The Next Chapter

Good Morning. Another beautiful morning. The sunrise is reflecting off the window in a neighbour’s garage that is directly behind my house and garage. They have a window in the upper part of the garage and it shines right into my office window. How beautiful is it this morning! The sky is a bit hazy / smoky this morning but I opened the window anyway. I had my bedroom window open a bit last night for “fresh” air as the sky had seemed to be quite clear when I went to bed. The sun was still up when I went to bed just after 9:00 p.m. I am so congested that I honestly cannot smell any smoke so hopefully it is just my nose and there is no smoke wafting into my house. The smoke from the Canadian Wildfires is causing extreme poor air quality in the United States. The states that are south of Ontario and Quebec and Nova Scotia are most affected. When the wind is blowing in the right direction there is no escaping the smoke. Our air quality has been extreme off and on for weeks now as we have had significantly higher than average amount of wildfires for this time of year. I have never heard the word Canada/Canadian used so much by Americans as yesterday when they were speaking about it on the news, on morning and day time talk shows and on social media. They posted so many pictures. The photos from New York City seemed to be some of the worse for the smoke. I wished that we would get enough rain to extinguish the fires and that my fellow Canadians would be careful and considerate when out and about and stop starting these fires. This is not the time to be careless and thoughtless. In Quebec they lost a whole community. I believe there were 36 residents in the small town. I am not sure if there was loss of life but the town burned to the ground and could not be saved. I am thankful to all the hundreds of firefighters who have come to Canada to help put out and contain these wildfires. They came from Australia, South Africa and United States. The video of the firefighters arriving in Edmonton from South Africa was heartwarming. Thank you to all these brave people who are here to help us. Thank you.

Well sometimes “well laid” plans change. Last night my daughter arrived at 5:03 p.m. and I had supper ready. We gabbed away as we ate supper. About one hour later we were out of the house and on our way to Creekside Nursery to do some flower shopping and for the experience. We have done this for years. I even guided us to the highway the back way, which was delightful that I remembered only ever being a passenger. My GPS was working, lol. Anyway, after waiting a few minutes to cross the very busy highway (it literally is less than ten minutes from my house) to where the nursery is located. Just outside of the city. We turned in only to find the gate closed and a sign up. We checked the sign and noticed that they closed at 6:00 p.m., boo hoo. I was so sure that they were open till 9:00. My daughter thought she had checked and they were open later than 6:00 p.m., oh well not much we could do. We turned around and sat for a moment. Decided to check and see if there were any other nurseries close by that were open and there were not. We decided against going to the retail outlets that sell plants as it is not quite the same experience. We like to support local as well. Plans changed and we are going on Friday night. The sign they they are open until 8:00 p.m. so we are good. We came back and my daughter dropped me off. I was a bit sad not so much about the flowers but that Amanda would not be spending the night. I love having her here. I remember when Alvin was alive and how much joy there would be in the house when Amanda came to visit and sleepover. He loved his sister so much as do I, of course. Alvin would stand on his hind legs and look out the back door when he heard her at the garage.

I have to watch the time as yesterday I had only a few minutes to down a cup of coffee. It is nice to sit back and relax while having that first cup of coffee in the morning. I did take a to go mug to work but not the same and I almost never finish drinking that coffee. It is a waste. So this morning, I will drink the coffee at home and water at work.

Tonight after work I am going to Cookie’s house to visit her Mom, Alyaa. I am looking forward to seeing them. I will miss a few nights walking with Jeanette and Eddie and Alejandro.

Have an awesome Thursday. Yes, tomorrow is the weekend already. Where doe the time go?

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

Always, Carol & My Forever Angel, Alvin.

I could not find the one of him looking out of the back door but this gives you an idea!

Temporary bedroom

Lookin’ Out the Window…..

Al &; his sister

Last Half 2022 – December

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday morning? I am doing well. Had a pretty fair sleep. Up early as it is go to the office day. Oh, how I miss working from home 98% of the time. So much easier and so much more productive. I find the office one massive distraction although I do enjoy seeing my coworkers. Anyway!

Countdown to Christmas: today is December 12th so that leaves 12 sleeps till Christmas Eve.

Do you remember when you were a child and dreamt of seeing Santa and all of the presents under the tree? I will admit most Christmas it was a major disappointment but I still kept dreaming. Even through the disappointment I knew that I was luckier than so many other children. My comparison was the Children’s Orphanage that was in a small town in our area. I think that it was the thought of those children and the possibility of being one of them that kept me focused on the positive and kept me dreaming. Anyone that thinks children do not realize or know what is going on, think again, as you are sadly mistaken. We know.

Yesterday I got the shovelling done, finished up the laundry, put away the clothes that were air drying, washed my SHARK vacuum (as you are supposed to wash it out after each use), tidied up, went through my office desk drawer and sorted through and organized the papers and a few odds and ends. Pretty much a quiet, quiet day. I do miss my Alvin. This week and then one more week till Christmas. It will be a homecoming like no other. Cannot wait. He has slept through the night for three or four days now. Wow, that would be nice to continue but I get up sometimes so it would be okay.

So it is Monday! Yup it is Monday………what can I say? I would not say that it was my favourite day of the week and I would not say it was my least favourite. It is the beginning of the work week for me. I know that this is not the case for everyone!

Okay to explain this photo. On our way home from work on Friday, we happen to see waiting at the lights beside us, a cat in the passenger seat of the vehicle next to us. Have you ever seen a cat not in it’s carrier? I have not. The cat was looking out of the window and at times was meowing. I think this was the start to a great weekend. Just a guy and his cat!!

I had almost forgot about this until I was looking through some photos that I uploaded/downloaded yesterday. A good memory.

I am going to wear my new scarf to work today. So excited. It is so warm and comfy. I may even wear it while I am working because sometimes our office is cool. Thank you G.

Time to head back downstairs, whoops that was a slip. I have not been downstairs since I went to bed. Funny how your mind works. Oh Mr. Alvin! The Momma misses her boy and cannot wait until Christmas.

Have a great Monday!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Alvin Charlie Lewis

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this Tuesday morning? Today i work the late shift so I start at 11:00 am. We had a good sleep although to bed quite a bit later than usual.

Last night just before sunset we were out on the deck. Me watering the front and back flower beds and the flower pots on the deck with Alvin keeping an eagle eye on my every move. Once done I thought we would just sit on the love seat which happens to be the boy’s favourite spot. I gently lifted him onto the sofa and then sat next to him. He got comfortable and then started to look about. If he heard a bird his head snapped in the direction of the chirping. Me on the other hand focused on the flowers on the upper deck which are a mass of bright colours. They just seemed to blend into each other. So beautiful. No bugs to disturb our peace. We must have sat there enjoying the most perfect evening for a good hour or so. The air was cool enough for Alvin in his fur coat and I even had on a light sweater/jacket. As the sun dipped in the evening sky, I thought how very lucky am I, are we, to have this little piece of heaven to call our own.

This morning first check was on my lilies. Yes, we have lift off- they are blooming.

• 

• 

• 

  The Lilies

• 

  Thank you from Bailey & Mom

I am so grateful for all the beautiful flowers.

well time to head upstairs and have a shower.

we may even be able to enjoy time on the deck before gets too warm. Tomorrow they are coming to service the air conditioning do we will be cool with resorting to fans all over the main floor.

I am so grateful for our life. There may be a wrench thrown in once in awhile to make us remember just how blessed we truly are although I’m not sure that Alvin would agree with that assessment. Poor little guy, I did not mean that he needs to have surgery for us to be grateful. Not at all.

Wishing you a great Tuesday.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, understanding and gratitude for all.

Love Carol&Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! I thought that I would share what my life was like on this day one year ago on July 11th, 2020. By all accounts it was definitely more active. I hope that this finds you well and enjoying your weekend. Perhaps you are watching the rerun of some of the STAR WARS movies. Always enjoy re-watching them.

From July 11th, 2020:

Good Morning All,

We just arrived home from a nice walk a little while ago.

There is ever so slight of a breeze as the temperature is already begin to climb.

Supposed to be +26 degrees celsius today.

Which is warm considering the temperatures that we have been experiencing this summer.

In the some of our Canadian provinces east of Alberta the temperatures have been ugly hot.

With the humidex it has been almost too much.

I cannot imagine being a dog or cat or any animal including human in +40 temperatures.

Not for me.

While out and about we bumped into Humphrey and his Mom.

They were also out for some fresh air and sniffing.

Mom for the fresh air and Humphrey for the sniffing.

He likes to go into everyone’s front yard and sniff the trees and plants.

In a little bit after a late breakfast for me and a cup of coffee, I have decided to move up Mr. Alvin’s haircut.

Might as well get it cut before the heat of the day.

Last night after work Humphrey visited.

After supper and clean up I went over and picked up Bogart to introduce him to Alvin.

Alvin wanted to say hi but was a bit reluctant but the kitten just hissed and did a baby kind of growl.

We did go into the backyard and I placed the kitten down at one point but he was scared so I picked him up.

We spent a few hours just chilling on the sofa.

The kitten draped loosely around my neck, Humphrey dozing on Alvin’s doggie bed and Alvin stretched out on the sofa beside us.

By the time that I took the boys home, Bogart was hissing a bit less.

Alvin was panting so he clearly had some anxiety over the whole thing although he wanted to get close to the kitten.

I don’t think he has seen a kitten before in his life.

Not so easy taking photos with a kitten in your arms.

I snapped these photos earlier in the day from my office window.

The deck was still wet from that wicked storm the night before …

I love my backyard.

Flowers have survived.

******************

Unfortunately the only photo that copies over from the above post was the one of Alvin. I do love that one of him.

He almost always takes a great photo unlike someone I know.

So in contrast, we are not out for an enjoyable walk enjoying the sights and the smells.

We did spend some time on the deck as I was retrieving the flower pots from the garage.

By the way, the storm did not amount to much here in my neighbourhood.

I just brought the laundry upstairs, got washed and dressed and writing this post.

Alvin is downstairs and is making it know that he is not happy.

Such is my life.

Looking ahead, I am thinking that this is going to be a good memory compared to after his surgery.

Trying to keep him from moving and being able to go upstairs, do laundry, make meals, water flowers, even go to the bathroom will be an undertaking until we figure it out. I hope that the surgery goes well. Still two weeks away. Which is good and bad. Good for us and bad for him, I think.

Well he is barking and I do not wish to make him more anxious, he is the boss, so downstairs I shall go. Time to have a cup of coffee, anyway.

Thank you for sticking with us on this journey we call our lives. Not too exciting but never a dull moment.

Have a wonderful Sunday. Remember to check out the STAR WARS movies on television.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Alvin and I had a FANTASTIC sleep and he didn’t get up until 5:00 a.m. YAY for the boy. The sun is shining very brightly this morning and there is a cool breeze slipping in through the open windows. We will be heading out for a walk shortly before the heat of the day sets in.

I love the early morning walks. It seems like the birds are out singing and the roses just smell more fragrant and the grass seems more green. Morning just seems to be Mother Nature’s best time. I cannot wait to get out and smell those roses. They are my favourite.

Looks like the temperatures here over the weekend are going to be in the 30’s …… now that is hot. Thankfully we have a cool basement to retreat to should the need arise.

I have some GREAT NEWS. Yesterday I made it to 1000 FOLLOWERS, thanks to all of you. There are no words to say just how grateful that I am to make it to this height. Makes me feel very important and maybe a little interested and talented. Thank you again. I know that everyone’s time is so precious and for you to spend it with me reading mostly about my life with Alvin and just the everyday with a few tidbits of this and that thrown in ….. means the world. Happy 1000. YAY.

I have been thinking of adding to my posts and will see what I can come up with. Not too much change but perhaps a little is always good.

Time to head out for that glorious walk. I hope that you had a chance to get outside and enjoy the morning. Even if it is only to your patio or deck. Just to breathe in some fresh air if possible.

Have a wonderful Wednesday.

Mr. Alvin remains a bit anxious about his drinking bowls, not sure why. But as long as he will drink that is all that matters. He does love his new walking water bowl. Thank goodness. Cause we all know how well he does with change. Yikes.

Continuing to live with live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude. Important to be grateful for even the little things.

Always, Love 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

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

OH, WOW, we are in a heat wave.

It is so hot in my office as I type this post that my wrists are sticking to the desk.

Beads of perspiration are mounting on my forehead.

Poor Alvin …. I cannot imagine being in a fur coat during this heat.

He is laying on our bed with the fan on the top setting to cool the bedroom down.

Now I am wishing that I had contacted someone to service the A/C.

Why, oh why?

I know why but doesn’t help matters now.

Thankfully one day left and then it will be under thirty.

Hot but bearable.

 

I just want to say thank you to some very special folks for their invaluable help during Alvin’s latest health issues.

When they say it takes a village – it does, whether it is your child or a pet.

Family is family.

The pharmacist at the nearby Pharmasave came through as promised with some Robaxin and I called a friend and she was here to pick me up in like 5 minutes.

He was so nice when I picked up Alvin’s medicine.

Timing is everything.

I have timing.

Thank goodness.

 

 

I see Alvin just popped into the office to see where I am.

He cannot stay in here or he will expire.

I can barely take this heat.

 

The sky is overcast and there is the possibility of some rain in the later evening hours.

That should help cool things down.

I am going to have a shower but feeling a bit guilty and want to put Alvin into the shower.

I have been wiping him with a cool wet cloths to help.

Making sure we both drink lots of water.

 

Time to go.

I hope that all is well with you.

I need a shower badly.

So hot.

So very hot.

 

Keep cool.

Stay safe.

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We, shall remain

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning Tuesday

The sun is rising and the sky is blue with a few night clouds still remaining.

The garbage guys just went down our back lane.

I opened the window and called out to them “THANK YOU.”

After doing so I realized that the man at the back of the truck had ear phones.

So unlikely he heard me.

Anyway, I feel better saying “thank you.”

 

There are three small words that can mean the world to folks at this time or any time, really.

They are:  “please” and “thank you”

Often times we forget our manners.

My Grandmother was instrumental in teaching me good manners.

I have followed them my whole life.

I am certain that there may be once or twice that in my mad rush or blind ignorance that I forgot, and I apologize.

Just a simple thank you can go a long way.

 

How about practicing:

At the grocery store say thank you to each and every employee working that day.

Say thank you to the person who graciously moves out of your way as you rush along.

Thank you to the person who drops off the flyers at your door every week.

Say thank you to your family and friends just because.

Walk about the house just saying thank you until it rolls off of your tongue.

Remember when asking anyone for anything to say please.

Walk about the house just saying please until it rolls off of your tongue.

 

If we are all practising self-isolation you likely are not seeing many people with the exception of grocery stores and perhaps the pharmacy/drugstore.

Whether you are at home or out picking up the necessities.

Remember this without those folks working their shifts and sometimes longer at your local grocery store and others ….. we would not be eating or able to survive.

That is the truth.

They are really risking their health and lives every time they go to work.

All the services that are deemed to be essential/necessities ….. whether we see these people or not ….. send them good thoughts.

Like shouting out to the garbage truck as they stop in our neighbourhood.

 

Practise good manners with self-isolation and social distancing.

We will come out of this better people.

That is my hope.

Less selfish.

More kind, supportive and respectful.

 

Well it would be time to grab my coffee and get to work.

I am grateful to be employed during these times and to be at home with my Alvin.

I am grateful to be in good health.

I am grateful for the warming temperatures.

I am grateful for walks with Alvin.

I am grateful for freshly perked coffee.

 

Thank you everyone for reading my posts.

I really do appreciate you spending some of your precious time with me.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

 

Always be kind and respectful.

I/We remain,

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 29th day pf April, 2019.

Wow, second last day of April 2019.

This morning the sunrise is crazy beautiful as it rises there are some puffy dark blue clouds that appear to be suspended from the clear blue sky above.

Looks like someone just added them with a paint brush.

Oh so pretty.

 

I was thinking this morning as I was getting ready for the day about how much we all take for granted our lives.

We take for granted our health, our family and friends.

Our jobs and our homes.

Usually it is not until we lose something or someone, that we realize this.

How precious every aspect of our lives is …..

When you can swing your legs off the bed and touch the floor and stand up.

Be grateful.

When you can turn on the tap and have clean healthy water to drink and use.

Be grateful.

When you can walk for exercise and enjoyment.

Be grateful.

Every time you make a mortgage payment on your home.

Be grateful.

Every time you pay your taxes be grateful as that money goes for health care, roads and more.

Every moment of every day is a blessing.

A blessing that we can breathe clean air.

A blessing that we are surrounded by family and friends.

A blessing that we have homes and a bed to sleep in at night.

A blessing that we have jobs to make that mortgage payment and to buy food.

A blessing that we are alive.

So on those days when you are feeling woe is me; remember.

Life is a blessing.

Be grateful.

Yes, I know perhaps there will be days that are less than perfection.

But at least we have those days.

Please do not spend your precious moments walling in self pity or complaining about someone or something.

Spend your time being grateful.

Life will always be better if you spend it in a state of gratitude.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

The sky is blue.

The clouds are delightful.

I am alive.

I have my buddy Alvin at my side.

Thank you.

I am most gratefully for all that I have and that I saw my kids yesterday afternoon.

Thank you.

 

Special Hello to: you and you and you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 4th day of December, 2018.

Yesterday morning before leaving for work I shovelled the deck and the front walks.

Shortly thereafter it stopped.

YAY.

Doing the happy happy dance.

The drive to work was slow yesterday, very very slow.

We had one (I would imagine first snowfall driver) going less than 30 kms per hour.

Being careful is one thing but keeping traffic backed up is another.

The roads were not bad.

Just snow in the hood and any residential streets.

But main streets were pretty good.

Thank you to all the graders who were up and out early in the morning.

 

So great to come home from work and not have to shovel.

That was a blessing in disguise.

We went for a small walk last night as the walks by the lake are not plowed.

We struggled to get through the snow on Sunday on our way to and from Teddy’s house.

I don’t think either of us wanted to do that again.

ARGH….does that mean we are old?

No, just smart.

Exercise is one thing but ploughing through snow is another.

I received my very first Christmas Card yesterday.

I guess I am late.

Mine will be in the mail on Thursday and then hand deliver the others after that……

 

I think that I am beginning after all my years to actually “love” the mornings.

The quiet, stillness of the air.

Just getting ready for work with Alvin by my side.

Stopping to give him a massage a couple of times before I leave.

Picking up the poop.

Isn’t that what life is all about.

We “pick up the poop.”

 

Well words of wisdom and funny stories evade me.

I do hope that everyone is having a great start to their day or perhaps you are ending your day and in that case, I wish you a great sleep.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister C and my friend V who are two of my favourite people on the planet.  They make me laugh, make me sing, can make me cry (in a good way) and are full of love and support.

Always, Carol & Alvin