Second Half of the NEW YEAR – last quarter

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing on this Tuesday? I hope that life finds you in good health, first and foremost and that you are able to enjoy each and every day including this one. We went to bed later again last night it was almost 10:30 p.m. when I turned off the light. It was 2:00 a.m. when Mr. Alvin woke up and needed to go outside. How can you say “go back to sleep” when someone has to go to to the bathroom? You cannot. Or at least not in good conscious. So downstairs we trotted sleep still thick in my eyes with my cell phone and our sofa special pillow in tow, lights on and unlocked back door so he could outside. With so much snow I don’t have to go out until the sunrises to pick up any little parcels that he leaves behind because I can clearly see them and so can he. Back into the house and onto the sofa. It was 6:30 when the alarm went off that he next woke up. So time for his breakfast and another trip outside. I do know one thing for sure that his bodily function are in fine working order. While he had been eating I prepared the coffee so that I could plug it in when we are “finally up and downstairs for the day.” The coffee will be fresher longer. After that I still wasn’t quite ready to get up to stay up even though it wasn’t super early at this point. Set the microwave timer for 25 minutes which would mean getting up at 7:00 a.m. and that is what happened. It doesn’t take me long to get myself ready on those days when I don’t shower. There is no reason to shower everyday it dries out the skin, most especially in our dry winter season. Anyway, that is a personal preference and I prefer to show every other day. My hair has been healthier as a result, not so drying. So here we are almost ready to begin another day in the life of Carol Lewis.

Yesterday my daughter was running errands. She went to COSTCO first and picked up groceries for them and for me and then dropped them at the house. Just in time to have a short break with me. Then she was off to do more shopping at IKEA and at BATH & BODY WORKS. She phoned the order into IKEA which was a great idea and then just had to pick it up. I so wished that I could have gone with her to BBW. I love that store. I think I have mentioned that once or twice before and that I worked there a few years back. They were the first company to hire this “54” year old woman at the time when I moved here from Saskatchewan. I was so appreciative and even stayed on when I was hired at my current job. It was hard to leave but I could not continue working 7 days a week after the kids moved to a city about 20 minutes away and I could not leave Mr. Alvin alone from early morning till late at night. My girl picked me up some foaming hand soaps in my favourite scents: Tis the Season, Frosted Cranberry and Winter Citrus Wreath. I am so happy. She brought the goodies back including some items I requested for Christmas stockings, on her way back from the second leg of her shopping trip, and then she headed for home. I am so grateful to be the Mother of this beautiful, caring, compassionate, loving and thoughtful woman I call my “daughter.”

So needless to say with working the late shift yesterday and my daughter popping in and out we did not go for a walk. So hopefully the temperature is warm enough for me to go with Alvin at lunchtime. I gave him a short haircut actually shorter than I had planned. Thankfully he has a nice sweater to keep him warm and a great thick winter coat, too.

Well I guess it is time to head back downstairs and get that coffee perking. Life is life. I told my daughter yesterday when she asked me “How were things going?” I replied “great, how can I possibly complain, Alvin and I are in good health, as our our family and friends, we have good food to eat and a roof over our heads and I have a job where I can work from home.” Really how blessed am I, are me and Alvin. I am over the moon grateful for my life. Thank you Universe.

I hope that you are having a great day. Still pretty dark outside here as I quickly glanced out the office window. The sun will shine soon and I hope that it shines where you are. Remember to always, live your life with kindness and respect for all. Your life will be all the better, if you do!

Happy Tuesday.

Living our lives with kindness and respect for all,

I / We remain, as always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Oh my goodness, this is Christmas Eve morn.

Where did the time go?

I just got home from picking up Humphrey and doing the chores at his house.

In less than one hour my friend G is picking me up to take a last grocery run.

There are always those items that you do not wish to pick up too much in advance.

I just heard a clang in the back and looked out my window to see some lights of a truck – the garbage guys.

Today is the pickup.

I just realized how dark it is in the back lane.

We do not have any lights.

That might be something either the City or our Neighbourhood Association could put in.

At least one here and there.

Dangerous with no light.

Especially when the neighbourhood fees just rose by $25.00 to $175.00 annually per year and add taxes to that figure.

Today is not the day to complain there will be another day to vent that story.

 

Mid afternoon yesterday my friend P and I went to see the movie CATS.

It was spectacular, fantastic, wonderful and awesome.

The cast was crazy good.

James Corden, Judi Dench, Jason Derulo, Idris Elba, Jennifer Hudson, Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, Rebel Wilson, and introduces ballerina Francesca Hayward in her first feature-length film role.

It was well done.

The music, the dancing and the singing were fantastic.

We thoroughly enjoyed the movie.

 

I came home to Alvin and Humphrey.

Had a bite to eat (about 7 p.m.).

Made a double batch of chocolate fudge with walnuts and the honey mustard dip for tomorrow’s dinner.

Did I tell you our menu?

It is unique but every other Christmas we switch it up.

Not everyone likes turkey, I do but not everyone.

 

Menu:

What I call Chicken Fingers

Honey Mustard Dip (homemade)

Cranberries (homemade)

Mashed/Whipped Potatoes with Boursin Cheese baked in oven

Gravy (not homemade)

Stuffing (not homemade)

Buns (not homemade)

Peas

Corn

 

Assortment of goodies (all homemade) ranging from my Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Chip cookies and fudge to my friends Banana cake, Ginger cookies, mince tarts, and apple tarts 

and every place in between.

 

Some things made by me and others not.

A good mix.

 

We will have a hot cheese dip with baguette to snack on as well as veggies, crackers with hummus.

 

Likely too much to eat.

 

Well it is getting on here and my friend will be here shortly to pick me up for our shopping trip to Save-On and Costco.

Hopefully we will be there before the masses.

 

Wishing you a great Christmas.

The kids are dropping off Aspen and Milo about 2:30 p.m. and I will hang out with the pups until they come back for the evening.

Change of plans.

Humphrey will go home before the pups arrive.

Aspen would not like Humphrey.

That would be one scene I would not like to view.

 

I wish you and your family the most glorious Christmas ….

May you enjoy love, laughter and some good food….

If you are able to include a person(s) who does not have family to spend the holiday with, please do.

No one deserves to be alone at Christmas unless they choose to do so.

 

I hope the next two days are filled with a special kind of light that will continue to shine all year long.

The light of love and compassion.

The light of kindness and respect.

The light of generosity.

The light of you and me.

 

Merry Christmas from Carol, Mr. Alvin and Mr. Humphrey.

Me and the Boys.

Always and Forever.

………… After all…..

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Wow, today is Saturday the 21st day of December, 2019.

The second last Saturday of the month and the year.

WOW, hard to believe that 2019 is almost over.

We are ready for Christmas.

I wrapped the gifts for the pups and Humphrey last night.

Alvin was still sniffing around but at least he did not attempt to open any of the presents.

I was going to put my present from my friend “V” under the tree again but thought against it.

Better to be safe than sorry.

 

After a long time as somewhere along the way Mr. Alvin must have ate something not for him.

He was up and down ALL night long.

Finally he brought up some semi digested food.

Sorry for the grossness for the morning hours.

Anyway, he seems to be okay now.

We have our regular VET appointment this morning.

I have to have him checked for “ear mites” as baby Kobi has them.

He has his regular nail trim and stuff.

Following the visit, I will be giving Mr. Alvin his haircut which is long overdue.

I finally have the “blade head” replaced for his electric clipper.

Fun awaits.

Later this afternoon Teddy and his little sister arrive for a sleepover.

Last night I was able to get some laundry done and finished the last of the wrapping.

 

Well there are no words of wisdom or funny stories to share as I am a tad bit tired.

Going to cut this short to go and have some coffee and breakfast.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

 

If all else fails take a nap.

Always with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. so excited that I am off work now until January 2, 2020.

So lucky am I.

Living … One day at a time

Good Morning and we are nearing Christmas and the end of 2019.

Thursday today.

 

Yesterday we had our Christmas Brunch at work, it was good.

We also toured our newly renovated old office space.

There were mixed comments and feelings as per usual.

Not everyone is going to be happy.

Me, well although our workstations are just that a place to work.

Mine is located by a window which is great.

Most businesses are going to small non-personal work spaces.

Some folks are feeling like a hamster on a wheel with nowhere to go.

At this point it is difficult to say what it will be like without actually spending time on a daily basis in our regular routine.

Will there be changes, yes, definitely.

We are going paperless and I think that “they” believe we should work with no paper at all.

Unfortunately it does not quite work that way but it will iron itself out as it always does.

I look forward to the New Year and will adapt as I always have.

There is no point “crying” or “stressing” or “losing sleep” over a situation that is not within your control to change.

Although we have control, we really do not.

There is always someone or something pulling at those strings.

You can change things to be more suitable.

I am not trying to be negative as mostly I am positive.

We have to find a way to pay the bills doing something that we love.

Now that may be doing a job that pays the bills but affords you a home life that you love.

I think that is acceptable.

Now that job has to be something that you can live with, of course.

You cannot or should not spend hours, days, months or years at a toxic environment just because it pays the bills.

I am not saying that ….

There has to be a happy mix.

Anyway I am listening to a BLAKE SHELTON Christmas song as I am keying these words.

Alvin laying on his blue blanket and the world is good.

One of my friends called last night to invite me to go with her next Monday (I am off work) to see the movie CATS, her treat.

How wonderful!

 

Well here we are …. almost time for me, for us to head back downstairs.

I had a hard time going to sleep last night and then Alvin was awake at 1:13 and finally after trying to convince him to go back to bed …. we went downstairs.

I gave him his glucosamine chew and he went outside to pee, which he did.

Then we laid down on the sofa and slept until about 4:30 and then up for him to eat and go outside, again.

Then back to the sofa and then up at 5:15 a.m. …… argh.

Might be a long day but I am going to stay positive.

I, we are going to have an awesome day.

Quiet in the office (meaning few phone calls) and my appointments on time.

That would be nice.

 

Happy Thursday.

Thank you Blake Shelton …. love your voice.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Sunday Morning,

We were outside in the backyard and I was doing the thing.

In my pj’s and my winter coat.

Very cute.

The air felt relatively warm.

Not certain what the temperature is.

 

One of my friend’s is going to give me a ride to PETSMART today so that I can pick up the clipper blade (so looks like Alvin’s haircut will be next Monday).

Just in time for Christmas.

Perfection.

I will also pick up the remaining gifts for the pups and Humphrey.

Couple little treats for stockings and done.

Wrap the fur baby gifts and done.

 

Yesterday afternoon we had company which was so nice.

Had a great visit and even scored a couple of games of JENGA.

We each won one game.

After our company left – we headed out for a walk.

It was warmer than I thought.

 

Later in the afternoon, I delivered cookies to some of my friends in the neighbourhood.

Only two more cards and cookies to deliver.

Cookies for work, Cookies for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and DONE.

 

Nice to be able to enjoy the time instead of running around dazed and confused.

 

I popped in another load of laundry.

I have a few things to do other than the trip to PETSMART and grocery store.

One being to make a big pot of CHILI for supper and for suppers this week.

It is filling and goes a long way.

Then no cooking and you can change it up.

Put chili over roasted potatoes or over a bun.

I am going to call my sister today in between the shopping trip.

Oh, another light bulb burned out.

I hope that I have another new one.

 

Oh, how exciting we checked the mail yesterday on our way home from the walk and had received “TWO CHRISTMAS CARDS.”

So happy to have received them.

Cards and letters, nothing better.

 

Alvin is laying on an old quilt (his blanket is in the wash) resting.

I was thinking earlier that perhaps I should make a collage with all of my old Christmas cards.

A tribute to family and friends.

Then every Christmas it would be part of the decorations.

It would have to be huge but it would be beautiful.

Perhaps I will.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Sunday.

Time to relax.

Remember …. to breathe.

Always take time for you.

Even if it is 5-10 minutes here and there.

Even if it is in the bathroom with the door locked to keep the world out.

No phone allowed.

No children or spouses allowed.

No pets allowed.

Just you.

Wonderful you.

You are important.

To your children, spouse and pets.

So be good to you.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday – 12 SLEEPS until CHRISTMAS EVE.

Wow, totally crazy to think and to know that there is less than two weeks until Christmas arrives.

All over the world we celebrate on different days and in many different ways.

We do a mix of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

When I was a child there was always church on Christmas Eve.

We opened presents on Christmas Day morning.

Our big meal was always Christmas Day supper.

As I grew and made my own way in the world – things changed.

Christmas was spent between families when I was married and in divorce.

For most of my adult life there has been compromise.

It always seems to work out and isn’t that what life is all about a “degree of compromise.”

I do like to spread the Christmas Cheer all throughout the season and throughout the year.

During the Christmas Season I like to visit with as many friends and family members that I am able to.

The Christmas Season for me runs straight through until New Years.

After all ‘Tis the Season.

 

Me and My Sister
Christmas in the little house.

I think this is around 1963.

Real Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.

One of my favorite photos.

 

Me and my sister from a Christmas long ago …. I think about 1960…

Another favourite photo

 

 

Four of the Five of Us.

Before the baby was born making it FIVE.

 

One of my favourite things to do is the wrapping of gifts.

To be surrounded by love and laughter.

tis the season.

Merry Christmas.

 

Well time to head downstairs.

My ride was here almost twenty minutes early.

I told you about the toilet.

It continued to be one of those days.

But I am happy to report that it ended on a great note.

My son-in-law’s brother that had the heart transplant.

Continues to improve and be stronger each and everyday.

So incredibly happy for this family.

Best Christmas present ever.

Best any kind of present ever.

 

Time to go.

Have an awesome Thursday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello and doing a little happy dance as today is FRIDAY.

YAY, I have a busy weekend ahead of me but doing things that I love.

Well perhaps giving Mr. Alvin a hair cut and bath is not exactly something that I love to do but that is okay.

I see lots of BAKING on the horizon, write up Christmas cards for the co-workers, wrap Christmas presents and the regular stuff like laundry.

Tonight I start off with going grocery shopping after I get home from work and get Alvin looked after and go for a walk.

Last night our walk was to the Vet and home to pick up more food, some treats, toothpaste, and his glucosamine chews.

I have started to supplement his dry food with a bit of wet.

He thinks it is a treat.

So cute.

 

Well today feels like a day to post photos.

Some of my favorite photos from 2019.

What a crazy happy sad wonderful year it has been.

I hope that are having a great day.

Take a look back at your photos for this year.

Enjoy ….

Photos can always bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart.

Happy Friday.

 

Love Always, Carol & Alvin