Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are well on this Thursday morning. Last night we went to bed a bit earlier than usual as I was SO tired. Lights were out before 9:30 and guess who was awake and needed to go outside at 11:00 p.m., not the Momma, lol. Up and outside we went. Someone really had to poop, there is that word again. Well it is something that every creature does in some way, shape or form. Just is. Why we have an aversion to it, well some reasons are obvious and some not so much. Back to the story. I made an executive decision to just lay down on the sofa and curl up under the red blanket next to Alvin. It seemed like I had been sleeping for awhile when was someone was awake once again, I picked up my phone and checked the time, it was 3:40 a.m. I got up and gave him his glucosamine chew and then outside, we went. Back to the sofa until 5:15 a.m., now we are up and getting ready for the day. Yesterday I was already and just snuggling by Alvin on the sofa ready to put on my coat, scarf, mitts and then boots when I noticed a text from my carpool. She had texted me at 6:00 a.m. to let me know that she had woke up with a sore throat and was going to work from home. I texted her back followed by texting my Manager and also Alvin’s caregiver. Then I went to work unpacking my laptop and things to get set up to work from home. Today we are going to the office. Alvin is confused I am sure. One day I get ready and then do not leave and the next I do!

I was watching a bit of the CMA’s, Country Music Awards from U.S. and it left me thinking after I heard them announce the nominees for the SONG OF THE YEAR – I know how these award shows work, I have watched them over the years. This time was different. Maybe I have changed, but I was left with a semi sour taste in my mouth. Here we are giving awards to people from writing a song granted that song has to likely sell so many copies or be played on so many radio stations but REALLY, we are awarding people for writing a song. Just seems a little sad. So many people the world over do important work and never hear anything positive much less receive an award. Perhaps I am overthinking things, I do not know but it does make me a bit sad. The other thing that makes me wonder is all the glamorous costumes and outfits that entertainers wear and on some of these television shows, what a waste of resources. More stuff for the landfill. Now I am not trying to rain on anyone’s parade, I am just stating facts. Perhaps we all need to take a step back and see how much waste and unnecessary use of resources there is and maybe do something about it. Just a thought!

Back to my reality. Alvin is laying down on the rug outside the office door as I type/key these words. I am surrounded by plants and things. Even at home, I am aware of how many things I have that really are not necessary to live my life and I am not adding to those things or at least very minimally. We all have things we only use once or twice a year and to be honest most people hang onto to things that they used once a decade ago and never recycled. Remember your “unused items” may be someone else’s treasures. None of us are perfect but we have to try to be better citizens of this planet.

Time to head downstairs and have Mr. Alvin go you know what again, P&P. Maybe that should be the new code word, lol. Anyway, I think I need a coffee as this post has really got off track.

This date is really important to me as it was the birthday of my brother Jeff who passed away over a decade ago. I miss you buddy and wish you were here. Happy Birthday our Angel. I think of you often.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thinking of all our Angels today ………

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this morning? We are doing great. Bed about 10:00 p.m., first time up at 4:00 a.m. and then again at almost 6:00 a.m. – feeling rested this morning. I hope that you had a good sleep as well. The sun is shining brightly this morning and I feel that it is going to be an awesome day. Today we get an estimate to replace our shingles. It will be a relief to have them replaced as they are in poor condition despite the age of them. They were not a good quality and were not properly affixed to the roof. Most of the folks in our neighbourhood have or are replacing them. Yesterday my kids changed their cell phone provider, one of those “visits” to the door kind of thing and then because something had to be done with my phone in person, my kids had to make an “emergency” trip to my house. They brought the pups. It was great to see them all. What a whirlwind of an evening. After supper I went for groceries as well. All is fixed now and the fridge is full once again. Wow, fruits and vegetables are sure expensive these days. Also a gal from work who placed a tea order a while back is coming for an outside visit and to pick up her tea. We will be walking after work as the shingle estimator is coming at noon. I am so happy to see the sun shining so brightly. My flowers are looking so pretty this morning. A warm day on the way, about +24 degrees celsius.

Now that was a paragraph jammed packed full of a mix of things. No rhyme or reason, just the way things spill out of my brain.

We are watching Cynder, Humphrey and Bogart this weekend while their Momma is taking a weekend trip. She deserves a break as she has been working so hard. I am excited to spend time with them. Might even bring the cats to our house.

Also before I forget. The night before last, I was having a craving for something sweet. So what happened next? I baked some cookies. No chocolate chips? Nope. I made using my base chocolate chip cookie recipe a new cookie blend. I made the most delectable cookies with “raisins and coconut.” Just happen to have lots of those sweet items on hand so that is what I used. The different chew between the raisins and the coconut” made them ultra chewy and mmmm good.

Time to get this show on the road. Get the coffee brewing (premade earlier this morning).

Wishing you a wonderful day. May you laugh and have so much joy this Thursday.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, gratitude always.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter.

Good Morning All. How are you on this beautiful Thursday? I can only imagine the day as we are still in darkness as the sun does not rise until later and if there are clouds it may be dark longer. Oh well, that is winter in the province of Alberta, Canada. What can you do? Alvin is chatting about something so it would look like my story shall be cut short.

Yesterday I was on the phone with one of my clients. We were disconnected and then another call came in and I happened to notice that the ringtone was different and looked to see that it was my friend Iris, Alvin’s best friend Teddy’s Mom. So I picked up and she was wondering if she could stop by in about 1/2 hour, I said sure as I could take my lunch break then. She had called earlier on the house phone but I was working and did not answer. So I worked away until the doorbell rang. There was my friend with her hands full of something. She had been out shopping for something unrelated and happened across a great sale on sweaters and winter coats for dogs. I had mentioned to her at one point that Alvin much needed a new winter coat as his really did not fit him and that I would love to have a sweater for him for those less than frigid days. So she was out and found some. She bought matching winter coats for her pups and tried to get same for Alvin but could only get a warm cream tone with brown latches up the back. Anyway they are the cadillac of winter coats for dogs. So beautiful. Alvin’s completely covers him and even has a nice warm hood lined with fake fur of course. We tried on both the sweater which is a mix of red, black, grey and white and the winter coat but Alvin was not really keen on either of them. They fit and I was/am one happy Momma. Alvin is not so good with new things unless it is FOOD and then he is all over it. We visited for a few minutes. I could not believe the deal that she got, more than 50% off. Basically two coats for the price of one. How wonderful. The Universe was truly listening when I made that remark. Thank you Universe and Iris. I will pay her of course for the sweater and jacket and am happy to do so.

We were supposed to have Teddy and Kobie for today, tomorrow and Saturday but something came up so they will not be coming over. That makes us sad even though I did not tell Alvin or he would be looking out the window for them.

One more quick story to finish off the new sweater and coat story. As we did not get out for a walk at noon as we had company, I thought that we would go for a walk after work and try out Alvin’s new sweater. Not cold enough for the cadillac of winter coats just yet. So with due care and attention I slipped the sweater onto Alvin. He was not really happy about the whole process. In fact, he stood in the middle of the kitchen floor not moving at all except for the quivering/shivering that he was doing. I tried to coax him to come but to no avail. So I picked him up and carried him to the door and set him down so that I could finish getting dressed for our walk. He just stood there. When I opened the door, I had to gingerly move him out the door. I locked the house and he stood on the top part of the porch. Just stood there. Not moving at all. I tried my best to convince him to come down but he would not. So after a few minutes I decided to go into the house and perhaps try to get him to walk around the deck before trying to go on our walk. Into the house. He did not walk very fast and in fact, I had to guide him and pull slightly on the leash (he wears a body harness) to get him to move toward the back door. After we got outside, I slowly walked about and finally he walked in his new sweater. I could tell that he was not very happy about the whole experience. After a few minutes we headed back outside. I managed to get him down the steps and outside. He walked very slowly. The wind was howling and it was cold so after a miserable few minutes for the boy we turned and headed home. My poor Alvin not so good with change or something new.

Last night I thought that it was cute that he walked up to where I had laid his new winter outerwear on top of a square container and started to sniff it. Perhaps I should have thought of that.

Well time to head downstairs. I think you get the drift of what happened. Oh me Alvin.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day. Take care and Be safe. Walk through your days spreading love, kindness and respect for all.

I/We shall remain, As Always, Carol & Alvin

Soon I hope to share some photos. Technical difficulties.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Up and at it.

Today is my late shift to start work which is 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

These late shifts are so that we can answer the after hours calls from our clients.

There are a couple of departments that take turns doing this which amounts to about twice per month.

Anyway, we were able to sleep in this morning which was nice.

Alvin slept until almost 4:30 a.m.

We got up he had his glucosamine chew, his breakfast and did his thing outside and then back to the sofa until I woke up just before 7:00 a.m.

A few minutes ago he wanted to go outside so out to the backyard we went ….. so nice out.

Most of the darker clouds have dissipated, there is just a bit of a breeze and there be SUNSHINE.

Oh glorious sun, doing a little happy dance while I key these words.

We used to call keying …. typing …..

But now it is a keyboard and back then it was a typewriter.

Oh how times have changed and how times are much the same.

 

I think I am going to hop quickly into the shower and then we will go for a nice walk.

It is perfect outside.

Our next walk will be at 3:00 p.m. as that is when my 45 minute “lunch” break is for this late shift.

So this will work out well.

If it is too warm then, we can go after I get off work at 7:00 p.m.

It is really too late to eat a big meal.

That is one thing that I don’t like about this ….. I try not to eat after 7:00 p.m.

Most days I do not.

Anyway off topic.

Shower and go for a walk.

 

I was wondering what was life like this day last year and perhaps a few years before.

It has been great doing this post almost everyday for the past almost ten years, I think now.

Almost like a living history book of my life.

 

This date being July 16th – 2019

Hello,

A beautiful morning.

Windows open to let in the cool fresh morning air.

To keep Mr. Alvin comfortable until I arrive home.

There are clouds forming on the southern horizon.

 

We had another hot muggy day yesterday.

Luckily we managed to get a walk in right after work.

I, as per usual took along a full bottle of water for Mr. Alvin.

He has the slickest water bottle / tray for him to have a drink.

There was a slightly cool breeze otherwise I would have waited until later.

We got our walk in and after supper the temperature dropped quickly followed by thunder/lightning/rain.

Not too much rain but lots of thunder and lightning.

Sure love the beauty of the sky when there are storms.

 

On this Tuesday I am thinking about how blessed I am.

I am surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends.

I have me “Alvin” alongside me everyday to keep me company and to keep me focused.

I am employed.

I have a beautiful home with a yard.

So many blessings.

The most important of all is good health.

I am most grateful to be my age and to be in good health.

Everyday I count my blessings / grateful that both Alvin and I are healthy.

Makes the world of difference.

 

Well for some reason we are less on time this morning.

Not sure why.

I have windows to close before my ride appears.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

Filled with kindness and respect.

If we are fortunate to be surrounded and live with kindness and respect, life is good.

 

Maybe you are lucky to have an Alvin in your life.

Or a Humphrey or a Teddy or Miss Aspen or Baby Milo ….

These fur-babies ….. so much love and fun.

 

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  going to the Mall tomorrow night to shop for shoes……I have not done that in a long while….. so excited.

 

Back to 2020

Well it seems like my day to day is somewhat different.

Weatherwise the same.

I wonder if I asked Mr. Alvin if he would be in agreement that it is nice to have me at home.

I love being at home.

Perhaps the freedom to go outside whenever he chooses or mostly.

Because I still have to work.

He follows me around even more than he used to so I think it would be difficult on him if I do eventually have to go back to the office full-time.

Sounds like we may be home for awhile and maybe indefinitely with only a day or two per month to print and mail our large mail outs.

We would take turns within our team.

Well time to hit the shower so that we can go for a walk before everyone else decides that is a good idea.

I love being the only one outside on our walks.

 

I hope that you have an enjoyable Thursday.

Living my life with kindness and respect.

I hope that you are as well.

What goes around comes around ….. that is the truth.

 

Take care.

Be safe.

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Just some more brightness for your day!

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

OH MY GOSH, the sun is shining and the sky is the most beautiful light blue.

This is the first morning with sunshine in several days and feels like almost forever.

Alvin and I are grateful for the sunshine.

There was a rain shower last night as the deck was wet this morning.

Our grass will need to be cut again as soon as it dries.

It seems like the grass has been cut more often than usual although I do seem to remember that we had lots of rain last summer as well.

The month of August was the hot one for us.

We managed to get a walk in yesterday after supper which was late afternoon.

 

I don’t know about any of you but has anyone found that they have been dreaming lots as of late?

OMG, I wake up or rather bolt up in some cases.

Sometimes happy and other times really worried.

I have not been remembering much of the dream so cannot even try to figure them out.

Perhaps I will remember the next one.

 

Well after getting up twice for me during the night and then at 4:22 a.m. – I just needed to hit the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

So then in turn I am running a bit late.

Coffee is calling me.

Thankfully today is Thursday.

 

I hope that you and your family are in good health.

Managing to live your life in this atmosphere of uncertainty.

We have to make the most of this time and do the best that we can.

Perhaps we humans have learned a thing or two during the past months.

I hope so.

 

Enjoying the sunshine ….. windows open.

Have an awesome day.

One thing for sure the grass has never been more green.

The flowers never so brilliant.

Everything is growing so much.

Now for the sunshine.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well, good morning.

How are you doing today?

I am doing well.

Today is Thursday – which is great.

 

We finally were able to go for a walk last night.

A full walk.

It was so nice out.

Shortly after we left the house, like about 3 seconds, it began to snow.

Just a light snow but snowing all the same.

When we reached the park we bumped into a Mom and her Puppy.

Their names were Lori and Luna.

Luna is a labradoodle, about one year old pup.

Alvin and Luna did pretty well.

She wanted to play and Alvin not so much.

But there was only a couple of growls from Mr. Alvin.

Luna as with all young ones was full of energy.

She did well and listened to her Mom.

They just moved to our neighbourhood and I was happy that I was the WELCOME WAGON, so to speak.

We had a nice visit before heading onward.

Would be happy to see them again.

 

Last night I spoke to Humphrey’s Mom.

We had heard from them in at least two weeks, perhaps one of the longest periods of no communications.

She is in the throes of YEAR END and AUDITS and all things, financial at her place of employment.

So she has been working overtime even on the weekends.

We had a nice chat and when I found out that she had to go for a late curling game after the office, I asked if I could go and pick up Humphrey.

She said “he’s okay.”

I said that I would go and pick him up and bring him back here for a couple of hours or so.

Alvin and so happy to see Humphrey and I think Humphrey was happy to see us, too.

He did make his way upstairs and curled up on the spare room bed which I have now dubbed “Humphrey’s Room.”

What a guy!

We did miss him so much.

 

Humphrey is back and we are happy.

For some reason the other photos that I snapped of him did not upload/download.

But there the boy is in all his cuteness.

By the second photo you can see that I was fiddling about with the camera.

Oh well ….

 

Well time to hit the trail.

One last time outside for Mr.Alvin.

Time for me to don my outer apparel.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Treat yourself and others with Kindness and Respect.

That is the only way to live our lives.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning All,

Thursday it is.

Yesterday turned out to be great weatherwise.

On our walk I just wore a sweater, yay.

The sun did shine.

 

After work I picked up Humphrey as his Mom was busy after work.

Then started supper as the TELUS service person was to arrive somewhere between 5-7 p.m.

Lucky for me he was at my house by 5:19 p.m. and finished everything and gone by 6:03 p.m.

So I quickly scooped up Mr. Alvin and went for a short walk as we did not wish to leave Sir Humphrey alone for too long.

I was pleasantly surprised when I learned from the TELUS person that I would not in fact lose my series scheduling.

Yes, I lost the few shows that I did not manage to watch from the old PVR but I was so OVER THE MOON pleased that I did not have to set up the scheduling again.

So it worked out.

Humphrey was very intrigued by this young man, he followed him and watched him as he worked.

Alvin he was excited and yes, barked some but behaved pretty well all things considered.

I really thought it was cute when Humphrey walked over to the young man’s bag and looked in.

He also laid on the floor in the office while he was swapping out the MODEM and just watched intently.

I was able to watch the two shows I missed on the TELUS ON DEMAND.

YAY, me.

We had a great night ….. pretty quiet and that is always great on a Wednesday.

 

You may wonder why I repeat my message, this message everyday?

About being kind and respectful.

It is a reminder to me mostly.

As some days, maybe most days it is easy to lose the kindness and respect aspect.

Sometimes I am disappointed in my behaviour but I always try to do better.

After all, I am only perfect in that I am not.

Well almost time to leave.

There be poop to pick up in the backyard.

Yup, that will always bring one back to earth.

Yes, it will.

 

I hope that you are having a great Thursday whether you are just starting, half way through or at the end.

Wherever you are….. whenever you are ….. have a wonderful day.

 

With kindness and respect I shall be me.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Wow, we had the most beautiful sun drenched Thursday.

So happy that Alvin and I were able to enjoy it with a walk and the mowing of our backyard.

Happy Friday the 13th.

I believe it is going to be a great day.

My youngest brother was born on Friday the 13th in January many moons ago.

 

As the past couple of weeks have ALL about my boy, I thought that I would share a poem that I wrote to him on our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY of being together.

 

ALVIN,

You came into my life almost a year ago ..

You were small, needy and unwell..

You made me feel anxious and sad,

Helpless and mad.

But then one day … the veil lifted.

I fell in love with YOU.

Loving your dog is unlike the love you have for a child, friend or sibling.

It is unconditional.

No strings attached.

No arguments or compliments

The view is one-sided

Or perhaps it is not.

But the feelings are felt.

It is true and inspiring.

You have taught me patience.

To be more loving.

You came into my life late one night.

Almost one year ago.

An idea not conceived thoroughly

But yet ….. it was …

You are where you are supposed to be.

Lucky ME.

I am blessed to have you in my life.

We are joined at the hip (sometimes at the foot) LOL.

But nonetheless we are joined.

I love you Alvin.

You bring me great joy.

Continual amazement.

I know that you understand me.

Each word ….. even when you tilt your head to the side.

I know you know….

Thank you so much…..

Love

Always, Your “Mom”

This KISS, this KISS (please stop, Mom you are embarrassing me!!)

 

Written on our first Anniversary together … January 19, 2011.

 

 

WIth kindness and respect the days are happier.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One Day at a time.

Hello,

Welcome to a foggy morning here in my neighbourhood.

It may not be the same downtown or in the south end of the city or in the north.

I have found that the City of Edmonton is stretched out over a large area that the weather can be totally different from one area to the next.

The fog is beginning to lift and the sky is partially cloud filled.

The air has a tinge of coolness so that it is comfortable.

The house was not warm/hot this morning but I opened the windows about one hour ago and that will help to keep it cool inside for the pups.

They are resting together on the blue blanket on the floor beside me.

 

Last night I had the best time.

Went shopping to West Edmonton Mall with one of my friends.

I have not really done any shopping for me in ages so it was great.

I had a gift card from her and some other gift money.

There were a great deal of sales on in the mall.

I was surprised to see just how many folks were out on a Wednesday night.

I was very happy to find some sandals …. Clarks ….. not the ones that I saw on DSW’s website but they were similar and felt so good.

I do not think that I have ever put on a pair of shoes and they felt so good.

In total I bought three pair of shoes.

Got some new pyjamas, pair of jeans, two long cardigans and a short-sleeved top.

The retail staff were amazing …. so helping and very nice.

I felt like a million dollars.

Not that shopping makes me feel rich or anything.

Just the fact that I was able to actually go shopping and find some things and able to buy them.

This does not happen often.

Cannot remember the last time.

I try very hard to leave my carbon footprint at a minimum where possible.

Buying things from Thrift stores and swap meets is usually what I do.

So this was nice.

I do love hand me downs (as such) and have worn them my whole entire life thus far.

But sometimes it is nice to get some new things.

No more holey pj’s.

Giggling aloud.

It was great to have someone along as she was honest on how things fit and colours and such.

So I only got what was “GREAT” and not something was cheap on sale and was just okay.

Definitely a lesson for people.

Always better to go with someone.

I so much appreciated her honesty and assistance.

It was wonderful.

Decided not to wear the new sandals today as I may treat them – have to read the labels.

 

Well almost time to take the pups out for one more “bathroom break.”

They did great yesterday.

Alvin was up a couple of times and the last time we went downstairs, he went outside and then we retired to the sofa.

It did take a few minutes to get everyone comfortable.

Three always does take a bit more work.

 

Well I am one excited, happy, grateful, blessed, happy, Oh I said that already girl.

Lucky to have a beautiful home, great family and friends and good health.

To be surrounded by four-legged darlings.

Life is great.

Living …. One day at a time.

Listening to the birds chirping outside the office window.

 

Time to go.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

Kindness with Respect go a long way.

Spread the goodness.

Happy Thursday.

 

Always, Carol, Alvin & Teddy

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 4th day of April, 2019.

Dark outside as it is only 6:15 a.m.

Alvin is feeling his own self once again.

The household returns gladly to normal.

I enjoyed the day watching over my boy.

We went for a nice walk later in the afternoon.

So nice to no longer be wearing heavy coats, scarves, mitts, hats and boots and for Mr. Alvin, his winter jacket.

I have been noticing more honking by the geese or perhaps it is only more geese.

Back to work today.

 

Yesterday on one of the daytime shows “Rob Thomas” was the musical guest.

He sang “One Less Day.”

I was taken by the lyrics.

Here are a couple:

I’m not afraid of getting older.

One less day from dying younger.

 

I pondered those statements, and how true.

We often worry and stress about getting/growing older.

Perhaps we feel that we will lose what we have: health, family and friends.

Perhaps we feel that we will not live to be in our golden years.

There are so many things we think about regarding age.

Maybe, just maybe if we think about it from Rob’s point of view.

One less day from dying younger.

I am not afraid of getting older.

 

Truly, I have not really thought about it too much.

I have the thought in my head that I am in good health and am going to live to be 100 years old.

I try to live in each moment and not go back or ahead too much.

As we live and breathe – dying is a fact of life.

Not much point wasting precious breaths worrying about something that is inevitable.

So go on live your life.

There is only time ahead of you.

 

Well almost time to head on downstairs, grab lunch, put on shoes and coat and head out for work.

Catching a ride with my neighbour as my carpool’s son has knee surgery today.

 

Happy Thursday.

So happy to be alive and to be here.

Have a great great day.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who read my blog, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvin