2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am well, we are well, except for being a bit on the sleep deprived side. Definitely sleep deprived. It is awesome having my daughter in the house this morning. Seems like old times. I had a rather typical untypical Sunday night. We chose to sleep on the sofa as I thought we would be more comfortable there than the spare bedroom. I also decided to watch the ADELE special on television from the start at 9:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. It was so good. I absolutely love her voice. The new songs were wonderful and listening to the old ones was amazing. The people attending the concert which was held in Los Angeles on top of the world at The Griffith Observatory with a star studded audience including Melissa McCarthy, Oprah who did an interview and introduced her for the concert, Ellen DeGeneres, Drake, Seth Rogen and Jessie Ferguson. Part way through the concert she brought out a fan who proposed to his long-time girlfriend. It was a great night and worth staying up. Most times I don’t fall asleep until after 10:30 anyway. But this Sunday my brain would not shut down. It went into hyperdrive thinking about the concert, about work, about this one file that I have to finish tomorrow when I am back working from home, going to the office today and on and on. Then just before 1:00 a.m., I hear these two teenage girls laughing wildly and I at first think that I am losing my mind and then I jump up and go over to the window. What I saw disturbed and scared me on every level. Outside my window, on the street, two young girls were running down the street which was icy, slipping and sliding. Just behind them stopped on the street was a black sedan. Then the girls ran back to the car to the rear of the car. My heart stopped as they held onto the back of the car. The driver accelerated the gas taking the car forward with the girls holding on behind. He kept going a bit faster and finally they slipped and fell. I almost ran outside but I was scared. The car stopped. Then I could hear the girls as they jumped up from the pavement and slipping and sliding they crawled into the car and a few seconds later the car took off. What in the world is wrong with kids? They think that they are invisible. So after that, I definitely was not sleeping. Then it was two and Alvin woke up and I managed to coax him to sleep and then it was 3:00 and we were up and outside. I have my trusty flashlight app on my phone, best thing ever. I did sleep about the time I had to get up but oh well. Should sleep good tonight. Mr. Alvin was happy to come upstairs with me and quickly put his nose to the bedroom door where our girl was sleeping opening the door and jumped up onto the bed where he curled up next to her. Looks like the time is evaporating here.

We had some snow yesterday and I did my first round or two of shovelling. Hopefully the streets and roads are not icy.

Wishing you a great day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am well but bothered by a situation that occured in our neighbourhood last night. Alvin is okay other than wanting my attention but that is nothing new. Yesterday as you know I took the afternoon off as vacation time as Alvin had an appointment. The weather was so nice but incredibly windy. We enjoyed our walk at noon. I received some good information from Alvin’s Vet regarding the covid vaccine and was able to speak to a pharmacist nearby so I should be able to get in for my first shot next week. I am happy about that. Seems like a muddle of a mess going on. I heard later in the day that vaccines were pulled and sent to “hot spots” in our province. I understand the reasoning. Anyway, at least this sounds promising.

After Alvin’s appointment we went home and just hung out together. I did a bit of tidying up and then it was time for supper. Alvin, first as always and I had leftovers. Easy peasy. Later on about 7:00 p.m., I was looking for a movie to watch and came across “Shrek the Third” on one of the channels so I started to watch. It was only a few minutes into the movie when I happened to see out the window what looked like two small dogs running. Some people walking across the street and stopped and looked and then carried on and on my side of the street along came some teenagers who had been looking as well. Of course, not one person was doing anything. I ran to the door and asked the kids as I could not see the dogs at that point due to cars parked along the street and the mailboxes if they saw two dogs without owners and they said yes by the mailboxes. Just as I was about to turn and run for my shoes, phone and keys, I noticed one of my neighbours from down the street walking on the other side of the street. I called out to her and said about the dogs and she said that she was trying to catch them. I quickly called out that I was going to grab my shoes and then I would be out. So I put on my shoes, grabbed my phone and keys, locking the door as I flew out of the house. Dogs off leash are always a concern in our neighbourhood as there is a lot of traffic and people always speed. By the time I got out they had crossed to my side of the street and my friend was right beside them. I had to run to catch up. Have not had to run in a long time. Anyway, I reached them. She had brought a leash with her (smart) and was trying to put it one of the dogs who had a harness. I was able to grab the other little one and took my lanyard with my keys to stop it and as I did not think to bring a leash with me, I scooped the furry bundle up into my arms. The other pup ran over and was growling and trying to jump up on me. Neither was vicious at all. But what they were was noticeably neglected. Both pups desperately needed baths and hair cuts. They had matts and smelled badly. Friendly and oh so cute.

We had not idea what laid ahead once we got back to my house. I had snapped a couple of photos as I thought they may be needed. My friend and I took the pups back to my house. We were on the porch and I said that I had a leash in the house but due to the condition and possibility that they have have mites or ticks or something else, I did not want to bring them into the house close to Alvin. So in the moment I was going to leave them with my friend on the porch but that was not working as both pups wanted to come in and it was clear that I could not leave the one without the leash on the porch. I scooped him up, went into the house and searched for the leash in with Alvin’s things. I found it quickly and my friend determined that in fact the pup did have a collar on so I did not need to bring the only one I have (which only had for emergencies as Alvin wears a harness). Alvin was wondering what was going on and got by me but I managed to get him back into the house without contact with the pup that was waiting on the porch with my friend. OH my goodness what a time. Anyway everything seemed to be happening so fast.

Next thing Alvin was in the house and we were discussing what to do when we noticed the Police SWAT vehicle across the street and a Swat Officer was coming towards us. Apparently they had been called out to a house in the neighbourhood and while going into the house two dogs got out. They had come over and were asking if I lived in the house and if they were my dogs. I said “No, that they were on the loose and we had rescued them and were waiting to figure out what to do next.” I made sure to mention to the Officer about the neglect of these poor dogs. He said could we hold onto them for a few minutes as another Officer would come and speak to us. I said Yes. A couple of minutes later he was into the vehicle and they were gone. While the back door of the vehicle was open I could see a man inside. A Police Officer approached us a few minutes later. He explained that they were searching a house (no details) and asked if we could keep the dogs until the owner of the house could come for them and that it would not be too long. I said Yes. I also told this Officer about the condition of the dogs. He left and a few minutes later another neighbour from down the street who had driven by just as this was all happening came over to see what was going on. She stayed. We were standing on my porch and sidewalk chatting about the situation. The first woman on the rescue team had to go home as she had not had supper. Then we were down to two. The dogs were friendly. I went into the house at one point and got them some water. We had to loosen the collar on the one dog as it was so tight. His hair was matted and a mess. He/She (we could not easily see but figure were boys due to the way they peed with leg up on my tree) laid on my outdoor porch matt and rubbed his stomach against the matt. I think that he was really itchy. Really what should have happened was that the police called Animal Control and had them taken in where they would have been looked after and the owner should have been charged with animal cruelty and neglect but alas that did not happen. I still cannot get them out of my head. Anyway after waiting over 1.5 hours for someone to come and fetch the dogs, the neighbour that was waiting with me (nice to have the company) decided to walk over, and see if she could see anything (we knew where the police were) and she seemed to be gone a long time when she finally came back. Lo and behold, she went up to the house and spoke to the Police and found that she actually knew the owner of the house. One of the officers told her that they were almost done and it was okay to bring back the dogs. I had been starting to get cold and was thinking that they needed to get inside anyway, so off we went to take them home.

I was not prepared for what happened. When we arrived at the house, the door was open. We could see from the sidewalk several Police Officers inside, and “the owner.” As we came closer to the house, my friend addressed him and the man said thank you. I don’t remember what else he said but as I leaned over to first undo the leash for one of the dogs and then the other, the words spilled out of my mouth about their poor condition and that I should be reporting them and that was clearly not the words to be saying. He got MAD. Before anything else could happen my friend urged me to go.

In hindsight, I wanted the man to know how badly they needed care and attention and that this was not acceptable. Besides there were several police officers there and I wanted them to hear this, as well. I at no time was afraid for my life. I was only hoping the dogs would get some help. Before we had gone to the house my friend had said that the dogs belonged to the son of the homeowner and that he had complained about all they do is “piss in the house” (his words not mine). Clearly he had no concerns for their well being and it breaks my heart that these darling little creatures had to be left in this house. I am MAD. How could that man not be ashamed? I am willing to bet that those dogs are never walked, never gone to a groomers or to the vet, not bathed in a really long time.

The Police Officer not the Swat Officer had taken my name and phone number initially so perhaps they will contact me about the dogs. I did not think to take note of the house number and it was dark by this point. We walked back to the first neighbour’s house after leaving the pups to drop off the leash. One thing is for sure, should we ever see those pups out again, we will be calling the authorities. I do hope and pray that maybe my words would give him a kick in the butt and the pups will receive some care and attention OR if they do not want to look after them at least give them up to the authorities so that someone that truly wanted dogs would take these darling little ones. They would have to go together as the one is super protective of the other. It was a Friday night that I will not soon forget.

Well I had better get dressed as it is getting late and Alvin is giving me the stare. I do hope that if anyone reading this story and sees any dogs or cats or any creature neglected that they will take the time and call the authorities. Animals do not deserve to be treated badly.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience for ALL.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

COUNTDOWN: 60 days to 60

Today is Saturday June 17, 2017 and it is the 54 day until my 60th Birthday.

Crazy that the days are passing so quickly.

This writing has helped to gain perspective on a few things, and to give me extra purpose in the days and years ahead.

My family and I have had I would say an odd relationship.

Not bad but odd.

I am the eldest child of five.

We lost one brother several years ago.

We, remaining four are two girls and two boys.

I am closer to my sister because I have been around her more than my brothers, know her better, and because we are girls.

Part of the reason for this was I left home when I was sixteen years old.

This was not my choice.

I was always their guide and protector and it hurt me a lot to leave them.

My paternal grandfather had died in a farming accident back “home” and my Dad decided it would be a good idea for me to go and live with my Grandmother.

I was sixteen and she was 72.

I had always loved my Gran and was close to her but the idea of leaving my siblings behind scared me a great deal.

My youngest brother was 8, the other boys were 10 and 11; my sister was 14 when I left home.

I would say that this was the hardest thing that I have ever had to do.

Leaving my babies behind – being the eldest I was always responsible for them and they really did feel like my children.

So as I said, we have an odd relationship.

My sister and I are super close.

The boys feel like my children – most especially the youngest one.

I think it was hard for them, too.

We love each other very much.

I always felt bad that I missed out knowing them better in those years, and then as teenagers.

It also has had an effect on every conversation and get together over the years.

Whenever they spoke of many things – I was not there, and could not be connected to that memory, and that always hurt.

I did not feel included in a way.  Not that it was their fault as it certainly was not the case.

Now that is not to say that we did not see each other during those years we certainly did but not on a day to day basis.

My very core hurt when my middle brother passed away …..

Everyone has something in their life that throws their life into the fire pit.

So family is important to me.

I may not see my “babies” on a regular basis but they are engrained in my very being and with me everyday.

My Mom always treated me as a younger sister and even referred to me, as such.

My Dad well, despite his shortcomings, I loved him.

Families are not all the same.

You do the best that you can.

I am excited for my birthday as my sister and younger brother are coming to stay with me.

So excited to spend time with them.

Your family is your family.

All you can do is the best you can do …..

I am blessed to be a part of this family.

 

Always, Carol

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 30th day of November, 2016.

Last November 30th of 2016.

I cannot believe that in three years it will be 2020.

I am excited for that date to come around ….. not quite sure why.

 

Have to share a “somewhat cute story.”

After work I always or mostly always catch a city bus to my home.

Last night I caught the usual bus downtown; we stopped at West Edmonton Mall per norm.

I have got to know one of the bus drivers, an older gentleman and so nice.

So we usually chat from downtown until West Edmonton Mall and then the bus clears out and I can sit down.

We chat about bus schedules, our dogs, family and life in general.

This time I decided to continue our conversation and did so once everyone had hopped on and was seated.

When we got to the bus terminal “Lewis Farms” …… yes it has my last name.

Very cool.

Sidetracked.

Okay back to the story as it will soon be time to leave for work.

So he dropped us off and I walked across to the bus stop where I catch the bus that will take me within walking distance of my house.

I was waiting at the stop …. first in-line ….. wait for it.

Usually I am by myself for a few minutes as no one wants to wait outside.

Last night people started to line-up behind me.

After a few minutes the bus arrived pulling over to where we were standing.

Just before he came to a full stop three teen-age girls walked from behind everyone and came over beside me.

The bus stopped virtually right beside me.

This all happened in a matter of seconds.

They were beginning to cut in front of me to enter the bus, and I said in my most stern voice  ” HOW RUDE” and “nicely” got in front of them; onto the bus taking the first empty seat.

One girl said “We are all going to the same place” as they walked by me on the bus.

I was going to say something like “I know, so why did you cut in front of the line?” and my better self said do not continue this conversation.

Another older woman smiled at me when she got on and said “thank you.”

Why is it that some people think they can get away with bad manners.

Not around this cookie.

I felt like “MANNERS REBEL” ……

Anyway I do not think people should get away with being smart asses and that is what they thought they were going to do “push the old lady out of the way” …. not this old lady.

Perhaps they will think again before jumping the line or maybe not.

Perhaps it will give other people who are constantly taken advantage of “say something.”

Anyway now it is time to leave for work.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

 

Snow flurries are in the forecast for tomorrow.

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all those folks who never say anything …. perhaps you should.

Always, Carol and Alvin