Last Half 2022 – October

Good Morning ALL! Welcome to Wednesday. Back to the office for today, tomorrow and Friday. Not my favourite place to go but I will make it work as there is no choice in the matter. We had a pretty good sleep last night. In bed by 9:30 and I read for a few minutes before lights out. Alvin woke up about 1:00 a.m. so we went downstairs. Surprisingly enough he did not want to go outside so we laid down on the sofa, next thing I knew the alarm was going off at 5:30 a.m. We were up shortly thereafter. I did lay back down waiting for Alvin to wake up first which he did. What a guy? Then it was preparing his breakfast before heading outside. The grass was wet as it has been for the last while but no heavy frost which is good. I was expecting it to be raining but perhaps that is supposed to happen during the day. The temperature is to be much cooler than it has been for the past week or more. I am so grateful for these beautiful fall days. Watching the leaves turn from green to gold and then falling from the trees has been delightful. The colours of fall warm my heart and make me feel warm inside. I do love this time of year. We have trees that are green still, some have turned gold and others variations of red and wine.

Alvin had a good appointment although he did fuss when his front nails were being trimmed. Poor boy. Since COVID, I have to wait in the exam room and they take the pets to the back area where they perform surgeries etc. So I can only listen to him “cry” and whine which breaks my heart. I stocked up on his toothpaste, glucosamine chews, small bag of treats and pain meds. You never know when things are not going to be in stock, so if I am able to, I pick them up before we actually need the items. It is sad that so many items in our everyday lives are becoming so difficult to secure. Between supply chain issues and staffing (which I do not understand) and soaring prices – it makes me sad and to wonder why?

I will have time to snuggle with the boy, make sure that he drinks more water and goes outside to pee again before I leave for work. With the price of coffee, I decided not to make coffee at home and take it to work, I will drink the coffee from work (it is free). Might as well take advantage of that as not much is free any more and who knows if that will change.

As I had taken yesterday afternoon off (vacation) for Alvin’s appointment because we cannot take time off in anything less than 1/2 days – I had time before the appointment to chop up more apples, which I did. Still have most of a large bowl left to do. That I will work on after work tonight.

I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday.

So happy that it is payday.

Pay those the bills and wait for the next ones.

What a circle!

I am grateful that I am able to pay my bills in full and on time.

I am grateful to have a roof over my head.

I am grateful that I am able to look after me and Alvin in good order.

I am grateful that I am employed.

I am grateful for each and every day that I am able to get out of bed in the morning.

I am grateful for all of my dear family members and all of my friends.

I am grateful to be surrounded by goodness and light.

I am grateful to have Alvin as my housemate.

I am grateful to have this beautiful weather as we fast approach the first day of fall.

I am grateful to be alive.

 

Last night and early this morning – I had the strangest of dreams.

Unfortunately I remember nothing of them other than they were odd.

How often does this happen to you?

Me, lots.

Sometimes I remember little things and sometimes I remember the dream in some detail.

But not often.

 

I prefer to daydream.

Where I can somewhat control and remember what I am thinking.

What do you daydream about?

I think daydreaming is good for us.

I daydream about things and people.

 

Another beautiful day on the way.

Yesterday was gorgeous.

We went for a walk in the morning as I worked the late shift yesterday.

Our walk was lovely.

Quiet …. not too many people out before 8:30 a.m.

Today at lunchtime I am going to the Vet to pick up food for Alvin, some pain meds and toothpaste for him.

We will walk after work when it cools down.

I guess we could / should have gone this morning but alas I did not get my butt going soon enough.

If I got dressed now and we went …. we could be home in time for me to start work.

But I think we will wait.

Although …… it looks tempting but it would be cutting it close.

We shall wait.

Can always go after supper if it is too warm at 4:00 p.m.

 

Tomorrow I got to the office for the first time since I left on March 19, 2020.

I am a little nervous – I will confess.

Must remember to take a mask or two and some other supplies.

Lunch, I guess.

Sounds like the coffee machine is in use so that is good.

Only for one day.

I shall miss and feel guilty leaving Alvin for a whole day.

He is not used to it.

Perhaps he will be happy to have the day to himself.

Who knows?

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I have to get ready.

Turn on the coffee.

Actually turn on the coffee first and then come back upstairs and get ready.

I have all of the windows open so that cool air can come into the house.

Smells good.

Not really any breeze this morning.

Happy Thursday.

 

Have an awesome Thursday.

Be safe.

Be kind and respectful.

I shall/we shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

I am so excited to see the Snapdragons coming up in the pot with the Geraniums.

Orange and pink so pretty.

There are more Snapdragons since this photo was taken.

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello ALL and welcome to a Wonderful THURSDAY morning.

I just saw a tiny bug fly by me …. the joy of having houseplants.

Alvin and I went for a short walk last night but it was heavenly.

The air was soft and warm.

Short but sweet.

I shovelled our front walks before going to pick up Humphrey.

I love how he holds on for dear life.

Perhaps the shovel scared him a bit as I was holding it on our walk to my house.

Alvin joined me on the deck as I shovelled but not that Humphrey boy.

He preferred to wait until the deck was shovelled before coming outside.

I cannot say that I blame him one bit.

So grateful for this warm weather.

The weather forecast originally called for COLD and lots of SNOW and now they are saying it might be warmer than normal.

Someone mentioned that they have hit all the bases and that they have.

No matter what they say now … they have made it official.

They would be correct either way.

 

Last night I happened to be standing by Humphrey who was sitting in Alvin’s chair when I caught the sight of a rabbit hopping by the window.

He / She was pretty much all white now.

 

Well I am happy today is Thursday.

I love Thursdays.

Two of the four monthly are pay days and that is a good thing.

The day following is Friday.

Starts with the letter T.

Mm, not sure about that one.

But anyway I am happy it is Thursday.

 

Tonight we are walking to the Vet after I get home from work.

Alvin needs food, some treats and toothpaste.

Cannot do without food.

 

Well time to go and pick up the poop.

That is a good way to start and end one’s day.

 

Happy Day.

I hope that you are doing well.

Enjoying each moment.

Spending it with kindness and respect.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 5th day of January, 2019.

Still dark out as we are up earlier than usual for a Saturday.

We were awake at 4:30 a.m. – Alvin outside.

Bathroom breaks for everyone and Alvin had his glucosamine chew.

 

Followed by a couple of hours or so on the sofa.

Our sofa is so comfortable and quite often my sleep even though the time is shorter on the sofa – is a better one.

I think that I sleep well but it is BETTER on the sofa.

I need a mattress that replicates my sofa.

Isn’t that funny how most of us can sleep better and fall asleep more quickly on the sofa.

Why is that?

Because it is not in the bedroom, where you are typically supposed to sleep?

Because you know it is for a shorter time?

Because maybe it is more comfortable than your bed?

Because you are more relaxed on the sofa?

There is no television on when I sleep on the sofa in the morning.

There is no music playing.

I do not have a special pillow.

Why? WHY? Why?

All I know is that when I sleep on the sofa – I fall asleep right away – I dream lots – am super comfortable.

Alvin loves the sofa, too.

Although he can sleep pretty much anywhere (like right now on his blanket on the floor).

So this is the thought for the day.

 

Well this is going to be a busy weekend.

This morning: after finishing my post – need a shower – eat breakfast (both of us) – go to the Vet for Al’s regular nail trim and extras, he needs food, toothpaste and some treats – laundry – groceries –

house cleaning – put away the Christmas decorations that were banished to the basement and whatever else I can get done.  There is also more snow shovelling to do as well.  Tomorrow I was invited to

a baby shower for the daughter of one of my friends.  Have not been to a baby shower for years.

 

Time to fly here.

While the momentum is there.

Sometimes all we want to do is veg.

Alvin has moved from the office to the hall (there is carpet there and definitely more comfortable than the floor with his blanket).

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday.

The debate will continue between sofa and bed – bed and sofa.

 

Special Hello to: my sister ….. SKYPE time, let me know?

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 1st day of September, 2018.

YAY, it is a three day weekend.

The sky is overcast and it has been raining overnight.

There is wind blowing.

It is cool outside.

It is 66 degrees F in the house.

I guess that might be why I kept going back and snuggling under the blankets.

It was a long week and sometimes you just need to rest.

Last night after work Alvin and I walked over to the Vet and picked up his food, toothpaste and a bag of dental chew treats.

Followed by a walk with our friend.

We left home at 4:20 p.m. and arrived back home at 6:00 p.m.

There was a short break at home while we dropped off the purchases from the Vet, called our friend and grabbed Alvin’s water bottle.

No all of that time was not walking but most of it.

We did have to take a sit down as Mr. Alvin just did not wish to go.

Finding a bench nearby we sat and I scooped Alvin up onto my lap (he is not really a lap dog, for sure).

We had a chat while Alvin rested.

Over the course of our walk we came across another friend that I had not seen in a long time.

My friend P had met her while out and about so we all had a nice visit.

She was busy doing some yard work.

After we got home I gave Mr. Alvin his supper and then decided to mow the back lawn.

The little patch of grass seems to grow like mad.

Knowing that there is rain in our forecast figured it was a good idea to do.

Also my STEEPED TEA order arrived so I separated and packed the orders.

We had a nice evening but short …. at 8:30 p.m. I was ready for bed.

We both were ….. Alvin decided at 4:00 that he need to get out of bed…..argh….so up we were.

Then headed back to the sofa until a few hours later when we got up and he had his breakfast.

Sometimes you just need to chill….. I love my sofa.

WE are heading into a couple of weeks of cooler temperatures.

14-18 days (wonder what the night temperatures will be).

Last year going into the long weekend it was hot but there was rain.

Well I guess I need to get this show on the road.

I need some coffee and to get organized.

See what is on my HONEY DO LIST (which is the list that I write for me to do and ask nicely).

I will post some photos of my flowers and sunflowers.

Who are still doing great.

Oh, how I love flowers.

Have an awesome Saturday.

Happy 1st of September.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks out there who are like me, just getting mobile.  It is okay.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and  Welcome to Wednesday the 25th day of April, 2018.

As April winds down and Spring has definitely sprung; we are happy for the months ahead.

Summer: no socks, sandals, capris, sometimes shorts (not short shorts for me), light sweater or somedays just a top.

Happy Days.

So nice not to spend 5 minutes or so donning your outer apparel.

I saw a Robin the other day as I was chatting to a friend when we were out for out walk.

That was the first Robin that I had seen thus far this spring.

We usually have Robins by our home.

I have a bird house in the back yard.

Usually there are some of the smaller birds debating over who gets the house this year.

Most times the Magpies and the Crows scare the little ones away.

A handful of times I have had a Hummingbird in my backyard.

Oh, how I love those little ones.

So gorgeous.

Another creature that I love is the Dragonfly.

We used to see huge ones around our house at the front and the back.

The past couple of years they have all but disappeared.

Not sure why.

Here are a couple of photos, they were big.

Soon it will be time for planting flowers.

One of my favourite times of year.

I love to get my hands dirty.

I love to watch the flowers grow and show off their beautiful blooms.

All things baby soon.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

Cute story.

This morning while I was brushing my teeth, Alvin was in the bathroom with me.

Cause where else would he be?

He sat there and just starred at me brushing my teeth.

I was so hoping that perhaps he could understand better when I was brushing his and perhaps let me really brush them well.

Not so much.

I brushed his right after mine.

He was more than happy to jump up onto the bed and lick his tasty toothpaste while I “brushed his teeth.”

I do get them brushed, most specially the front ones but the back ones are another story.

Just keep trying every day and have done this for the past 8 years.

 

Happy Wednesday.

Happy Spring.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V”

Always, Carol & Alvin

(Somehow this appears not to have been published on Wednesday, so better late than never, I guess).

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 17th of November, 2016.

Dark outside but no added snow overnight which is good.

Yesterday was about +2 degrees celsius.

We are enjoying this weather before winter hits/arrives.

Even the bunnies are white.

So it goes without saying that it is not the snow that drives the turning of their coats from brown to white.

The man-made lakes/ponds in our nearby parks have started to freeze over.

There was still some “running” water last night.

 

I was reminded yesterday at our staff meeting which was off-site of the reasons I journal and write this blog.

Mainly it is because it is something that I love to do and the other reason is it helps me to destress.

Most of my life I have tried to see the silver lining in every situation.

Now sometimes it may take me a bit of time to reach that positive end but eventually I do.

It is like most things in life if you find the pot of gold too early then you missed the journey learning along the way.

Does that make sense?

In every moment there is something to learn giving us cause to grow.

Being positive does not mean being “happy” in every second of every day but it does mean that you are on the plus side more often

than not.

Makes sense?

There are days when getting my “tongue” wrapped around what I am thinking in my mind are two different things.

It is so funny that what I am thinking sounds so intelligent and meaningful but by the time it reaches my tongue or fingertips it has been transposed to

some degree.

 

Well on this note it is almost time to finish getting ready and head out for the bus.

I will get Alvin’s results tonight at the Vet (from his laser light therapy) as I need to stop and pick up food and toothpaste for him.

His ride said that he was nervous and had anxiety.

Will be interesting to get the results tonight.

I will share tomorrow.

 

Happy Thursday Everyone.

Try to find the silver lining in your day.

Keep a journal, writing down what you are grateful for is so beneficial.

 

Special Hello to: EVERYONE

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 24th day of August, 2016.

Rain cleared up and now time for some sunshine.

I want to share some of the beautiful and wonderful treats that have come my way this week.

Let us start with Sunday.

My roses are the most delicate of pinks I have ever seen.

They are blooming like they have never bloomed before and oh so gorgeous.

These little darlings have decided to take a peek through the railing – I suppose just to see what is on the other side.

Thought you might enjoy them.

Everyone loves a Tuesday when parcels arrive one in the mailbox and the other on my doorstep.

The parcel in my mailbox was addressed to both Alvin and his Momma, well that would be me.

I picked up the parcel before going into the house and Alvin knew, he could smell because right away he jumped up to see

what had arrived.

But good Momma that I am – I made us both wait until after Alvin had supper and our walk before we opened the package.

Can you believe my friend?

She was just supposed to be sending me this new toothpaste that she uses and loves.

She gave me a small tube and I loved it, too.

My friend ordered me some and then mailed it to me.

Only thing is ….. my friend ….. well she can never just mail one tube of toothpaste.

The box as you can see in the photos was LARGE.

OMG, the goodies that filled it were/are amazing.

There were cheese buns, regular buns, this delectable pumpkin loaf with walnuts and fruit with chocolate icing, pumpkin – carrot muffins, Saskatoon berry chocolates, some healthy soy sauce in a cool spray bottle, a brush for when she comes to visit and bakes me buns (she said that), small tongs and a package addressed specially for Mr. Alvin.  Oh my he was so excited.  He jumped up.  In fact as you can see in the photo his Momma did not get a clear shot as he inspected the package and read the note addressed to him (he is home schooled) ….. he absolutely loved his special treats for his teeth.

Now if that was not enough of wonderful treats my last tea order arrived.  I packaged up the orders and ready to deliver tomorrow.

The first photo is all MINE ….. so excited.

I am happy to try out my new MATCHA Shaker and all the new teas and things.

So as you can see  …… the special delivery GODS were shining down upon my on this Tuesday.

I just know that this week is going to be epic … full of more wonderful surprises.

P.S. not to be excluded from the greats treats but my neighbour from the other half of my duplex stopped by for a visit just night before last.

They are settling into their new house.  Alvin and I are so excited to go in September for a visit.

Well …… see what a week.

Met some new people …… loving this week.

Well here it is time to leave for work once again.

The evenings seem to zing by as do the small amount of time I have in the mornings.

I always feel bad leaving Alvin as it must be lonely …..

Wishing you a great Wednesday.

Almost time for a new month to begin.

August has been wonderful.

Special Hello to: my friend “V” back in Regina, thank you once again for the lovely Surprise Package.  The pumpkin loaves with the chocolate icing are my new favourite.  Alvin loved loved loved his treats and I will not tell him that they are good for him.  LOL

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 22nd day of September, 2015.

It is dark out but not raining …. always a good sign in the morning (not raining for walking to the bus).

I think that we have had enough rain for a bit.

Well this morning I am running behind the clock …..

Would that not be a funny sight ….. me running behind this big old Grandfather clock??

Mornings always seem to come fast.

One thing this morning that warrants a quick note before I dash out the door.

Mr. Alvin wanted to sit upon my lap.

He doesn’t always ask every day so when he does it is a treat.

I love snuggling with him as I write in my gratitude journal.

Funny story before I sign off :  I grabbed the tube of toothpaste to brush my teeth.

Just as I was almost done I thought this doesn’t taste right.

OMG, I then realized that I had grabbed Mr. Alvin’s “chicken” flavoured toothpaste.

Baaa ….. blah ….. yuck (actually it was not that bad).

Time to go.

P.S. I did brush them with my toothpaste…. LOL

Have a super duper great “toosday.”

Special Hello to: my sister C.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 14th day of June, 2015.

Looking out of the office window facing south I can see the trees blowing in the wind in bright sunlight.

Looking out of my bedroom window facing north I can see the clouds starting to roll in.

So should be enough time to write this blog, drink my first mug of coffee and get dressed so that Mr. Alvin and I can go for a nice walk.

Yesterday it rained after our morning appointment at the Vet …. for Alvin’s pedicure …. only thing was …. his nails were not long enough so no pedicure……first time going to the Vet and no charge ….. so we bought some toothpaste.  They are so nice.  It was the perfect day to remain indoors and tackle my extra long “TO DO LIST.”

I was so pleased with myself as I managed to to everything on the list.

How is that for a productive Saturday.

Today is baking, bath for Alvin and relaxation for us.

YAY ……

This morning I realized for the first time something about Alvin …… he got me up at 4:30 to have his breakfast and to go outside… then we hit the sofa for some more zzzz’s ….. he got me up at 7:30 to go out again ….. then just after 8:00 he sat there and starred at me….. then he settle back down …… then finally at 9:00 he got up barked and jumped off of the sofa …. I got up and then he jumped up into my spot.  Mr. Alvin’s way of getting me up and out off the sofa.  I had just figured that I had deserved to just relax and lay there but guess he figured otherwise.  Thank you Mr. Alvin for being such a good friend and alarm clock.

I hope that you had a great weekend thus far.

The coffee is tasting pretty good and Alvin is pacing looking for the perfect spot to “leave” his CHEWIE ….. he sure can take up a lot of time going from room to room “burying it or hiding it” …. sometimes in plain sight.

Have an awesome Sunday as we have to get the show on the road.

Thank you for reading my blog.

Everyday I learn something new ….. even about Mr. Alvin.

Special Hello to: all the puppies out there who teach their Mommas and Poppas everyday.

Always, Carol and Alvin