast and water.

Humphrey was already up and in the window when Alvin and walked by his house earlier.

He was happy to see me and meowed and meowed.

Humphrey really wanted to go outside when I watered my friend’s flowers.

Once back home – fed Alvin, wrote in my gratitude journal, ate my breakfast, got ready for work and writing this post now.

I have most of our windows open and the furnace fan going to cool the house before I leave for work.

Which is coming up in a few minutes.

 

I just wanted to share how blessed I am to have such great people, women, friends and family in my life.

Yesterday.

My young friends had an early birthday party for me.

One of them baked me a carrot cake and the other provided her house, a glorious fruit tray and coffee.

OMG, so good.

We laughed and visited and visited and laughed.

Catching up on all of the latest news (just a little gossip).

The girls both bought me clothes for my birthday.

One bought me yoga pants and a top as I had mentioned about getting back into yoga.

That is definitely some incentive.

My other girl gave me a beautiful sweater and sleeveless long top.

So lucky.

I think that I am going to celebrate my birthday for the next month.

 

Following the birthday party my daughter and grand-pups stopped by for the afternoon.

We had a great visit.

More coffee.

My daughter stayed for supper.

I was thinking ahead and had made a big supper the night before so we had leftovers and the carrot cake that my friend sent home with me.

So no cooking …. just eating ….. visiting and having fun.

 

Sometimes we fuss and stew and think we have it so bad.

Yes, there are moments but all in all …. I know that I am so blessed.

If you think about it …. you are, too.

Life is not meant to suffer in silence or to be chattering about it aloud.

Try not to live in the past.

Get it out onto the table and then carry on with life.

So much to enjoy and so many better memories to make.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

 

Thank you ladies for making my Sunday incredible.

 

Time to go.

Windows to close.

More snuggling with the boy.

He asked for a massage again this morning.

So darn cute.

 

Special Hello to:   my friends and family …. thank you

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 12th day of June, 2018.

Another dreary day although it has stopped raining since late yesterday afternoon.

The wind is howling and strong.

Yesterday late afternoon Alvin and I were upstairs in the office when we heard a LOUD crash.

I looked out of the window to see that my neighbour’s patio table umbrella had been launched.

The wind had grabbed the umbrella pulled it up and out of the table bringing the table crashing to the deck.

The glass top was shattered into a million pieces.

Luckily no one was hurt.

She just arrived home from work a few minutes after it happened.

After that incident I went out to my deck and pulled up both umbrellas and placed them into the garage.

I moved the table closer to the garage and placed all the little ornaments in the garage.

We do not need anything taking flight.

Still to be strong wind gusts today.

I moved flowers around again.

The sky has huge dark blue RAIN clouds hanging about.

There is supposed to be SUNSHINE in today’s forecast, I hope so.

As much as we did need the rain, it is time for the sun to shine.

Wind is to dissipate by late afternoon (hope so as it has been scary).

The house remains cool this morning but a sweater helps and luckily Alvin has a nice warm coat.

He has several blankets all over his favourite spots that will keep him toasty warm throughout the day.

Almost time to go back downstairs and finish getting ready.

I believe that today will be a jacket and sweater day.

It was so nice to have an extra long weekend.

Alvin and I had a nice visit with our girl.

Oh how those trees are swaying in the wind … can not help but to see them out of the office window.

YIKES…..hopefully they remain intact.

Thankfully our trees are relatively young in our neighbourhood and still somewhat pliable.

 

Special Hello to: my sister who is enjoying some well deserved vacation time.  Enjoy your time off.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 23rd day of August, 2016.

It is dark, cloudy, raining, windy and COLD outside this morning as I peer out of my office window.

I am so grateful as I received a phone call a few minutes ago from my neighbour asking if I would like a ride to work this morning.

She had looked outside and did not wish me to have to walk to the bus in the wind and rain and cold.

Am I not the luckiest woman?

I am, I am.

She even turned on her furnace this morning as it was too cold for Cinder, her pet gecko.

Also she just adopted a cat over the weekend and his name is Mitchell.

Well Mitchell to our neighbourhood.

Alvin did introduce himself through the window.

We were going for a walk and Mitchell was sitting on the living room window ledge.

Brr, it is cool here in…..

Alvin will be fine ( it is 70 celsius so not too bad ).

Today was/is a sock in the shoes day and long pants and sweater.

The cold damp air just goes through to your bones.

Time to bundle up.

Yikes, did I really say that?

Well here we go almost time to leave.

I need to take Alvin out again.

He does not spend much time outside when it is raining.

Sometimes if it is raining / well pouring he needs me to haul out my big umbrella and go outside with him.

He’s my boy – I do that for him.

 

I hope that everyone has a great day.

May your day be filled with love and laughter.

Lots of laughter.

Take care.

Spread the laughter……

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who open their doors and bring in homeless animals.  Thank you.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 10th day of May, 2016.

It is bright and sunny outside this morning.

COOL.

That is the word for today.

Our house is freezing and poor Alvin has been shivering as have I but to turn on the furnace at this point seems a waste.

So we are wrapped in blankets and have been snuggling.

I guess if the temperature is supposed to continue to be this low over night I will have no choice but to turn on the furnace.

This is the time that I wished Mr. Alvin had a sweater.

I guess poor timing with the hair cut.

Oh well we will survive.

Almost time to leave for work.

We both were snuggling extra time under the blankets this morning.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

I guess the question is:  OFF or ON?

Special Hello to: my faraway friends and family.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 18th day of December, 2015.

Only 6 sleeps until Christmas EVE.

It is a crisp morning here in Edmonton.

The wind is blowing a bit so that makes it feel colder.

But it is Friday and I have three days to work after today so I am HAPPY…..

YAY …. so Happy it is the weekend.

Tomorrow morning two of my friends and I are getting together for our Annual Christmas party.

We eat, drink lots of coffee/tea, exchange a small gift and LAUGH, we visit and LAUGH.

Isn’t that the best kind of party ….. we just have fun …..

So am more than excited for tomorrow morning.

 

Do you pick out your clothes to wear to the office/school the night before or do you wait until morning to chose?

I pick my outfit and jewellery the night before …. sometimes I change my mine in the morning.

The sweater I have picked out .. not quite sure but time is evaporating so I will just wear it.

Maybe because it is a loose weave crocheted typed sweater and I feel cold.

Oh well …… I am wearing it.

Just a sweater, right?

 

My grand-puppy Penny has a 4 p.m. appointment at the Vet so everyone might be here when I get home from work, would be a nice treat.

 

Well this is short but Mr. Alvin needs to go back outside ….. I know this is likely more info than you require but he did not poop …. always like him to do so before I leave.

Too long without going.

 

Well I hope that you have the best Friday ….

 

Maybe a giggle or three.

Sit on Santa’s knee ……

Whoa silly me …..

 

Special Hello to: all those folks not sure about what to wear …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 27th day of November, 2015.

It is a great day as today my daughter and I are entered in a craft sale with our jewellery.

We are excited.

My neighbour and we girls are sharing a table.

Should be fun.

The temperature has warmed up again which is nice.

It is held in the lobby of a nearby hospital so there will be lots of people and today is also Black Friday so that will bring in folks.

Our first craft sale selling….

I am excited to see what wares others are selling.

It will be a wonderful day ….. spending it with my girl and one of my friends.

 

Another item to mention…..finally caught our four-legged  “rogue agent” that has been eluding us for the past while only to find there were two.

We only … I only saw the one.

Will have to keep an eye out …. double check everywhere to make sure no place they can get into the house.

 

Well this is to be short as time to make a cup of coffee and have some toast.

Have an awesome Friday.

If you are out and about on this “BLACK FRIDAY” …. be respectful of others.

No pushing or shoving.

Did you really need another black sweater no matter how good the price was?

Enjoy the mania …..

Be safe…

Happy Shopping..

 

Special Hello to: my sister …..

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 11th day of December, 2013.

Are you counting the days until Christmas?

15 sleeps till Christmas ….

I hope that you are enjoying the holiday season.

In between the shopping and the baking and the children’s concerts and the late nights at work – I hope that you are just enjoying listening to some great Christmas music while enjoying the lights as they sparkle on the Christmas tree.

Take some quiet time to reflect on the past year and think to next year.

Be grateful for what you have.

I hope that you are as blessed as me.

To have a tree.

To have a home.

To be able to hear the music.

I also believe at this time and all throughout the year that we should help those less fortunate than ourselves.

If you know someone who needs a bit of help or perhaps some encouragement …. lend an ear or a hand.

Even when you do not have an excess amount of cash to help others there are many other ways to do so.

You can invite someone over for a meal.

You could go through your pantry and make up a package for a nice meal.

You can go through your closet and give away that coat or sweater that you have not worn since last year.

Give a pair of mittens or a scarf.

Volunteer at a shelter for humans or animals.

Go visit a senior’s centre.

Bake some cookies for a neighbour.

Shovel a sidewalk for someone disabled or elderly.

All the creatures on this earth can use a hand.

Be mindful and be kind.

So on this mid week day I challenge you all to be “mindful of what you do and say” and “to be kind to every living creature.”

We all inhabit this beautiful planet and are all here for a reason …..

Special Hello to: SURPRISES …. you never know when or how.

Always, Carol and Alvin