Good Morning! The sun is rising and it is Saturday. I am so happy that it is the weekend and that we survived another week. I think that for most of us that is a huge deal. I am grateful for the weekend and that I am able to be at home, in my safe and happy place. Surrounded by the warmth of souls that have come and gone and by memories. Oh, the memories do truly help keep you warm at night and give you the energy to get going in the morning. Happy Saturday.
Last night our friends Iris and pups Teddy and Kobi came for a visit. At first the pups just ran up the steps and into the house with every bit of energy in them and back and forth once inside from back door to front door. Then they stopped and started to sniff about and we both knew they were wondering where their old friend Alvin had gone. Teddy and Alvin have been best friends for many years. They used to have sleepovers and Teddy was here for special occasions and just for visits with no reason other than to see his buddy. Iris could not even mention Alvin’s name before they got into the car because he would get so excited. Iris is energy sensitive and reminded me that she could feel Alvin all around and where else would he be but in his house with me. She always makes me feel good and she gave me wonderful comforting words of encouragement and support and love. They are family to us. In between the tears we even managed to have some laughter. Where are the tears without laughter. Both are so important to us all. I love watching Teddy and Kobi as they ran about. They went outside at one point shortly after arriving and were sniffing around as I am sure they could smell their friend. Kobi loves to watch the neighbourhood out of our front window and she stood on her hind legs and took in our world. Teddy played with a toy of Alvin’s. Joy returned to my house for a few minutes. I am so grateful that they were in the city and stopped by. Iris and the pups had walked over as she did not have her car in the city only her husband’s truck. I decided that it would be nice to walk them home. So we chatted and walked. I ended up staying at their house chatting until almost 10:00 p.m. and then quickly walked home. Home safe and sound. Our neighbourhood is good but you never know. Even coyotes could be out. We looked at pictures from their farm. They have two new cats and I saw videos of the pups and the new cats. The new cats were used to dogs so it was cute to see them interacting. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together. I cannot wait until the next time. Thank you Iris, Teddy and Kobi for the visit. We missed you guys.
Today is laundry day and some cleaning. Then back to moving photos from the old computer to the hard drive. Too bad there was not a more efficient, more faster way of doing this but alas there appears not to be. Just a footnote to everyone out there – make sure that you store your photos and edit them. Through out the bad shots, the duplicates etc. Always.
Amanda is stopping by in the early afternoon after a dental appointment and before she goes to spend some time with her bestie. Both my “kids” were/are so blessed to have good people in their lives. Alvin had a village, he had our neighbourhood. Iris reminded me that it was Alvin who brought us all together. It truly was. He was the best guy ever and my longest male relationship. I am forever grateful for the relationships that he helped me make and keep for well over a decade. Oh, how I miss him. I am excited to see my girl. Always good to see her. She is the best.
Have an awesome Saturday. Take some time to be with family and friends and for yourself. Remember better to live in the moment today than to get hung up on the future or the days ahead. For there is only today as we are not promised tomorrow. Enjoy this day!
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning ALL! Well it is gearing up to be another hot one here in Edmonton. I know that according to the weather channel we are by no means the hot spots in Canada or even in Alberta. I am so grateful that it is only as hot as it is. This morning it was 80 in the house, by opening the main floor windows (as did not wish to leave them open all night) and turning on the fans, the temperature is now 77. That is three whole degrees lower, which is a godsend at this point. I am doing okay but I worry about Mr. Alvin but I think between the fans and the cool wet towels he is okay. It is beautiful outside right now and he sure wanted to stay out in the backyard sniffing away. But I needed to get dressed and write this post. I told him we are going as soon as I am done with my blog. He thought that was okay. Yes, he did.
Last night I broke down and ordered pizza. Just did not know what to make and it was so hot. So pizza and some carrots and celery (raw) was the menu for supper. Not many dishes and no work in this heat. I could have make something else, I am sure but let me tell you when you are cooking for one, sometimes it is difficult. What to make? Sometimes you just do not want to cook. Pizza got ordered. I was able to get the call in before they could not hear me due to the dead zones in my house. I guess I will be contacting TELUS via computer this weekend as cannot call on the phone or they won’t hear me or maybe I should. I hope that there calls are at a minimum, maybe summer is a better time to contact them. Time will tell. Also this weekend I want to give Mr. Alvin haircut and bath. He will feel so much better.
I am sure all the wildlife is enjoying the coolness of the morning air. Forecast said 21 degrees celsius by 9 a.m., that is warm for that time of time. We have many days where the daytime high is only that, lol.
Well I had better run. I am sorry to make this so short. Oh, good news for Alvin and for me. Teddy’s Mom called last night they are in town and wanted to set up a visit. Tonight’s the night. Alvin is going to be so happy to be see his BFF and his little sister Kobi. I am excited, too. We miss them.
Have a wonderful Thursday.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! What a gorgeous morning. Alvin and I are well. The sunrise is incredible and early. Each day it is earlier than the one before and I love it. The pale oranges and pinks that just seamlessly flow into the pale blue sky and adorned with a crescent view of the moon. How can anything else be more beautiful. I am in awe. What a great way to begin a Friday with such a wonderful view. Does not get much better than this, I can tell you.
I received a text from Teddy and Kobi’s Mom and they are in town for a few days. We plan to get together and quite possibly this evening. How exciting! Always great to see our friends for both Alvin and me.
Last night with the street lamps shining down on the fresh blanket of crisp white snow, it appeared to be billions of diamonds shining from a blanket of white. It was glorious. Another Mother Nature show of absolute beauty. Simple but elegant beauty. I tried to capture the absolute wonder of it all but no camera can do it justice. I could have starred at the “diamond” covered snow all night long.
Looks like we are going to have some warmer weather for the next week or so. That will be great. Perhaps we can finally get rid of those darn snow banks that line our streets. Then we can clear the ice from our sidewalks and WE CAN ONCE AGAIN WALK. Oh, how I miss our walks and I am pretty sure that Alvin is missing them as well other than getting his jacket/sweater/harness on to go.
Tomorrow morning I am having coffee with my two “younger” girlfriends. This is going to be a weekend full of seeing friends and I am happy for that. I do plan to do my taxes on the weekend as well as laundry. So a full plan ahead.
I am thinking of how grateful I am in this moment for my life. For the past, this moment and for whatever the future brings to me which will in part be due to how I am arranging it by my thoughts. Our thoughts do become things, our futures. I am strongly attest to this.
Have the most glorious Friday. I hope that you can get outside in nature – nothing like fresh air.
Maybe just maybe we will be able to get out for a walk at lunchtime. With the snow covering the ice will gives us some traction. Fingers crossed.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well we are in for another strange, whacky winter day. According to previous forecast, warming up from cold temperatures overnight with “snowy conditions” later this morning. So what does that mean? Could be a rain/snow mix or just snow. I hope that for all those people having to drive somewhere that it is just plain snow and that we receive only a very small amount. On the upside there are plus temperatures even as high as 7+ celsius for tomorrow. Wow, tropical heatwave. I am quite sure that I will see some of the teens in the neighbourhood out with shorts and a long sleeved t-shirt and flip flops. Perhaps when you are a teenager your hormones work the same as menopausal females? Possibly the reason why they or a good portion of them are always warm. I don’t think it is all about fashion and just being a teenager. Just my thoughts on the topic. Well anyway, I am looking forward to walking with Mr.Alvin along with working on gathering up information to do my taxes (trying to get ahead of the game) and laundry. That is my Saturday plan. Anything else that gets done will be a bonus.
Yesterday was a BONUS GREAT FANTASTIC DAY for me and Alvin. Started off with my son-in-law stopping after some appointments and dropping some things off and having a brief but lovely visit with us followed by a walk after work. So after work (yes, I stopped work on time), we went downstairs and got ready for a walk. Usually I have to chase him around the table for awhile but not too long yesterday. I truly believe that he has been missing our walks. We got outside and he literally (whoops overused word, not supposed to use, sorry I forgot – could you excuse this 64 year old woman, thank you, lol) he pulled me all the way to the park stopping momentarily to sniff some yellow snow (yuck, yuck, I will never understand that). We were just inside the park when he stopped to go to the “bathroom” and after he was done (I picked up the poop, of course) and then he pulled in the direction back toward home. He did the same thing on the way home. Pulled. At first I thought he was pulling because I had a text from his best friend Teddy’s Mom who said they were in the City and wondering if they could drop by at some point for a visit? I had briefly mentioned them and thought he may have remembered and was heading to their house. Not. Back home, I emptied the food scraps bucket and kitchen garbage into the big bins in the garage. Once done, I gave Mr. Alvin his supper. Teddy’s Mom made arrangements to come after supper. We were all so happy to see each other. The pups ran around the main floor jumping up to say hello and chasing each other in the way that they do. We had an absolutely fantastic visit and I look forward to the next one.
Well it is time to sign off for another day. I hope that you have a great, great day. If it is warm where you are – go on that walk and take in nature. You will feel all the better for it. I promise. I cannot wait till we go on our next walk.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus and possibilities.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this Thursday morning? I am doing okay. Been a rocky sleep last night but it is morning and I am up and dressed and now writing this post before starting my last work day for this week. I am looking forward to an extra long long weekend. I am off from tomorrow and go back to work next Wednesday. So two short weeks in a row. But that means lots to do on the days that I am working.
Looks like we had a light frost last night. We were outside several times during the night and early morning so I am feeling somewhat like I imagine a “zombie” to feel like …… a little sleep deprived. At one point the sky had cleared and the stars were shining brightly. That I so enjoyed. The sun is coming up as the sky begins to turn from night to morning. So beautiful. I always love the colour palette of sunrises and sunsets. So vibrant and gorgeous. A feast for the eyes. Most of the leaves have fallen from our tree in the front yard. There is something eerily stunning about a bare tree. Very cool.
I am afraid this will be short but I have a couple of things left to tell you. Yesterday it was smokey in the morning and at noon so we did not venture out for a walk. Our friend Pauline dropped by during my lunch break to drop off some apples. She offered to take Alvin for a walk as the smoke had dissipated somewhat and did not bother her so I put on his harness and leash and out they went. I forewarned her that he may not want to go. He is like that. If I am at home he does not want to leave me behind or go without me. I figured if he would go with anyone it would be Pauline. So out they went. After a few minutes there was a wee knock at the door. He would not go. I believe if I were not there – he would have gone. Kind of sweet in a way that he won’t leave me behind and that is how I tend to look at it instead of the other that he is so much a momma’s boy that he won’t go without me. My Alvin.
Near the end of the day our friend Iris, Teddy’s Mom had called but I was working so the call had gone to voicemail. I decided that we should just walk over as they were home from the farm. So after work off we went. We had a great visit with them all. I cannot believe how grown up Miss Kobi is becoming as she is not longer a wee pup. I love the word “wee.” Iris gave me some of her homemade mulled apple sauce like cranberries but made with apples. After a nice visit we were off home. Alvin had been trying to tell me something for the last bit of our visit and I found out what it was ….. he had to poop. I should know better. Really he seldom barks for no reason. I have to put on my listening cap and try not to be distracted. Anyway he had a poop on the way home and I of course picked it up in one of the bags that I always carry with me.
Once home it was, suppertime for both of us. Alvin first and then I had to wait for my supper to cook. We had a nice quiet evening.
Time to fly. Put on coffee and let the boy out again before I start work which is in just over 15 minutes. Time is zipping along.
Take Care and enjoy this October 7, 2021 day.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, love, laughter and gratitude.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this Friday morning? Yes, we made it to another weekend. We are almost blowing away here in Edmonton and parts of Alberta for the second day in a row. We are less than 55 miles as the crow flies from the site of some huge wildfires. Extinguishing them in these winds would be a might feat and I would think darn near impossible. I pray for those out fighting the fires to keep us safe. My daughter and her family are less than 40 miles from the fires. The skies are filled with deep dark rain clouds and we have had a few drops thus far. I pray for some rain with no lightning. Is that possible? I hope so. Even one of the matts I had on the deck blew down to the lower part and yesterday one of my garbage cans sitting by the fence on the deck blew over. They have not done that for many years. It has been a long time since we have had the strength and direction of these winds. I feel that the winds are getting stronger. Hopefully all the shingles and roofs remain intact.
Yesterday at noon we met up with Alvin’s best friend Teddy, his little sister Kobi and Mom for a lunchtime walk. We had a great visit with physical distancing. At the beginning of the walk we bumped into Bailey with her Grandpa out for a walk. Bailey saw me and pulled her Grandpa to cross the street. Alvin said hello and then the love fest started with me. Bailey gets so excited when she sees me and squeaks and little barks telling me so. I love her. I always feel so good after seeing them. When we got to Teddy and the gang, both Teddy and Kobi ran to me with fully extended leashes and before we knew it were all tangled up. Alvin had one of his paws caught up and I know just how sharp they are when pulled tight. Leashes, the thin ones can actually break open the skin (I know from personal experience). Anyway we fixed the situation very quickly before any damage was done. Alvin let me know what was going on even before I saw the leash wrapped about his paw/leg. It was very windy on our walk but we managed. When going to the Vet after work to pick up food for Alvin came up in our conversation, Iris offered to give me a ride to the vet. I am not sure how I would have carried a case of canned food and a small bag of dry food home in that wind and it is even worse today. After I picked up Alvin’s food and put in the trunk of Iris’s car, I slipped into the deli “The Careit” to pick up something for supper as I just did not feel like cooking. I could not decide but in the end decided upon a chicken pot pie and a ceasar salad and a small bag of two bite brownies to the tune of $32.00 and change. I almost had a coronary. I knew the chicken pot pie was $14.00 but there was no pricing on either of the other two items. Anyway, sometimes you have to support local businesses and they looked delicious. Iris told me when I told her the price “You bought them so now enjoy them.” She was right there was no reason to go on about the money spent. Sometimes! Anyway after we got home and I fed Alvin, I warmed up the chicken pot pie and while it was warming in the oven, I mixed up half of the salad. By the way there was enough for two meals so on that note it was way more economical and oh, my goodness so good. Very much worth the money. Money well spent. First bit of meat in a long time, the chicken that is.
This morning in less than one hour both Teddy and Kobi are coming to spend the day with us while their parents go to a townhouse that they own to clean it up as their renters moved out. To prepare for new ones. I love having the pups here and with the day being so stormy we wouldn’t be walking anyway so I am glad that Alvin has company. I forgot to tell you that on our way home from the walk yesterday, Alvin’s were actually blowing up in the wind. Never remember that happening before.
Time to head downstairs. Plug in the coffee and couple things before starting work. Have an awesome Friday.
Be safe and be well.
Oh, one more thing. There was a knock at the door just a few minutes after we go up from the sofa and I still had my pj’s on …. I looked out the window to see a white SUV and thought OH my goodness, did I get the time wrong for the pups to arrive and realized it was a different car. I opened the door and looked around to see nothing. Then out the window to see a woman staring at the house and pointing. I opened the door again and saw an express post packet sitting on the bench on my porch, I picked it up and waved okay to her and she left. I only checked the name and address when I got back into the house because who wants to stand on the porch in their pjs in this wind or at any time. Inside the house I looked at the address and name before opening it. Good thing that I did as it is not for me and is a different address. The print on the envelope is very small and I had to look a couple of times before I saw it was one digit different than my address. Guess I will be delivering this later. Not now. It will have to wait.
Time to fly.
Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.
Good Morning ALL! I hope that this finds you well. Both Alvin and I had a great sleep. He woke up at first about 3:45 and then back to the sofa until 6:40 a.m., how wonderful. We then got up and he had his breakfast. I wasn’t quite ready to get up so we laid back down for a few minutes as I pondered my day. I forgot that yesterday was May 1st, how crazy is that. Guess what, I was having my coffee yesterday morning when the “phone rang” and I saw that it was the Pharmacist from Pharmasave. He was calling to see if I could go in at 11:30 a.m. to receive the vaccine. I said yes, of course and thanked him. The call came in at 10:22 a.m. After that I quickly drank some coffee and went to prepare to leave the house. I had a winning lotto ticket to cash in so I wanted to leave the house a bit early and go to the convenience store in the same strip mall. I am so grateful to Alvin’s Vet Dr. Karen for hooking me up with the Pharmacist Dr. W., and to think everything is all in the same mall. A quick walk. The convenience store was renovating and looking good thus far. It sure was windy yesterday and we ended up with some rain later in the day, actually evening. I was at the Pharmasave a bit early and decided to pick up a few items that I needed and plus it helps him out. Showing my gratitude to him for scheduling me so quickly for the vaccine. I had asked him about the vaccines as I had heard him say that he was only taking names now for the next batch that is coming in. Apparently he receives 100 at a time. He gave all those vaccines out in a three day period. Busy man. I asked him if he gets paid to give out the vaccines and he said yes which is great as I know his business has been suffering throughout the pandemic much the same as others. This is a small pharmacy not like a Shoppers Drug Mart. I had to complete a two page form going over a multitude of things from name and health number and date of birth to if you had any symptoms to allergies and more. Once I filled out the form which was basically giving a quick history and releasing him from any further liability, I waited for a few minutes. The whole time that I was there people were in and out. It was a real assembly line. Everyone was masked of course and physically distanced. When it was my turn, he called me into this little room. He excused himself as the phone rang and in a few minutes he was back and advising me of the possible side effects and so on. I listened and then he asked which arm. I had decided on my right arm as it is not my writing arm (not sure if that mattered or not). My jacket was off and I pushed off my sleeve and was ready. Next thing I know he was readying the shot and into my arm. Painless, really. He was so gentle despite the fact that they basically throw the needle at your arm. I remember him beforehand telling me to relax my arm and to hold it a certain way which I am thinking now really helped the process. Once done he grabbed a bandaid and I checked to ensure it was latex free as I am allergic. He said yes, it was as he had read that I mentioned about being allergic to latex/elastoplast. He then advised that I could go and wait until 11:50 which was 15 minutes later. Both the chairs that he had set up against a partial wall were full so he asked me to go around so I made sure that I did not go close to the two women in the chairs. Dr. W. then called the one that had just filled out her paperwork in for her vaccine and I took her chair. A few minutes later he gave me a card that said that I had received the Moderna vaccine on May 1st, 2021 and that the next one was scheduled for August 21, 2021. Fifteen minutes later I was on my way. Thanking this kind man as I left the pharmacy. Today he has extended his hours so that he can give out the remaining vaccines. I received the Moderna vaccine in case you were wondering.
I was happy that I had bought the items in his store and I will continue to give him as much business as possible. A few minutes later I was at home warming up a cup of coffee in the microwave as I had unplugged the coffee pot before leaving and it was barely warm by this point. Oh and beforehand I of course let Mr. Alvin out for a pee. He was happy to see me and I him.
Oh, almost forgot when I texted my daughter to tell her that I was getting the vaccine – she told me that her husband, my son-in-law was getting his as well. How strange is that we were both getting ours on the same day and around the same time. Now just my daughter to have hers.
A couple of loads of laundry later, I decided to go for a walk with Alvin. The sky has been clouding over and then clearing for most of the morning and now in the early afternoon. Thinking that we had better get going before it rained. It was quite windy and there were several folks out walking likely having the same idea as me. I am always amazed at how cool Alvin is around the geese. The couple that have been hanging around our park are always together somewhere as we walk through and Alvin usually stops and takes a look and continues on. He does not bark or even go toward them, just gives him a look and we keep going. I love how chill he is around them. I think that stems from his youth when we used to go for walks before I was working and we would literally plunk ourselves down on the sidewalk / grass by the water in one of two parks in our neighbourhood and watch the geese and ducks. I would hold him in my arms and he would just watch them literally for hours. Usually it was me that wanted to get up and go not Alvin. He has always enjoyed watching them. When we approached his best friend Teddy’s house, I could not say no to him so up the driveway and the steps and ringing the doorbell. I could hear the pups and some movement. All of a sudden Kobi was up looking out the porch window. Then I could hear both Teddy and Kobi and next thing I knew it, Walter was opening the door. He said that Iris had just popped out to the store but would be home soon and asked us to go in. In we went. This is the only place outside our house and the vet and the odd retail shop that we go. Always, physically distancing. Now we have all had our first vaccines. Walter and I visited until Iris came home. She invited me for tea and I graciously accepted. I told her about our Friday night and as I had mentioned to Walter about receiving my first vaccine. We had a great visit. Then home to finish the laundry and feed Alvin and to make my special pasta dinner. My daughter had picked me up some lentil pasta and this was the first time I have eaten it and cooked with it. It was awesome. I made a simple sauce to add to the cooked pasta of caramelized onions (because why not) with black pepper in olive oil, once down I poured the onions into a bowl and then added to the pan some halved grape tomatoes, salt and pepper and greek spice and once cooked down I added some minced garlic (several cloves). Once done, I added the onions and let them mingle together. I added some pasta water to the onions/tomatoes and garlic and then added the drained pasta to this pan to mix. Then into a bowl. On top of my seving I threw some shredded parmesan cheese and more black pepper. OMG, it was so good. Simple and did not take much time. That was supper. Leftovers for tonight and likely tomorrow. I will make some roasted broccoli to put on top tonight for more veg.
Last night we had a quiet evening. Watched a couple of movies before going to bed.
I was thinking of how a house/home is like us. The roof is the top of our heads. The windows are our eyes looking out and within. The kitchen is liken to our heart. The bathrooms are our kidneys. The basement is the bottom half of us with the furnace which would be our lungs and the floor would be our feet. Another way to look at our homes.
Well time to hit the shower and get refreshed. It is cloudy outside.
I hope that this finds you well and that you are enjoying your Sunday. I cannot wait for a cup of coffee this morning. Just because.
I love to share photos giving us all an opportunity to go places we may have never been before …… I love the elephant. Elephants and Dragonflies are my favourites (please do not tell Mr. Alvin).
Have an awesome day.
Remembering to always live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience for all.
Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? I am doing great. Funny start to the day. We had a good sleep. Alvin woke us up at 4:00 and we came downstairs. Decided to feed him and give him his glucosamine chew. Once he was done eating, outside he went. While he was outside at this time, I decided to change the clocks on the stove ahead one hour so that I would not forget when we got up for the day. Once he was back inside – we hit the sofa for some more sleep. Alvin woke up and it was already light out so I got up to check the time and it was 8:00 a.m., so I set the microwave timer for some extra time and headed back to the sofa. Alvin laid down for a bit and then was up. So I decided okay it was 8:23 or so, just get up. Something hit me between the kitchen and the living room and I realized it was Saturday. The girls are coming for coffee at 10:00 a.m. and the time changes Saturday night/Sunday morning. So actually it was 7:23 not 8:23 a.m. Changed the time back and stayed up. What the hay. But I was giggling to myself for the mixup.
Yesterday was awesome. The temperature allowed for me to wear only a long sleeved sweater and a “winter vest.” SUN shone brightly just as it is doing right at this very moment. My daughter picked up us and drove us to the Vet so that Alvin could get out his stitches. Both of the staff that were there had not seen/read the email from the Surgeon at that point so I happily told them the good news about Alvin. We were almost all in tears of joy. Alvin’s Vet Dr. Karen arrived shortly after we did. They were doing some surgery on a cat. An easy surgery. Thankfully. It only took a few seconds or seemed liked it to remove the stitches and he was back to me. I was waiting in one of the exam rooms. In the main lobby area we talked about his new food and other matters. I was able to pick up his new food both hard and wet. Happily surprised the price was not quite as much as I had thought it was going to be. So that is good. Although he will be eating more wet food so will be going through it more quickly but that is how it is going to be. Booked his next appointment for his nails etc. and then we were on our way. Courtney held and opened doors, Michelle carried the food and I with Alvin exited the building where my daughter was waiting for us. She had quickly gone over to StarBucks to pick up her free Birthday COFFEE. Once we got home we girls had coffee and went over what was required at the store. I had written up my list on the NOTES on my phone. So was easy to forward to her. After Amanda left for the grocery store I brought out some chairs and a bench from the garage as today the girls are coming for coffee on the deck. I took the steel/river rock top bistro table out of the garage and to the top of the first landing and left it there for my daughter to help me carry it down the steps. A few years ago, maybe two years ago, I would have carried it myself but I am getting smarter in my “old age” and decided better to have help. Once that was done, we were back in the house and did a few things and then sat down on the sofa and I had some coffee and Alvin just curled up beside me. I love that. It seemed like only a few minutes and Amanda was back from the store. We visited and then she was on her way with a quick stop before heading home. Alvin and I went for a walk. It was so gorgeous out. I only wore a long sleeved sweater and winter vest and shoes. Not even any mini gloves! We walked on the opposite side of the street where it appears to be spring or late fall and where the sidewalk is mostly dry. There were a few wet spots but mainly where there was a street or back lane to break up the public sidewalk. Several streets away from home, Alvin decided he wanted to cross to the other side of the street, I wondered why for a second, checking both directions for oncoming traffic and none we crossed. As we got to the snow back lining the other side of the street, I realized that he was going to see his best friend Teddy. Even after climbing over a small snowbank and down to the sidewalk he turned the right direction and literally pulled me to his friend’s house. I kept saying “Alvin, not today buddy” but he was firm in his decision and before I knew it he was crossing their driveway and heading up the steps. As I rang the doorbell, I could hear Teddy and Kobi barking. Then saw Iris peeking out of the window. Everyone was excited to see us as I apologized for just dropping in as they both replied “you are always welcome.” Before we got past the foyer, I explained to Iris that Alvin can no longer have any of the chews that the pups always have and she quickly picked them all up. We had the most enjoyable visit as we social distanced of course. I sat in a rocking chair and little Miss Kobi came and curled up by my feet, so sweet. Iris remarked “oh she missed her Auntie Carol.” It was a quick wonderful unplanned visit and we were all happy to see each other. I guess Alvin missed his buddy after all he has been through and the time since he last saw him. I see a sleepover in their near future. Once again we were on our way walking and enjoying the warm, sunshine of the day. I let Alvin lead the way. He took us down a different street on the opposite side from Teddy’s house and we made our way home from there. It was a wonderful feeling arriving home and having to wipe Alvin’s wet paws dry. What a wonderful time we had. Shortly thereafter, I was washing my hands and grabbing the ingredients to make the fruit pizza. I had the cream cheese softening on the counter. Fruit pizza is very easy to make but is time consuming. Have to make the cookie dough and bake. The cream cheese filling. Cut up the fruit. Make the orange glaze. All separately and then put together when the base and the glaze are cool so that the cream cheese does not go runny. Made the fruit pizza and was admiring it – even snapped a photo and then I realized that I had forgot to pour the glaze over the top. I actually even sent a photo to Amanda before the glaze went on and had her thinking that something was missing. Anyway, all good. Once done, it was almost time to feed Alvin and get changed and finish up the dishes from the baking. I had time to have a sip of coffee. The food arrived five minutes before the kids arrived. Perfect timing. I covered the bag with heavy tea towels to keep in the heat. Then the house was filled with family once again. We enjoyed our supper and conversation. After supper we decided we were too stuffed to enjoy the fruit pizza and played a game of sequence. All three of us were were in conversation and not 100% in the game but we had fun. After the game we had the fruit pizza. Poor Mr. Alvin was so sorry that he could not have some fruit. He really wanted some but I did not cave. He could not have the pizza anyway because of the sugar but I had some cut up in the fridge and it stayed in the fridge. Sure is hard to not give him fruit or vegetables. Alvin’s doctor is going to check and see if there are any fruits or vegetables that he could have. Oh, I forgot before the fruit pizza and the game – Amanda opened her birthday gift. Alvin and I got her a pair of earrings. Tiny silver hoops with her birthstone. She loved them. After dessert, Amanda and I went into the basement to go through some of her childhood toys and stuffies. They have neighbours that they are especially close to and they have a daughter and a son. The little girl is smitten with Amanda and even told her that she loved her. How sweet is that. Anyway said girl named Charlotte is turning 5 this month. How cool they even have birthdays in the same month. She wanted to give her a toy of some sort ….. maybe science set as she loves science and I suggested because of Charlotte’s love for her that she give her something that was hers when she was a little girl. So we went through containers until we found her bag of stuffies. We brought some things upstairs where she went through the bag of stuffies …. there was Miss Piggy, Rainbow Brite, one of the bugs from a Bug’s Life, Teddy Bears, Wuzzles and so many more that I cannot remember the names. She took the bag home but decided to give her the “Bug from a Bug’s Life” as she has an invisible friend and likes that particular movie. How cute. Anyway it was touching and brought back so many memories as she went through some of her toys and stuffies from her childhood. Now they are where they belong with Amanda. I miss them though …. my baby is not a baby … I guess my 41 year old daughter is a grown woman now…….
Well it is now after 8:30 and I had better get the show on the road. The girls will be here shortly. Yesterday was amazing and I am so grateful for every moment of the day.
Today is going to be great as well. I need some coffee and cannot wait until the girls arrive so will run down and make a couple of cups before making a pot closer to 10:00. I want to get some more chairs out of the garage. Was waiting for this morning.
Have an awesome day. Harness the joy that each moment brings and hold it close to your heart and keep those thoughts in the foreground of your mind as you make your way through this day and every day.
Living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.
Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? Well this Sunday morning we were up as per usual at around 4:00 a.m. – Alvin went outside and then we headed to the sofa for some zzz’s. Just as I was settling down he jumped off the sofa and starting pawing at said sofa, which is his way of telling me to get up. So up I got and checked the clock and it was almost 4:30 ….. so out came his food, he happily gobbled it down and then outside to do his business. Back into the house and to the sofa for some zzz’s.
Not long later or so it would seem, he was up and pawing at the sofa (luckily he has not left marks), so up I got and looked at the time it was 7:12 a.m. We went outside. I heard we were supposed to get snow today so wanted to pick up that morning “package” that he left in the yard before I would have to play detective to find it under fresh snow. While outside I noticed that the odd snowflake was falling and glad we went out. I noticed that my neighbour Sonja was already up and Bogart the cat was up on the railing saying good morning. It was at that moment that I decided to go into the garage and grab the box for my old t.v. so that I may store it properly/securely while I decide what to do with it. I have a small television in the basement family room which I watch every once in awhile. Just not sure if I really need a bigger television. Was thinking of asking about to see if a family or someone needs a good television. Following that I grabbed all of the laundry that was drying to bring upstairs and put away. Back upstairs, made our bed and put away the dried clothing. Did some online banking. Writing this blog and then will have a shower. I have now removed several items from my TO DO LIST for today. Doing a happy dance. Thank you Alvin for getting this Momma up and mobile earlier. Usually once I get up and doing something, I am okay to get going.
I was checking out the long range weather forecast and noticed that today is supposed to bring some snow, tomorrow is to be sunny and mild and then after that rain and then snow, argh. By Friday the temperatures are supposed to dip into the minus 20’s celsius. Not really looking forward to that but we have been so lucky, so fortunate that our weather thus far has been very mild. Looks like Alvin’s birthday party is going to be cold so will be nice to have company as we likely won’t be heading out for a walk.
Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 is Alvin’s 12th birthday. I cannot believe that we have been together “11” years on Tuesday. Time flies. He definitely is a young 12 year old and I hope that we have many more happy healthy years together. I am planning a birthday party for the boy next Sunday. His best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobi and the grandpups Miss Aspen and Milo and of course, my daughter and son-in-law will attend. Tomorrow I am going to see if I can get a cake or something like that for the special day. Also pick up something for a gift for Alvin and some treats for the pup’s goodie bags. After all you cannot have a birthday party any longer without party favours / treats for the guests. Decorations will be simple. A Happy Birthday banner and I have some Happy Birthday table decorations. We do not use balloons as they are bad for the environment and for animals, birds and marine life. Alvin hasn’t mentioned anything but I think he is excited for the party. He loves to have company at home. Not much of a traveller this guy.
Looks like a fine layer of snow on the deck that was once bare to the wood. Oh well. Temperature to be mild. Hopefully we can get a walk in at some point without snow coming down.
Wednesday is the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris. I hope that they have a safe and peaceful transition to their positions.
I hope that you are having a great weekend.
We continue to live with kindness, respect and compassion for all.
Good Morning All. How are you doing this Thursday morning? I am well, we are well. Alvin was whining at the office doorway until I explained to him that we do this every morning and to come in and lay down on his bed. He complied. WOW, I did not expect that but he actually understood. YAY, pack leader.
Have you ever thought about when you were much younger where we would be in the year 2021? Did you think that we would be zipping through the air in cars equipped for off ground travel? Kind of like the Jetsons. Or that we might be able to teleport from our homes to anywhere on the planet that had a “telepad.” That holograms were a household fixture. I guess having the automated vacuum systems that zip about and clean our floors is a start. Also being able to turn lights off and on remotely by using an app on your cell phone. Do you remember the communication devices on Star Trek and how they resemble some of our first mobile phones? From the imaginations of the movie makers to the minds of inventors. Not every item but it gives people ideas. I also thought that by 2021 we would be living in peace worldwide and we are not even remotely close. I do wish for world peace. But is that even possible for human beings? Not as long as we have a need for power and dominance and for material wealth. Also I would have thought that by the time we could fly to the moon we would have conquered disease and many of our day to day issues. A big one is “the use of single use plastics.” The other day on television the ladies on this Canadian talk show were speaking about single use plastics and “tampons” were near the top of the list. It has been many years since I have had to use feminine hygiene products but I totally agree, we can land on the moon but we cannot come up with something to replace all tampons? Some Canadian provinces are banning single use plastics by the end of 2021 and that is a start. But how about we hire some of our best and brightest to come up with replacements for all of these items that are bad for us and for the environment. There has to be a way. I guess 2021 could be the beginning of us pulling together and doing what is right for us, for every creature, for nature and for the environment.
This is a subject much bigger than the time that I have at this moment. We have to do something and sooner than later. Stop standing with our heads in the sand so to speak. Pull off the blinders.
Time to go to work.
Teddy and Kobi will be spending the afternoon with me and Alvin.
Living my life as I hope you are living yours with kindness, respect and compassion for all.
My New Life @ 51 