Last Half 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing well. Alvin seems to be almost back to normal. This morning I started to reintroduce his regular food to the bland diet of chicken and rice. He doesn’t really want to drink much water so I just add water to his food. He drinks the water and then eats his food. I suppose now that I have started something but he has to drink! What a guy! Still keeping an eye on him. This morning I did not add water to his food as it was a mix of his food, pumpkin and the bland diet. But I will give him a snack later this morning and will give him water. Hopefully when we go for a walk – he will drink more than he did yesterday. I was reading if they do not get exercise, then they do not always want to drink much or can be any number of things. So I took him for a walk after work yesterday. We walked to our friend Pauline’s house and home. He only drank a small amount of water whereas he usually drinks almost the full container which is almost two cups. I did the test on his gums and they seem to be okay, so not dehydrated. We are going for a walk shortly. I had planned to get up earlier so that I wouldn’t have to rush but when we were up at 4:30 for a pee, then up at 5:30 so that he could eat and have his meds, get up at 6:00 was difficult. So here we are. Up at 6:40 and it is now just a couple of minutes after 7:00. We will have to leave soon so that we are back in time for me to get signed on for work. There is lots of time but I have a thing about being on time.

There is a cool breeze this morning so will be nice to get out for a walk. Perhaps the breeze and morning air will clear the cobwebs from my brain and get me where I need to be.

I am very grateful that Alvin is feeling better. Always a difficult thing to go through for him and me. He is getting older which I sometimes forget and he may not bounce back just as quickly as he once did but that is okay.

With gratitude in my heart, I leave you for today. Wishing you a wonderful day. I hope that you are able to get out for a walk and that your life has more positivity than the opposite. Why even say the word! or type it in this case.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 19 sleeps till 65. It is getting close. I wonder if I will feel differently? My geraniums have so many buds and I am happy that they are blooming.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to my 63rd Birthday.

Why is it whenever one has somewhere to be that time seems to past with lightning bolt speed?

Alvin and I were up at 4:30 first and he had breakfast.

Then at 7:00, I pushed it to 7:30 and then up at 8:00 a.m.

Why do we do that?

The sun is shining and the wind is blowing and it is a glorious day.

Already received texts from my sister, brother and long time friend from back home.

I am all showered, made up and dressed to go to my birthday party/celebration.

Two of my friends and I alway celebrate each other’s birthdays.

One of the others hosts the party and we have cake and coffee and gifts.

We chat about the latest news in our lives.

This time I am taking some of my yummy birthday carrot cake, chocolate cupcakes with salted caramel icing and the #1 cupcake vanilla with key lime icing.

I have one of the best bakers that bakes for me ( I pay her of course) and then I love to share the treats with family and friends.

This time one of the gals not the host, has her parents visiting from Newfoundland, so her Mom will be joining us.

I think she was here last year for my birthday as well.

Usually it is just we three girls.

Sometimes the kids come or at least they used to.

I had wanted to share photos of my treats and recent photos of what has been going on but alas technical difficulties.

I have been experiencing some problems with my phone, photos and now to the computer.

Something tells me that I have to go through them and delete some from my phone as most are on the computer.

Also have to downsize the photos on my computer as well.

I have close to 50,000 between the computer and my phone.

I think that is a bit too many.

 

Well almost time to go and put together the treat platter to take.

Will have to ensure that there is a good lid on the container in this wind.

Later or tomorrow, I will see if I can fix or have fixed my problem so that I can share some new photos.

But for today:

This geranium is now massive and so many beautiful pink flowers.

 

Okay last minute was able to download or upload some photos from Friday.

All dressed up for my family birthday celebration.

The cupcakes and cake just delivered.

 

Living with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As 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,

We actually had sunshine, clear blue skies yesterday for the first time in days.

I hope that this means that the forest/wild fires to the north of Edmonton are perhaps lessened.

But more than likely it is because the wind changed.

Yesterday was quite warm.

I brought Humphrey the cat over to spend the day with me and Alvin.

Again they never cease to amaze me.

Sharing the space.

I felt bad taking Alvin for a walk last night as I know how much Humphrey likes to walk sniffing as he goes.

But he was in the backyard for time over the course of the day.

He is quite the cat.

We walked at 7:00 p.m. thinking it was cooler than earlier but only to find out it was still quite warm.

Thankfully I always carry Alvin’s special water bottle/dish with us.

We did not see the geese who were probably near or in the water keeping cool.

In between things yesterday I even left them for a short time while I headed to the grocery store.

Seemed strange but they did great.

 

Today is Sunday.

Love Sundays.

Pancake breakfast.

Oh, I forgot to grab the frozen blueberries out of the freezer.

Will have to do that right away.

Also going over to pick up Humphrey the Cat (have to make sure that he did his morning ritual before he comes over to spend the day).

Cinder the Gekko has to be fed.

I wished that I could bring her over to my house, too.

Also am going to give Alvin a trim and a bath.

That should be fun.

We always enjoy those, not.

 

Well in this very moment; I am gleefully happy.

Feel great.

Sitting at the computer clicking away on the keys while Alvin waits outside the office door.

Not sure why ….

I think he knows that his friend will be here shortly.

Spending the day with animals is wonderful.

They warm your heart.

 

Well time to go and look after my charges: Humphrey the Cat and Cinder the Gekko.

I love my life.

It would be great to be retired with no mortgage and spend my days writing stories and looking after our four-legged creatures.

Alvin, Teddy, Humphrey and Cinder.

Perhaps others from time to time.

 

Okay, Living … One day at a time …. you never know what will happen.

Does not hurt to look forward a bit as long as do not dwell.

 

Happy Sunday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 23rd day of February, 2019.

That darn Weather Report says colder weather on the way.

Hopefully when Alvin and I walk to his follow-up Vet appt. in a little bit (930); it is not too cold.

We did not make arrangements for a ride.

Thankfully it is only about an 8 minute walk.

Also wishing a Happy Birthday to our friend “A” who lives a few doors down.

It is her Happy Birthday today as well.

Also a girl I know back home.  Happy Birthday “M.”

Lots of birthdays on this day.

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So, today is the DAY.

Today is my beloved sister’s “60” Birthday.

I cannot believe she is 60 ….. where has the time gone.

Seems like yesterday we were teenagers and young adults.

I will say this …. we always had fun … no matter where we were or what we were doing.

We have laughed and cried together.

We have worked together (for same company).

We have lived together for a bit of time.

Always there for each other.

Yes, we have had our “spats” but at the end of it all, we always made it out of the mud and on our way.

She has been my longest friend.

No one can make me laugh like my sister.

I love her sense of humour, her smile and her laugh.

She is one of the most intelligent beings I know.

My sister is dependable, loyal and herself.

Wishing my baby sister the most wonderful 60th Birthday.

Yes, I know I am giving away your age but sister, 60 is huge.

It is just a number.

But a glorious one.

Happy Birthday Sister C.

The pups wanted to get in on the WISHES.

Happy Birthday from Miss Aspen, Master Milo and Mr. Alvin.

Purple flowers – Lavender for a February birthday.

How about an ANGEL FOOD CAKE with Fresh Strawberries …. next visit …. will make you one!

Wishing you a Happy Happy Birthday.

Wishing you a great day and year to follow.

May you have good health, be filled with great joy, love, and abundance.

AND always, surrounded by the ones that love you.

With love from your family

Me, Alvin, A & S, Aspen and Milo.

Have an awesome day.

 

Special Hello to: the Birthday Girl, of course.

Always, Carol

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 30th day of December, 2018.

 

WINTER

The wind is blowing.

The sky is overcast and that white once again.

Part of the walk that I shovelled yesterday has now blown in again with snow.

The deck is inches deep with snow, once again.

It is snowing and the wind is tossing it around as if it were nothing.

Nothing that will at some point land upon the ground.

Asking me to shovel once again.

The wind’s voice is deep and arrogant making me feel cold even though I am warm inside my house.

Oh weather.

Winter is here.

There is no doubt.

At least for one day or two or even three or four.

That winter is here to stay.

Oh winter, with your cold temperatures, snow and winds.

Somewhere in my heart there is love for you.

Somewhere there is respect for what you can do.

Winter, your name commands it.

Winter, the final season of every year.

Winter, the first season of the New Year.

Thank you Winter …..

 

Written by: CY Lewis, December 30, 2018

 

This is what my brain is wrapped around this morning.

Special Hello to: WINTER, yes you are definitely here.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 2nd day of December, 2018.

WOW, it seems like I went to sleep and woke up and we are already on the 2nd day of December.

Time is zipping along.

Well it appears that we have winter or at least SNOW.

The rooftops, driveways, sidewalks, decks, and lawns and all completely covered.

Yesterday my neighbour and I each shovelled out front once and you can barely tell.

I was already up and shovelled the deck this morning and put on a load of laundry and made coffee.

Feels good to get up early and have the day started at a more reasonable hour.

Not that I sleep until noon or anything but good to be up.

 

I changed my TO DO LIST yesterday and ended up giving Mr. Alvin a hair cut and bath.

His front paws still are quite furry but I managed to snip some here and there.

He was shaking so bad with anxiety that I decided enough was enough.

No matter how comforting I tried to be.

Poor little guy.

I still was grooming him for almost three hours.

He looks his old handsome self.

I will snip with the scissors each night before bed.

Easier to get at his paws.

Well it means that Christmas CARDS are on the list today.

So happy that we got out for a walk before all of the snow.

Likely better that Alvin’s paws are not so short as they will keep his feet warm.

His jacket will be fitting better with the excess fur gone.

 

I liked shovelling the deck in the semi dark …. it was so quiet….only lights on at my friend who helps with the shovelling.

All the other houses that I could see where still in darkness.

Hopefully I did not wake anyone up.

I did try to be pretty quiet.

Was not 5 or 6 AM …..

Quite a lot of ice under the snow.

 

Well lots to do today.

I love writing up Christmas Cards for family and friends.

We picked up the photos at COSTCO on Friday.

So once all done – just have to mail them.

That will be on Thursday.

 

Well we heard a clatter out front and Alvin sprang to see what was the matter.

I saw snow flying.

My neighbour beat me out front.

One thing off the list ….. front walks shovelled.

Thank you my friend.

I am quite certain that there will be more shovelling in my future.

Still snowing …..

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I hope that you are enjoying the weekend.

Perhaps you are shopping, decorating, baking or just resting as you are all done.

Perhaps Christmas is not your thing …. that’s okay.

Some keep it simple and others do not celebrate.

We are all different in our celebrations and traditions and that is okay.

Whatever makes you happy and keeps you in a constant state of joy.

 

Happy Sunday.

 

Special Hello to:  my sister …. we should SKYPE …. I miss your smiley face.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 11th day of November, 2018.

 

Remembering

Today, as we should every day, think of those brave women and men who gave up their lives for our freedoms.

Not only to keep us safe but so that we have a multitude of FREEDOMS.

Freedom of speech.

Freedom to practice one’s religion or not.

Freedom to be who we are free from persecution.

Freedom to live, love and play.

We thank them with who we are and with what we do each day.

By working, by contributing to society and by being good citizens of this country and of the world.

Thank you.

 

Today is the birthday of my very special nephew “T” …… he has a warm, soft heart and I love him.

I have known him since his Mom, my friend had him growing in her tummy.

Happy Birthday buddy and I hope that you have a special, special day.

 

Back to the boys as Alvin wants to be upstairs with me.

I can hear him barking.

 

Let us all take us some today to be grateful for all that we have and for all that we are ….

If it were not for the bravery of others we would not enjoy what most of us take for granted today.

 

Have a good Sunday …..

 

Special Hello to: my nephew “T.”  Happy Birthday

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 10th day of March, 2018.

Today is the birthday of my son-in-law’s brother, Happy Birthday “D.”

The sun is shining and it is a great day thus far.

Alvin slept from 10:30 until 4:15 a.m. (not bad).

Feeling more rested.

So excited to see the sun shining.

A day where the sun is shining in the early morning is a GREAT day.

 

We are preparing for my daughter’s birthday.

My daughter and her husband and the grand-pups are coming over.

We have to do some light cleaning and tidying up.

Laundry of course, cause it is Saturday.

I am making supper – my daughter’s favourite and my son-in-law is bringing cupcakes.

All bases are covered.

 

I am reminded by the book that I am reading that sometimes we, people in general spend too much time on the past and forget about today and tomorrow.

I am not saying that the past is not important and does not require some attention but not so much that it deters us from today and tomorrow.

I know that without yesterday there would be no todays or tomorrows.

But let us celebrate today so that we set the stage for a great tomorrow.

 

Have an awesome Saturday, March 10th, 2018.

May the sun be shining softly upon you as you carry on with your day.

Play some music and do a happy dance, just because you can.

Be happy …..

 

Special Hello to: all those celebrating birthdays ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 23rd day of February, 2018.

Today is a very extra special day as it is the birthday of my beloved sister “C” and one of my long-time friends “D.”

Happy Birthday Ladies …. Wishing you both the most wonderful day.

 

The house is oh so quiet this morning without my Alvin ….

I will say that I did not sleep soundly and at one point even thought that I heard him by our bedroom door.

He is in good hands and company for a few days with his sister, brother-in-law and niece and nephew.

But I miss that quirky guy.

 

So back to the Birthdays.

My sister is just a tad younger than me.

Growing up we had our moments but we were always there for each other.

We played together.

We have lived together as adults.

We have travelled together.

I love my sister.

She makes me laugh and smile.

She can make me so mad that I want to spit nails.

But not so much anymore.

We are older and wiser.

We do not waste time sweating the small stuff.

Time is precious and we know this.

We appreciate and are grateful for every moment we have together.

I love you my darling little sister.

I would have liked to have baked you a cake and decorated the house with balloons and streamers.

Next best ….

A photo of you and me on my 4th Birthday.

FLOWERS for the BIRTHDAY GIRL

P.S. nice to have green in the background …..

Happy Birthday.

Have a great great day.

Well here we go again …. time to get ready to go and catch that bus.

Have a wonderful Friday everyone.

 

Special Hello to: the birthday girls.

Always, Carol & Alvin