A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are okay and very happy that today is Friday. The weekend is ahead. Full of promise and hopefully some good surprises. Who knows right? Another busy, long week but that is okay. Almost done. Alvin is waiting patiently outside my office door as I type these words. The air outside this morning and throughout the night has definitely warmed up considerably. Spring around the corner? I love spring. Soon the bunnies will start to turn brown! Am I being overly optimistic at this time as it is February 3rd today? Maybe, but being positive at this time and every day is all that I really have and I mean our thoughts are what we really have. They are all ours and it is up to us to use them properly. I will admit that I have definitely gone down the NEGATIVE path the last while and I aim to change that right here, right now. I am by nature a positive person. I like to give positive feedback and extend positive energy to those I met. So I need to get working on things. Nothing is going to change for me until I change me. So bye bye “bad thoughts” and hello “good thoughts.” I got this. I can do anything that I put my mind to. That I know as I have had to most of my life. Sometimes I procrastinate but I think that is the way most of us handle things that happen out of the blue unless it is life threatening …. then we jump into action. Perhaps it is different for everyone. I just know that I do what I need to do when I need to do it and sometimes I am a bit late starting. I guess something else to work on, right. Okay, I need to get going here.

I look forward to my first cup of coffee. I am grateful to my friends and neighbours for taking such great care of Mr. Alvin through all of this.

Have an awesome day. Happy Friday.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee. Thank goodness for that liquid gold.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well we got to bed on time and the lights were out before 10:00 p.m. but Mr. Alvin was up and needed to go outside at 1:13 a.m., so out we went. The air was much colder and the grass and deck covered in frost. I am thinking that I will need to start wearing a long jacket / coat when I go outside in the late night, early morning hours as I could feel the cold through my pj’s. Once back inside the house, we “hit” the sofa for some more zzz’s. Alvin woke up close to the alarm time so I coaxed him back to the sofa until 5:30. Yes, we have been up and at it since 5:30 a.m. I do not feel the fogginess that I was feeling yesterday when I was attempting to write this post. Thank goodness for that. I am grateful that we are still able to work from home two days each week but I miss being home all the work week. I can only imagine how much I will miss it once the temperature dips much lower and there is snow on the ground. Wishing that we were able to work from home the majority of the time especially over winter.

We had a good weekend overall. Yesterday was quiet for both of us. We had a nice long walk in the afternoon. On our way to the park we saw a neighbour and friend that we had not seen in an especially long time. So we stopped and chatted catching up on all our news. Then we were on our way once again. We walked over to Pauline’s and when we did not see her outside; we turned around and headed for home. Barely turned turned around, I heard a familiar voice “Well hello there, Carol & Alvin.” Both Alvin and I perked up, turned around and headed for Pauline’s gate. She had been looking out the window as her grand cat “Molly” was outside on a leash enjoying some fresh air and she was checking on her. We stepped inside the gate but I kept Alvin on his leash as Molly is not quite used to pups. Alvin really wanted to go and say hi but he remained on the leash. We had a great chat. I always enjoy our chats and her wisdom. She always gives me a clear perspective on things helping me to see the direction I need to take, if I need direction. We did not stay too long as she was having company for an early supper and we needed to get home as it was starting to rain. All the way home there was a light rain. When we returned home, I grabbed a towel and made certain that Alvin was completely dry.

Some mornings I think that I should make and have some coffee before I leave for work. Now we have “free” coffee at work but there is nothing like my perked coffee. But with the soaring price of coffee, that thought will remain tucked away in my memory banks for another time like the weekends.

Still dark outside. The daylight is becoming less and less as we approach the shortest day of the year which is around December 21st. I am starting to formulate the plan for Christmas decorations and gifts and of course, baking. Keeping it more simple than last year.

Well time to head downstairs and ensure that Mr. Alvin goes outside for one last pee before I leave for work and make those final preparations. Put up the “baby/puppy gate,” refill his water dish, ensure that he has another drink, grab my “breakfast” to go to work for later, put my laptop bag and purse closer to the door, decided on which coat/jacket to wear and grab some mini gloves.

I hope that you have an amazing day.

I am grateful for all the many blessings in my life. I am grateful to my neighbors and friends for taking such great care of Alvin while I am at work. I am grateful that we have the means to pay all of our bills on time, to have money for food and whatever we may need. I am grateful to my family and friends for their love and support.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: grateful for time.

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this rainy Saturday, July 2, 2022? Both Alvin and I are rested. You are likely wondering about that statement. So here is the story: last night we went to bed well after 10:00 closer to 10:30 and then I read for awhile. I do remember getting up once (me) to go to the bathroom and then back to bed, Mr. Alvin did not stir. The next time I looked at the time, it was 6:52 a.m., wow, can you believe it? I really had to look at the time more than once. It was not until I got up that the boy stirred. Up, he had his food and “medicine” and we went outside, gladly it was only raining lightly. Then back in the house. I was wondering how he managed to sleep for almost 8 hours in a row. Likely it was due to the walking and spending over 1.5 hours outside in Pauline’s garden and then a little while later having a haircut and bath. The haircut and bath are two of his least favorite things to being doing and he was clearly stressed, anxious about having it done. So he may have been exhausted. As of me, well I have not had 8 hours of continuous sleep in likely 8 years or more. Except for the few times that Alvin has slept over at his sister’s house. He doesn’t like car travel so does not happen often. He is quiet this morning but he is not usually loud anyway. It is raining outside now so I guess watering the flowers was not necessary but who knew, it would really rain. They needed a drink of water. Anyway, I did not over water them so all is well. I had watered my plants, too. Yes, I remembered to move the lavender plant so that she will not get even more wet. She is still drying out and I hope that her roots are not rotting from all of the water. The soil is slowly drying out. I guess time will tell. So that is the story. Oh, I remembered to take my phone and snap some photos of my friend’s beautiful flowers but alas I am experiencing technical difficulties and they are not uploading. But I will get them posted. You have to see her gardens, absolutely beautiful. I even snapped some photos of the roses at the entrance to the park. It was a great couple of hours that spent outside yesterday. On top of all of that, I managed to do several loads of laundry, clean out some kitchen drawer, made some small changes with a few pieces of furniture in the living room. I honestly only sat down for the time that I had late breakfast at like noon and then for supper so maybe 30 minutes and we were up at 7:00 so that would account for me being pooped. Even after supper I was running up and down the stairs with laundry. The stress of Alvin’s haircut goes onto me, as well. All in all, it was a wonderful day.

We are happy to live in this house, in this neighbourhood, in this city, in this province and this country. This whole world – every country has a story that they are not proud of and I would hope that in 2022 we are doing better at being kind and respectful to others, not just human beings but all living creatures and the environment but sadly that is not the case. Just remember this, it is not the actions or feelings of the average everyday citizens that are making these decisions it is the so called leaders. I am not the past leaders, political or religious and not the current ones. I am a good person, I treat everyone with respect and kindness. So when people make blanket comments about all of this, it hurts my heart. I try to do the best that I can in my world. My actions reflect who I am. I was not what I would deem to be privileged but perhaps that word is being used with a more broad meaning. I do not blame my upbringing nor do I blame certain people for my lot in life, I can make choices. It is my choices that have brought me to this place. I just wanted to say something and perhaps I am not the most eloquent “speaker” or “writer” in the world. Sorry for the severe change in topic. But yesterday and all the yesterdays for awhile, I have been thinking about Canada and her past. I love my country despite her past. If we gave up on “people” for their pasts, there would be nothing. I am disappointed that in 2022 there are still wars and that we are not working together for the common good.

I hope that you have a great Saturday. There is always food for thought. We can always do better. It is raining harder now. My coffee is ready and I need it this morning.

Photos to follow.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 38 days until my 65th Birthday.

2021

Good Morning ALL. I hope this post finds you well on this Monday morning, January 18, 2021. We had rain off and on yesterday and followed by some snow. Not much snow but enough to cover the wet ground which may have turned to ice overnight. Be careful if you are out driving or walking for that matter. What a great weekend. I did the majority of items on my TO DO LIST which was wonderful. We had some chilling time. I had a visit over the “fence” with my neighbour Sonja. She was shovelling/ice picking on her back sidewalk/steps and I had been doing some cleaning/tidying of the garage.

This week is big for me and for the United States. Tomorrow Mr. Alvin turns 12 and on Wednesday the United States inaugurates their new President and Vice-President. I look forward to watching after work. I am recording the inauguration to watch later as I work on Wednesday. Hopefully everything will go smoothly and peacefully.

Stuck, I am stuck for words. Really. I cannot think of anything else to say. How did that happen? Usually I do not have a problem coming up with something to say. I apologize. When you are writing your thoughts as they happen sometimes the well is dry.

My daughter and pups will be here today after they receive their shots/vaccinations at noon. They will stay with us while she goes to the Dentist. I asked for the afternoon off. I also have to take a quick trip out to pick up a gift for Mr. Alvin’s birthday and some treats for the guest goodie bags, a cake or something similar and then a few groceries. It will be nice to have a little time away on my own.

Okay that is it. I have nothing more. Tomorrow is a big day.

Be safe, take care.

Wishing you a wonderful Monday.

Living this life with kindness, respect and compassion.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Well what is there to say about the weather.

Really it has been sunshine then overcast ….. overcast then break with bit of sunshine.

Repeat …. repeat and repeat.

On the upside ALL is green but now we do require some of that bright lovely sunshine.

Alvin and I had a glorious long weekend.

Most of it was spent with each other however there was a sprinkling of family and friends at times.

Despite Mother Nature’s many attempts we did manage to walk at least once each day.

 

I must admit that I spent quite a lot of time this weekend thinking about life.

Thinking about where I am at this point in time.

So where is that exactly?

Well I am good in my own skin so to speak.

Comfortable with the day to day decisions.

Comfortable with my voice.

Comfortable knowing that I do the best that I can most days.

 

I feel relatively good.

Sometimes with all of the rain, I feel a bit drained not as energetic.

 

I work full-time.

I write part-time.

I am surrounded by great people.

 

But somehow there seems to be something missing.

Something is not quite right.

Quickly approaching 62, next month.

 

I remind myself not to compare myself to others my age.

Because we do not all have the same stepping off place.

Life is not the same for us all.

Food for thought.

 

So where do I want to be?

What do I want to be doing?

Good, no great questions.

Definitely I need to be doing some hard thinking to uncover that piece of something in my life that seems to be missing.

 

I shall do just that.

 

Well my carpool is on vacation so will be catching the bus today.

As it is cooler, I am wearing long pants, shoes and socks.

Yes and a top, you silly.

Coat and carrying an umbrella.

The house is cool this morning so I feel the need to bundle up.

Temperature to be only 17 degrees today.

 

Happy Tuesday.

I hope that wherever you are and whatever you are doing that you know what you want at this stage of your life.

Life is complicated …

Better to simplify.

That is for sure.

 

I love this planter from outside my office.

Sometimes you just need to see something beautiful…….

 

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 1st day of May, 2019.

A brand new month.

Our morning was greeted with fresh white snow gently falling from the sky.

The streets are wet but the lawns, decks, rooftops are all covered with a blanket of snow.

A spring storm.

Moisture it is and we are grateful.

 

Last night after our walk and supper and dishes were done.

We were surprised by an unexpected visit from Alvin’s BF Teddy and his Mom.

She brought Alvin some beef treats for another day or two or three.

They always bring joy to our house.

Thank you Teddy and his Mom.

 

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

On this morning please take the time to hold in your thoughts and hearts your loved ones.

Life is precious.

Often times, more often than not, we take our family and friends for granted.

Send out positive energy to each and every one you hold dear.

Perhaps if we all did this …. the planet would be healed.

Be kind to all those souls that you meet and greet each and every day as you know not their stories.

Visualize everyone living in good health.

Visualize everyone laughing and enjoying life.

Visualize parents and their children and their children living their lives growing old together.

Visualize this moment and hold it dear.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Wednesday.

May joy surround you and envelope you always and forever.

May this day be full of healing and love.

May life continue to amaze and surprise us.

 

Special Hello to:  everyone needing extra help on this day ….. sending positive healthy energy to you.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 23rd day of November, 2017.

Today is one year plus a day that our beloved Elton joined the puppy park in the sky.

We miss him and think of him everyday.

Here is one of my most favourite photos of our beloved Elton and Penny.

Both gone but definitely not forgotten.

Love you babies.

Elton and Penny, the grand-puppies.

 

Over the past year so many of our four-legged companions, our loved ones have passed.

My thoughts and heart is with everyone who has said good-bye to their babies.

It is hard, no doubt about it.

Take care.

 

Special Hello to: all the Angels watching over us, happy just chasing rainbows.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 10th day of November, 2017.

Today would have been my brother “J’s” 54th Birthday.

Miss you and Happy Birthday …….

 

Life has a way of slipping away second by second, minute by minute, day by day.

No matter how well we live our lives, times passes at the same rate.

Sometimes it feels as though it is passing at lightning speed but it is not.

All we can do is try to live our lives to the best of our abilities.

Some days we may slip before that line.

Some days we may soar above our wildest dreams.

Some days we will be somewhere in between.

Wherever you are …. that is okay.

Just live the best life that you are able.

 

Just do the best that we can and do not feel guilty.

There is way to much guilt in the world.

 

Happy Friday Everyone.

Smile, say something nice to someone, be kind.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. Hello, my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 4th day of October, 2017.

Dark outside but will lighten as I travel on the bus to work.

Another gorgeous day on the way.

We are grateful.

This morning I am thinking of those affected by recent tragedies in Edmonton and in Las Vegas.

A reminder.

 

IF I HAD KNOWN

Looking at photos of us when we were kids.

It seems like only yesterday,

but it was a lifetime ago.

Things have changed.

We were five now we’re four.

How I long for those days.

When we were all together.

When playing school, all sitting in a row … I’d be the teacher…

Running about the yard playing in a nearby slough looking for tadpoles …

Playing in the dirt ….

Imagining driving to far off places in that old black car, and eating Mom’s homemade french fries and pumpkin pie.

Playing hide and seek and watching Disney on Sundays.

Was what we did, when we were just kids.

Now we’re grown,

Time has past.

If only I had known,

We would be four and not five.

I would have taken your hand.

I would have told you how much I loved you every day.

I would have loved you better.

I would have visited you more often.

I should have tried.

I would have known your pain.

I would have understood.

I would have known your favourite song.

I would have known your favourite colour.

I would have known you better.

Now we’re four and it’s too late

For me to take your hand.

To share your pain, and to comfort you.

I wished that I had knew you better.

Between the pain and the laughter.

You were a man, and I remember the boy

The little boy with a zest for life.

The little boy that always seemed to find a way ….. now that’s our secret….

That irresistible little guy that made me smile.

The little boy with such a big heart.

That much I did know when the boy became the man.

I feel that I let you down, but it is too late

I wished that I knew your favourite song.

Or what you made you cry late at night.

Why the time passed so fast.

Now we’re four instead of five

What did you think?  Your thoughts?

I wished that I knew.

If I had, I had only known  the man, not just the boy.

Written by Carol Yvonne Lewis, January 8th, 2010

 

Take care on this day and each day to follow.

Hold your loved ones close.

Know them and love them, no matter what.

 

Special Hello to: all my family and friends all over the world.  Stay safe and I love you with all my heart.  Alvin says DITTO for him.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 10th day of June, 2017.

The sky is overcast and it is windy.

Inside the house is cool ….. no it is cold.

But no furnace is being turned on at this time.

I decided to make a choice to be more upbeat and positive at work.

Making it deliberate.

Sometimes in my job it is not the easiest thing to do but even my co-workers noticed a difference.

We can always make that choice – does not matter what is going on in your life.

Make the choice to be kind, love, receptive and abundant and then all things are possible.

If you send out this most perfect blend of energy it will come back to you.

After all you receive what you give.

Needless to say I had the best day at work.

I did not take things personally.

I realize that not everyone sees things with principles.

It is a gentle reminder that no matter how badly people act you must find a way to treat them in the manner to which you would like to be treated.

I have found that when you have that good energy it is most difficult for people to keep up the negative and poor behaviour.

Win – win for everyone.

 

Alvin and I are super excited as my daughter, his sister and our beloved Miss Aspen are coming for a visit.

Aspen has a Doctor Appointment.

My daughter is taking me to COSTCO.

I cannot believe that I am actually excited about going to COSTCO on a Saturday and a rainy one at that.

The fridge is pretty bare and the pantry.

We have made due and used mostly everything up and it is time to refill the fridge and pantry.

I made up a recipe to use a can of pumpkin that I had in the pantry making the most delectable “Chocolate Pumpkin Muffins.”

They were perfect for lunch with some vegetables.

It will be nice to be restocked, for sure.

 

ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE:

A few days ago I had an idea to write my thoughts about turning “60.”

It came to me a little while later to do a Countdown: 60 Days to 60.

It doesn’t really seem real to me to be turning sixty.

Kind of crazy actually.

I will add a Category to this blog: Countdown: 60 Days to 60.

So starting tomorrow Sunday, June 11, 2017 being the 60th day and ending on Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 being my Birthday; I will write.

There will be daily remarks, observations, feelings, thoughts, and perhaps pearls of wisdoms.

This will be fun.

 

Well gotta run and get ready for our company.

Have a wonderful day.

Special Hello to: my family and friends who without I would be just a female human being.

Always, Carol & Alvin