Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! We are doing great on this Saturday morning. Sleep was good. The sky is partially clear with cloudy patches. I was looking at the photos that are coming up on the wallpaper and screensaver displays. Memories so many memories. Photos of my brothers and sister, my nephews, my daughter and son-in-law, grandpups and so many more. I would like to take the time to look through all $40,000 + photos on my computer as I have no idea anymore what has been kept or not. I started to go through them a few times to delete duplicates and bad shots but then I stopped doing it for one reason or another. Life mainly. Another project that I need to get on. I would like to buy a new computer in the not too distant future as this poor old girl (my iMac) has not taken updates for quite some time. I purchased her brand new from the Apple Store at West Edmonton Mall back in 2009. So she does not owe me anything and she has been quite good. I have done a bit of research and it would seem that anything at a decent price is a model that in a short time will not take updates. So I have been waiting and reading and trying to figure things out. I certainly do not wish to spend hundreds/thousands of dollars on something that will not last. Now if I could get 10-15 years with no issues that would be great. Also should I got with a portable model instead? So many questions and things to consider. More research is needed.

We received a text from our friend Iris yesterday advising that they were in the city to take in a family event and was wondering if we could get together and I said “YES” as we miss our friends so much. Alvin is going to be so excited to see his best friend Teddy and of course Miss Kobi. They are coming for a visit at 11:00 a.m. this morning. We, I slept in a bit later so will have to get this show on the road as it is going onto 9:30. This weekend I would like to put away the patio furniture and bring some things in from the garage, there are plants to tend to as I have them everywhere, up and down and all around. There are some flowers that are blooming and that brings joy to my heart. Always good to have plants in the house. I want to wash the blinds and there are 10 in all over two floors in the house. The usual laundry, dusting and cleaning floors. I will leave the oven cleaning until next weekend as I will likely run out of time this weekend.

I am happy that it is the weekend and that I am home with Mr. Alvin. We had a shorter walk last night after work but still some exercise. Some is better than none. I am grateful to my friend and neighbour Alyaa for taking such great care of Mr. Alvin while I am at work.

Have an awesome weekend. Enjoy the weather and each other.

Keep the positive energy flowing.

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

Yes, coffee will be good this morning. I must grind more beans.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! I hope that this Tuesday morning finds you well and rested. We had an okay sleep. I had a great Monday, well actually both Alvin and I had a SUPER Monday. Alvin’s BF Teddy and his little sister Kobi arrived in the late morning and left about 3:30 in the afternoon. Honestly, Alvin was so excited, he skipped. I am so happy that we got to see his Teddy and Kobi. They were equally happy to see us and I cannot wait until the next time they can come for a visit. They spend more time at the farm now so our visits are limited. I snapped some photos and videos. When I took my lunch break Alvin and Kobi were on the chaise part of the sofa and Teddy was snuggled on my lap. I would have snapped a photo but my phone was not nearby. The utter joy these little ones bring to our house makes my heart sing. I was so happy for Alvin. As he gets older having his best bud around is so important. I know that he misses him terribly as whenever we walk by their house he runs up the driveway for the steps. It breaks my heart when they are not home. Anyway, yesterday was a good day for us both.

After work I called our friend Pauline to see if she was able to go for a walk but she was having her granddaughter and her boyfriend over for supper and was not able to go. We chatted for a few minutes but my phone kept going in and out. I am not sure why. Dead air/space without Wifi in the house? I do not know. After our chat we went for a walk. The wind was bitterly cold so we walked close to Pauline’s house which is about halfway and then back home. Garbage day today so we meaning me got it ready and put it out. I must say that I love our new bins. Just wish that we had something for recycling other than blue bags. But it is a start. Then we had supper and after supper my sister called. We had a great chat. Lots of laughter. Catching up. We decided that next summer (hopefully we can get together) we will have Christmas in August. Instead of celebrating some birthday we will have Christmas. I will bake their favourite treats and I will put up my small tree. I would decorate the house but my sister said “too much.” So the little tree it is. Funny thing that my phone did not cut in and out this time, was it because I was on the speaker phone? We chatted for almost two hours. I love my sister. She always makes me laugh so hard and brings joy to my heart. She does for me what Teddy does to Alvin.

Well time to head downstairs. I kept putting on the “SNOOZE” button this morning. I noticed that the frost is quite heavy this morning on the cars so definitely a colder morning. Thankfully when we were putting out the garbage last night, I remembered to put away the new garden house and drain it.

Have a wonderful Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day today. I have Irish roots and am proudly wearing my “green” today.

Happy Birthday to my great niece for whom I missed her special day. Happy 18th Birthday Selena. I cannot believe that you are about to graduate High School. You were only a little girl a few months ago or so it seems.

Happy Birthday to my friend Terry W. back in Regina. You are a bright light and always so much fun to be around. Wishing you a great day.

Happy Wednesday to everyone who celebrates the middle of the week.

Good Morning Sunrise …. the sky is beginning to turn the most delightful colours as the sun rises in the morning sky.

Thank you to Teddy and Kobi for visiting with us yesterday ….. definitely brightened our day.

Thank you for the warmer temperatures. We are so enjoying them. The snow on our deck is quickly melting as well as the snow bank on the grass area. The snow on our front lawn on the northside of our home well that is quite another story. As I have said before it is spring across the street from our house and winter on our side. Oh well with the next couple of weeks temperatures soaring into the double digit plus numbers we are sure to see a huge dent in the snow banks for sure.

I am so excited to start planting flowers and arranging my patio/deck furniture and all the outdoor stuff. This summer I am going to paint my fence. A big job for sure.

Just looked through my photos for some green and found this one. Won’t be long now and we will be surrounded by green trees and grass. Alvin is in the foreground or at least part of him, lol.

Have a wonderful day.

Living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this fine sunny Monday morning? I am so lucky that today is a “day off” as the Province of Alberta celebrates “Alberta Family Day” Considered to be a stat holiday. My plans for this day are to gather my Steeped Tea and NORWEX paperwork for Income Tax. That time will come up soon enough and this time around I would like to be prepared. Also have to tally electricity charges, heat, internet and so on, those deductions that may be used in time tax when you are in business for yourself. I claim my commissions obviously as income. This is all in addition to my regular job. Anyway, that is the plan for this afternoon. Hopefully the temperature has warmed up enough that we can also go for a walk this afternoon. Yesterday I thought felt warmer was actually minus 28 celsius with the windchill. I guess it was warmer when compared to minus 45 or so with the windchill. Yesterday we had a great visit with my daughter. She stopped by the store and picked up a few items for us. I went out to the garage when she arrived, as this was the first time my daughter was driving the new car, well she backed the new car into the garage. It is huge compared to their other car, the KIA Soul. The back up camera got her parked within I would say three inches from my bistro table which is made of steel and river rock. That would have caused a serious dent. I am going to move that table so there is more room, I had not thought the car was that big but it is. Alvin was happy to see his sister. I helped carry the groceries into the house. When she came into the house after me, hand in hand with the most beautiful plant with pink flowers in a cute pink pot adorned with a pink heart, so pretty and a bag which she handed to me right away which I found to contain a box of one of my favourite treats from Dairy Queen – dilly bars. My other fav is the buster bars with nuts. I love the two and they are truly a treat for me. After the groceries were quickly put away, I made her a cup of coffee and began to dish the food. I made these egg treats which I am calling EGG MUFFINS ….. they are finely chopped veg (I used broccoli, red pepper, yellow onion and parmesan cheese) in the bottom of a muffin tin and then pour whisked egg over top. Easy peasy. So good. I also put in some spice and pepper but found that I could have added more spice for sure. We had sourdough bread toast with the egg muffins. The other thing to know is that I sprayed the muffin tin with a vegetable spray to help the muffins not stick. They did stick a bit but not too bad. We enjoyed our late breakfast/brunch/lunch together. Mr. Alvin was feeling left out and wanted what we were having of course. Afterward we enjoyed a couple of the “no bake energy bites” that I had chilling in the fridge and some coffee on the sofa. Our visits are always great and never long enough. But there is never enough time with my girl. When she went to leave a few hours later, she had asked if I wanted to drive the new car. I said YES. So I started the new car and drove it round from the garage down the back lane and onto the street that goes by the house and parked in front of the house. I must say it is a pretty sweet ride. I am so happy for them. It is a nice vehicle. Once we said our goodbyes, I went to the house and waved as she pulled away. Back in the house, Mr. Alvin had been watching from the window. I wanted him to see the car on the street so that he will know it is his sister next time she drives by. He knew the other car by sight. We received a text from Teddy & Kobi’s Mom that they had a Valentine’s treat for us and was wondering if they could pop by. Who can turn down treats, not me and Alvin. I always love when the pups come to the house ….. Teddy’s Mom puts him down and he runs like there is no tomorrow to the house. I of course, was ready with the door open and in he ran. Kobi’s Mom put her down closer to the house and in she ran. They jumped up and down so happy to see us. Their Mom came in mask covered to give us our gift which was chocolate for me and a bag of chew treats for the boy, and for a short visit. We always social distance. I feel so blessed that I had some company. Otherwise 24/7 it is only me and Alvin. Not complaining. Not complaining.

Well it is time to head on downstairs. I could not get my keister up from the sofa this morning so it was about 8:30 when we got up for the final time …. I will say that it was Alvin that got me up. He nudged me to say …. time Momma to get up. I am glad that he did. With a bright blue sky and sun shining …. it is going to be a great day.

I am grateful for all of our many blessings.

Continuing to live this day as all others with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. Thank goodness it is now Friday. Not that I want to wish my life away but what an exhausting week it has been. Sometimes I wished that I did not watch anything on television or visit any social media platforms; the news has been horrific. I know that most people had visions of 2021 being all that 2020 was not but we are not off to a great start. Our restrictions have been extended another two weeks. Other Canadian provinces have placed even more strict protocols than my now home province of Alberta.

All I can say is today is a new day. Hopefully we can do better. We have to, we must. No matter what is going on around us ….. we have to step up and be better citizens of the world.

Yesterday at noon we walked over and picked up Teddy and Kobi to bring them home with us for the afternoon. It was an interesting walk with three pups. Kobi is the escape artist so I was most careful with her. We kept running into people with large dogs but luckily for me they all nodded their heads and crossed the street; I guess an “older” woman with three dogs coming toward them was reason enough. I nodded and smiled with thanks. I had not thought that Alvin would have to poop on the way but we only walked to their house and did not go for the full walk, so really I should not have been surprised. So here I am with an extra strap around one wrist and the leash for Kobi in one hand, and the two on my other hand and trying to open a poop bag and then to pick it up. It was a funny sight! I managed and then we were on our way. I was grateful to get home and to be home with a few minutes to spare so that I could get us settled before heading back to work at my kitchen table. We had a good afternoon. The pups were good.

After work I decided to take the thermostat off the base, and change the batteries as it was giving the message REPLACE BATTERIES. I had it off and took batteries out of my battery container only to find that they were DEAD when I replace the thermostat on the base. So I set the thermostat on the table and figured that I would just ask my daughter to bring some double A batteries with her today as she is coming to drop off some new bras and socks that I ordered. Yup, Momma is getting some new BRAS, yes I said it. They are desperately needed and socks as well. Back to the battery. I was feeling a bit chilled and realized after a bit that the furnace had not cut in so I did what any other modern day woman would do, I googled the situation. I found out that the thermostat talks to the furnace and it will not know that it needs to cut in, with no batteries. Basically it cannot respond to nonexistent temperature commands. So that is why I was getting cold and had actually gone and put on some warmer clothes. It was at that time that I started phoning and texting all my friends and neighbours. After a few calls, I was able to speak to my friend Signe who had some batteries. I was just on my way over to pick them up when another neighbour’s son came bounding up the walk with hand out “Mom, said you needed batteries.” I received other texts and calls to check. So grateful for such caring and wonderful neighbours. I called Signe to thank her and advise that I now had some batteries. The furnace cut in the first second the new batteries were installed and it was back on the base. The air once again felt warm. So grateful. Pups went home just before 7 p.m. and after our battery fiasco.

Well time to head back downstairs and get this work day going. I need coffee this morning.

Living with kindness, respect and compassion for all, please we must.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Welcome to Christmas 2020

Good Morning ALL. Merry Christmas Eve. We made it. So excited to see my family later today. Alvin and I were blessed to have his buddies Teddy and Kobi over for a visit yesterday. They kept him company while I worked. It was a win/win. They are so cute and we love them very much. Miss Kobi follows Alvin everywhere he goes whether inside the house or outside. Teddy and Alvin are happy to see each other and just be in the same space with no need to be close. They have a great relationship. Life is about relationships and friends for sure. Both Alvin and I are so blessed to have so many dear and wonderful friends. Friends are family and family are friends. We are blessed all the way round.

I just want to wish each and every one of you, the most special Christmas.

I hope that you are safe and in good health.

Alvin would like to thank you for taking the time out of your busy lives to read his Momma’s stories.

I totally agree with that statement, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I hope this day brings you joy and comfort.

I hope that you are able to enjoy each and every moment.

Continuing to live each day with kindness, respect and compassion.

Merry Christmas.

I am so excited for this Christmas!

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning, Yup still the A.M.

What a lazy morning.

Except for picking up Humphrey and looking after Cynder ….. it has been a morning of staying in pj’s and drinking coffee.

Now as the morning is evaporating I am thinking that I should get my act together.

Write this post, have a shower and get this day on the way.

The sun is shining and it feels warm outside.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me and Humphrey is under the desk by my feet.

Funny how they ALL feel the urge or need to be with me at all times.

It is groovy.

I think that I will share some more of our Christmas photos and a couple of stories.

 

MILO, Alvin and ASPEN

CHRISTMAS DAY – Kids took the pups for a walk while I prepped items for our supper.

CHRISTMAS with HUMPHREY

Alvin lent a paw as he is the gift opening expert in our family (and always eager to help)!

Humphrey and his gifts …. now I know why he was interested in the bag under our tree.

I read the label and there was “catnip” in some of the toys.

Not your typical Christmas Dinner but it was requested.

Everyone was happy …..

BOXING DAY shenanigans ….. Humphrey decided to be a WINDOW SILL LIVING ORNAMENT.

Alvin’s best friend Teddy, his little sister Kobi, their Mom and her sister, Aunt J ….. paid us a visit.

We had gifts for Teddy and Kobi but for some reason I only had one photo and there was a human in the photo so I decided not to share.

Teddy’s Mom handed me this huge box for Alvin.

So I placed it on the sofa and Alvin set to work opening it.

It took him a long while and I lent a hand here and there.

The gift was in a weed/grass trimmer box.

We had the box exposed when Teddy’s Mom handed a smaller gift to me and said “this is for Alvin.”

I was confused.

It dawned on me that the gift was in fact for me, not for Alvin.

Teddy’s Mom recorded the whole opening.

I was shocked and surprised at the gift.

It was actually a weed/grass trimmer for me.

I have wanted my own for a long time but never making it into the budget.

Teddy’s Dad wanted to get this gift for me, he researched the brand and bought it.

What what a crazy Christmas 2019.

Full of surprises.

 

One shot of all three of the pups …. Kobi dropped the chew treat a split second before I snapped the photo.

It would have been darling to have had all three of them with a chew treat in their mouth.

 

My daughter texted me yesterday to let me know that “my big gift” was still at their home.

She had mentioned Christmas Eve when we were opening the presents that something seemed to be missing.

Yes, something was missing and was home on their kitchen table.

She asked if I would like a picture of the gift and I said “No, thank you, I would like a surprise.”

This truly has been the season for surprises.

 

Well I had better hop into the shower before it is afternoon.

Feeling lazy but that is okay ….

Lots of time to do things…..

 

I hope that you enjoyed your holidays, your Christmas as much as I, we.

Humphrey managed to take over Alvin’s blue blanket and Alvin is patiently waiting in the hallway for me.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin & Humphrey ….