Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning All,

A beautiful clear morning sky as I glance out of my office window.

As you may have noticed I took a two day break from writing this blog post.

I was inspired by a fellow blogger who had taken some time off during the holidays.

So I am back.

It is hard to believe that tomorrow is New Year’s Eve.

With today being the second last day of 2019 and of this decade.

WOW, crazy hey.

I have more photos to share (well that is no surprise).

When I was uploading them from my phone to the computer this morning, I saw unbelievable numbers.

I have 34,529 photos and 778 videos on my hard drive.

I guess that I had better start deleting some of them.

I find it difficult sometimes to go through them and delete the duplicate photos and the shots that are not in focus and such.

Somehow it makes me feel as though I am deleting my life.

Does that sound strange?

Or familiar to you?

But I have 3611 photos on my phone and 96 videos.

Now they are all downloaded/uploaded to my computer.

So why don’t I simply delete them?

I am trying.

Likely a good idea before I download/upload them to the computer to go through them.

But sometimes it is a timing issue as well.

But that is something that in this new era, new decade of 2020, that I must work on.

 

We just heard a sound and went to the bedroom window to investigate.

Our neighbours had some car problems so the tow truck was out to pick up their car and one of the owners.

I decided to video the car being loaded.

Very cool and took less than 10 minutes from beginning to end.

I hope very strongly that the repair bill is a small one.

 

I guess that I can get easily sidetracked, oh well.

It is my third last day of vacation and that is okay.

 

I have some photos of the past few days that I would like to share.

Why not I have 39,015 photos and videos to share.

Well perhaps not all of them.

These photos do not include the ones that I have from pre computer / digital age.

I have over 10,000 of printed photos.

But when you think of the difference in time ….. now it cost a lot of money to buy the film and then have them processed.

Also there were times that several photos did not turn out and those ones I did not have a problem discarding.

Somehow the on-line / digital ones are more difficult for me to dispose of  ….. but I will get better.

 

I guess it is “my life” in photos.

Alvin lost his spot on his blue blanket and Humphrey was quick to lay down.

The next photos were crazy beautiful shadows on the living room wall yesterday morning.

Just gorgeous.

 

Our last day with Humphrey – his Mama arrived home late last night.

Shot of my office …. just loved the sunlight shining on my books and stuff.

My last gift from my kids …. the one that was left behind.

I love it …. “even says SUGAR COOKIES.”

That is why my daughter bought it for me.

Table setting for my cousins who came for a visit and dinner last night.

We had a blast.

We always do.

 

Well I guess it is time to fly.

Getting late already.

We made a walking date for this afternoon with Teddy, his little sister and his Mom.

 

Time for some coffee, methinks.

 

I hope that you are having a great day whether at home or at work.

We are so blessed to have these extra days off during the holidays.

I have to make a list of things that I would like to finish before heading back to work.

It was nice to visit with my neighbours and friends and my cousins.

They were all on my list ….

Even had surprise visit from my daughter.

 

Happy Monday …. yes, it is Monday.

Oh, I am so confused.

Have to set some kind of alarm so that I do not forget to be ready for work on Thursday.

 

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 ….

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and here we are at Tuesday morning.

Back to work.

Alvin and I had a good snuggle this morning.

Yesterday Humphrey joined us for the day.

I mailed my out of town Christmas Cards to British Columbia, points in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and SWEDEN.

Mailed cards to virtually half of the Canadian Provinces.

On my way home from mailing the Christmas cards and actually quite close to home; out of nowhere I slipped and went down on one knee on the sidewalk.

I had been coming off the road onto the sidewalk.

I was so careful but I guess not quite careful enough.

Luckily everything being me and my phone were okay.

When I got home I checked and even though my coat and my pants covered my knees there was a big patch of skin gone.

It was sore but not super painful.

 

I was not home very long when the phone rang and it was Teddy’s Mom.

She was wondering what we were up to as they were thinking of going for a walk.

I told her about my spill and that strangely enough I was feeling kind of nauseas.

She said that they could walk over and if we wanted to join them on the walk home that would be great.

Always nice to see them and this time the baby was going to walk on her on.

She followed right beside her brother and walked all the way to our house.

Pretty impressive for a 14 week old pup.

She is so cute.

We had tea and a visit.

Before they left Teddy’s Mom who is a “Energy Healer” gave me a treatment.

She said that I had been blocked by old old energy and that the new experiences/new energy were not getting in because of the old stuff.

She told me that it felt like old paper.

As she worked on my knee, I could feel something leaving and just felt so energized.

My friend told me she could see it in my eyes and hear it in my voice that I was feeling better.

So out with the old and in with the new.

Feeling like a new person today.

We are all energy beings.

Everyone should try this …. so cool.

Just to note that after the treatment I could actually kneel and put weight directly on that knee.

 

Well it is almost time to head downstairs.

One thing that I must work on is my posture.

Also sitting.

The computer chair that I have is pretty hard for me to sit back fully in and comfortably type on the computer keyboard.

But I am going to work on sitting tall and properly.

Will help with the sometimes achy back that I have.

 

I am catching a ride with Humphrey’s Mom as my car pool is off today so that she can drive her husband to a medical appointment.

 

May you have an awesome Tuesday.

Surrounding yourself with love, kindness and respect.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

I hope that you are feeling wonderful this morning.

I am great.

We had such an awesome weekend, me and Alvin.

Both of us were able to spend time with our friends.

Yesterday, I went to the Christmas Craft Sale at our friends down the street.

I picked up several items so beautiful and could hardly wait to get them home and find a special place for each piece.

The sidewalk by my house was icy when I left home for the craft sale so I crossed the street which was about six inches of glaring ice.

Thankfully I made it there and home safely.

I love these friends, they are so welcoming and lovely.

Their home is absolutely gorgeous.

Good company, good food and beautiful craft items for sale.

Once home I noticed that Teddy’s Mom had sent me a message asking if I had wanted to go to the grocery store with her and could perhaps Teddy come over

and have a visit with Alvin.

I think that Teddy perhaps needed a little break from his new sister.

My friend had baby mind.

Just does to show you that it does not matter if you give birth to a baby, adopt a baby or have a baby of the four-legged persuasion – they are all precious but tire one out.

I had to giggle at her as needed to fill the car with gas but drove the car on the opposite side of the gas tank to the pumps.

On our way home she turned to go toward her house instead of mine.

Very cute.

But I totally get it.

Not enough sleep.

Can totally play havoc with your mind.

I asked if Teddy could stay and that that I would bring him home but of course, we didn’t have his harness and leash so we had just pulled up to my house, sat for a moment.

The pups saw us or at least I saw that Alvin had made eye contact and then we turned around and left.

We could just imagine that Teddy said to Alvin …. “that car looked like my Mom’s but why are they leaving?”

Went to Teddy’s house and picked up his harness and leash and then back to my house.

The boys were happy to see me.

I was only gone for about one hour (if that).

After I put groceries away and stuff ….. walked Teddy home.

We continued on our walk.

The air was so warm and refreshing.

Back home to make some STEEPED TEA SCONES.

Then supper and then time to kick back before bed.

Here are some photos:

The first wreath I am having my friend recreate for me and instead of the word BELIEVE I am having the owl.

She was going to add the little owl on the second wreath but I much prefer the first one.

This is their CHRISTMAS TREE, how gorgeous.

I love the long wreath on the door as well.

My scones.

Two red ceramic trees, homemade Christmas tree ornaments and the red snowflake and the antique tin in the bathroom.

What a great weekend.

Time to run.

Back to work.

 

Kindness and Respect of all creatures is the only way to live your life.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and Hello.

Welcome to Wednesday.

Mid week day.

Earlier this morning when I was outside with Alvin ….. there was tiny snowballs being hurled toward the ground.

Mother Nature at her best.

The grass crunched under my feet.

Lots of leaves covering the grass having blown in from the front and neighbouring yards.

Reminder for one last rake before we have snow cover.

Hopefully I have that opportunity this evening.

 

Well today is our off-site Staff Meeting.

Even though I do not like time away from my work; I really don’t mind the staff meeting.

There usually are a variety of topics and something guest speakers and the FOOD is great.

Nice to kick back and listen …. no phones …. no computers …..

 

Last night Alvin and I enjoyed our walk.

It was cold so we stopped by at Teddy’s house.

As always Teddy and his Mom were so EXCITED to see us and asked us to warm up and stay for tea.

Well Alvin did not have tea ….

He did have a treat …..

It was lovely to have an actual conversation with someone who would reply.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

I have never met anyone like Teddy’s Mom.

She is always over the moon happy to see us.

So welcoming.

Both Teddy’s parents are such wonderful people.

I am, we are blessed to call them friends.

 

One of my nephews called me last night.

We had such a great conversation.

Another reminder to call people.

I must get better about calling family and friends.

 

I am blessed to have a ride to the meeting with a co-worker and home.

A little birdie reached out and told me that there is going to be a parcel in the mailbox when I return home this evening.

Cannot imagine who that might have been / be.

Looks like this is going to be “our” lucky day.

It all started with me accidentally stepping on some poop in the backyard …. thankfully with my yard shoes.

Guess this means I need a stronger flashlight.

The one that I have is very small ….. like a keychain one.

Time for batteries …. note to self ….. put BATTERIES ON THE GROCERY LIST.

Yup, I will …. right now.

Done.

No more stepping on poop and then having to take 10 minutes to clean said shoes.

ARGH.

That is what happens when it is dark outside.

Another good reason to get batteries and rake the leaves.

 

Well time to put the finishing touches on before my ride arrives.

Alvin will have to go outside one last time.

Nice to be leaving later for a change.

 

Happy Happy Wednesday.

 

Reminder to myself …. always be KIND AND RESPECTFUL.

We may be kind, I may be kind  but watch on the respect.

It is easy to be less so.

But so import to be 100%.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 9th day of April 2018.

The sky is begin to lighten as the sun slowly begins to rise.

This week I am riding the bus as my friend is on vacation.

 

Yesterday we had an unexpected but happy guest.

Master Teddy spent the afternoon with us while his parents attended a birthday party.

OMG, he brings a smile to my face.

He is always so happy to come to our home and that makes me happy.

I am so pleased that Alvin has a playmate in our neighbourhood that he can see on a semi regular basis.

Teddy brings an energy to the house that brings a part of Alvin’s younger days back.

So great to see.

Although they do not play for long periods of time – they like each other.

They are happy to be chewing away on treats together.

Teddy on the new bed and Alvin on the sofa.

I also learned a valuable lesson yesterday.

You know how Mr. Alvin loves his vegetables.

Well I had given them both a few cooked peas in their own bowls.

Which they gobbled down.

Then I gave Alvin a piece of broccoli.

I figured that he ate it and never thought anything more about it until a bit later, I was in the living and looked down at the new doggie bed and saw bits of uneaten vegetable.

So nicely nestled in the fibres of the bed.

I then spent the next ten minutes or longer picking each tiny bit and piece out of the bed.

ARGH.

Lesson learned.

No one wants broccoli bits on their bed and most especially once they start to rot.

ARGH.

I believe that I got them all.

Later in the afternoon Teddy’s Mom arrived.

She walked from her house so as to walk Teddy home.

I asked if we could join them as we had not gone for a walk, so we did.

The wind was cool but the temperature felt warmer than it has in several days/weeks.

Perhaps spring is actually here.

Well time to leave for work.

The morning minutes fly by.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. hello….. how are you? SKYPE?

Always, Carol & Alvin