Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and I believe today is Tuesday, July 21, 2020.

Wow, sometimes now that I am working from home the days seem to blend together.

There is a loud hum of vehicles coming from the Anthony Henday which is the highway that goes around the City of Edmonton.

I hadn’t realized that it was that loud until this morning or perhaps it is because more people are heading back to work.

What a thought.

The sky is a mix of sun and clouds.

Fingers crossed it is a nice sunny day.

Maybe not too hot so that Alvin and I can go for a walk at lunchtime.

Not a full one of course.

 

Well to Mr. Alvin.

We spent another night sleeping on the sofa.

I could not coax him to go outside before bed and I knew that at some point we would be up.

He fussed for a long time and I think that I fell asleep before him.

I can definitely tell the difference between with pain med and when it wears off.

In an hour or so, he can have another one.

Actually he usually wakes up at 3:30 or 4:00 and wants to go outside.

He has not done that the past few night that we have been sleeping downstairs.

Whether he is in pain and just does not want to get up …. not sure there.

So I was the one walking up ….

4:45 a.m. and to the bathroom …. he did not want to go outside.

He actually waited until we were up at 6:15 to have breakfast.

I had to lift him down the stairs to the grass to do his business which he finally did not long ago.

I feel so badly for him …. he has had a long haul the past few months….from one thing to another.

He did slowly climb up the stairs this morning and surprisingly enough he walked around the bed as if he wanted up but just did not want to jump.

I have a long chaise stool (not sure what to call it) and it is a little step and then he hops onto the bed.

I think those days may be over.

So I said “no worries, buddy, I got you” picking him up and gently placing him onto the bed.

I could tell he missed the bed as it has been several days since he has been sleeping and sitting on the bed.

Fingers crossed that over the course of the day he will continue to get better.

Please do not get me wrong ….. I will take him to the Vet ….. if he does not get better.

Unfortunately I think it is his joints and they will not get better so all I can do is help him be comfortable in whatever he does.

 

Did I tell you that I decided to take the two weeks vacation after all?

After conversations with my daughter she felt that I needed to take two full weeks and relax.

Life has been stressful with work and then with Alvin.

So I changed it back to two weeks.

I am now looking forward to having the time off.

Recharge, relax, clean the oven and defrost the fridge are high on my list.

Walks with Alvin is number ONE on the list.

 

Well time to head over to the next desk and start work.

Oh, have to run down and grab my coffee.

I hope that life is treating you with kindness and respect as you are treating life.

With kindness and respect, I live my life.

I/We, shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 4th day of December, 2018.

Yesterday morning before leaving for work I shovelled the deck and the front walks.

Shortly thereafter it stopped.

YAY.

Doing the happy happy dance.

The drive to work was slow yesterday, very very slow.

We had one (I would imagine first snowfall driver) going less than 30 kms per hour.

Being careful is one thing but keeping traffic backed up is another.

The roads were not bad.

Just snow in the hood and any residential streets.

But main streets were pretty good.

Thank you to all the graders who were up and out early in the morning.

 

So great to come home from work and not have to shovel.

That was a blessing in disguise.

We went for a small walk last night as the walks by the lake are not plowed.

We struggled to get through the snow on Sunday on our way to and from Teddy’s house.

I don’t think either of us wanted to do that again.

ARGH….does that mean we are old?

No, just smart.

Exercise is one thing but ploughing through snow is another.

I received my very first Christmas Card yesterday.

I guess I am late.

Mine will be in the mail on Thursday and then hand deliver the others after that……

 

I think that I am beginning after all my years to actually “love” the mornings.

The quiet, stillness of the air.

Just getting ready for work with Alvin by my side.

Stopping to give him a massage a couple of times before I leave.

Picking up the poop.

Isn’t that what life is all about.

We “pick up the poop.”

 

Well words of wisdom and funny stories evade me.

I do hope that everyone is having a great start to their day or perhaps you are ending your day and in that case, I wish you a great sleep.

Happy Tuesday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister C and my friend V who are two of my favourite people on the planet.  They make me laugh, make me sing, can make me cry (in a good way) and are full of love and support.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 10th day of July, 2018.

It is a beautiful morning here in Edmonton.

Alvin and I went for a walk at 5:00 a.m. just as the sun was beginning to rise.

The sky was different hues of pinks and red/oranges, so pretty.

There was not a soul out until we were on our way home and then we saw a lady and her pup.

Thankfully it was cool even without a breeze.

We opted not to walk last night as I felt it was too warm for us.

Perhaps more for me …. I don’t know.

I am always aware of Alvin and his fur coat.

 

Well it is Tuesday.

The traffic is humming at this time as people make their way to and from work or perhaps just leaving on a vacation.

We are pet/house sitting for a neighbour this weekend.

The next weekend my daughter and pups are coming for a sleepover weekend, yay.

Then basically one week until my sister, niece and great nephews arrive for a visit.

So excited.

Then I will be off on vacation for about 10 days.

During that time my daughter and I will take a road trip together.

I cannot wait.

Will miss Mr. Alvin but will be good to get away.

I always love my adventures with my girl.

We try to go off the beaten trail just a bit (but being safe) and get some amazing photos.

 

Our office is closed while we install a new version of our computer program.

During the closed time we will be in training and spend some time cleaning our workspaces and odds and ends.

Always something to do.

Excited to see this new version in place.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

I was able to cool the house down some with the windows open and the fan going.

Will go downstairs and spend some time with my boy.

Perhaps he needs another massage.

 

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Keep safe and cool.

Be kind to those around you and always try to do the right thing.

Not necessary your “right” but what is best in the situation.

 

Special Hello to: my family, near and far.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 9th day of July, 2018.

We had a shower overnight.

Did not hear a thing – must have been sound asleep.

Alvin did not stir until almost the time that the alarm went off (or would have, rather).

The sky remains overcast.

Deciding what to wear …. changed my mind completely from what I had laid out.

 

Again this morning Mr. Alvin urged me to massage his neck area and when I stopped he “asked politely for me to continue.”

He also did not wish to eat right away this morning.

Ate banana first (which is a first).

He does not seem to be ill but I will have him checked out on our regular visit (which is soon).

I suppose just could be an age thing.

OH, I hope so.

Please send lots of positive energy our way for me Alvin (cannot hurt).

 

I can hear the traffic buzzing on the highway.

Oh, he just asked “please again.”

 

Have to run.

Alvin needs me and it is almost time to leave for work.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Good energy for us all.

 

Special Hello to: my sisters ……

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 5th day of June, 2018.

The sun is shining brightly in the morning sky.

It is a bit cool but that is okay.

 

The sky is filled with that glorious yellow sunshine and there is a bit of a breeze.

Alvin is laying on his blue blanket beside me and for this moment in time, my life is absolute perfection.

If we just go moment to moment and take the positive our lives will be perfection.

There always will be “crap along the way” and that is life.

But it is up to each one of us as to  what we do with that crap that will define us.

If we wallow in the crap then we will be miserable, bitter and unhappy.

If we chose to find that silver lining in every day no matter what is going on …. then we will have perfection.

As I get older I have found that worrying and stressing for long periods of time DOES NOT HELP.

In fact, it makes things even worse.

So you take that moment when the sun is shining, the air is cool, your Alvin is beside you and live in perfection.

It only takes a moment to define your day.

Think about it.

If you are in heavy traffic and someone cuts you off or you miss an exit.

Say you get ticked off and so mad that you want to literally scream or worse.

That one moment in time can define your whole day or even longer.

So why not take that glorious moment and let that define you …. define your day.

Try it.

What can you lose?

 

Moment to share from last night.

My daughter picked me up after work to make a run to COSTCO.

We arrived at COSTCO to find two staff out directing traffic and we had already guessed that the power was out as the traffic lights were not working.

So we went back to my house and looked after Alvin and had supper.

My daughter called COSTCO and after the power had been out for a total of 2 hours – it was back on.

We went back and picked up our things.

Luckily for us the store was not stuffed to the rafters.

After I put away the groceries and was taking out the garbage …. Mr. Alvin did THE THING.

This THING is the cutest thing in the world.

He runs and jumps as though we were playing MONSTER on the deck.

He ran …. not easy to explain.

But he runs and has this little jump and he lets out a little bark along the way.

Anyway it is so cute.

Makes me laugh.

I did have to watch as he wanted to go outside the garage.

 

 

Time to go for work.

Have an awesome day.

Special Hello to: my sister …. had a great night ….. talk soon.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 17th day of January, 2018.

Well interesting turn of events.

One reason that warmer temperatures in the winter time is likely not all good; freezing rain.

Alvin wanted to get up extra early this morning (3:45 a.m. to be exact).

After the little guy ate his breakfast and had some water, I opened the door for him to go outside.

The deck was wet, the culprit, rain.

Not certain what exact time it happened, but it happened.

Now I have a dilemma, do I add my ice spikes things to my winter boots, for traction.

I guess better to be save than sorry.

On one hand they help a person to stay upright when it is icy and on the other hand any places where there is bare sidewalk, well let me just say they make a scraping irritating noise.

Also slippery in the office in the places there is no carpet.

Do I or don’t I?

That is the question of the day.

I have 5 minutes to decide.

Likely will and will need a couple of minutes time to get them on my boots.

Oh well, could always be worse.

I do love the warmer temperatures.

Be safe to all the drivers and walkers out there today.

 

Cute story from last night:  Alvin and I were out for our walk.  Enjoying it, I thought.  Just a few minutes into the walk I hear this dog crying and looked across the street to see Alvin’s girl friend “ABI.”

She was out for a walk with her Momma and noticed us.

Abi bolted to cross the street but was gently pulled back until the traffic cleared and then she ran like a LION was chasing her.

Abi came right over and gave Alvin some attention and then to me, she gave a “kiss.”

I love ABI and she loves us.

We had a little visit and both the doggies were lifting their paws, which was strange for Alvin as we had only been out for a few minutes and it was warm out.

Anyway, I decided if for whatever reason he was ready to go back, we would just walk back home with them as they live on the other side of us.

So we did.

Always love seeing Miss Abi, she is gorgeous.

 

Well time to run and get ready.

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to:  if icy or wet or whatever the weather is, stay safe and warm.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of September, 2017.

The coolness of the morning air is so welcome.

So much easier to sleep when it cools down at night.

Fall is almost here.

My favourite season of all.

Another day of hot weather …..

Although I do love the renewal and rebirth of spring.

So mid week already – don’t you just love long weekends as they bring a short week ahead.

I now have to start catching the earlier bus once again so have to train myself to get up earlier.

It was not so easy this morning but have to start.

Yesterday was a few minutes late arriving at work because of more stops, construction and traffic.

It was odd.

I rechecked the schedule and it would appear that my bus is back so time to make the change.

Well on this catching the bus earlier morning – I shall say bye for now.

I hope that you have an awesome Wednesday.

Take in that air ….. go for a walk.

Special Hello to: all those folks who love to walk.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 4th day of May, 2016.

This morning my thoughts are to a city several hours north of Edmonton.

Fort MacMurray.

They are in the midst of wildfires that are engulfing their homes, businesses, schools, almost everything.

In the later afternoon we watched on television and social media the long winding lines of cars, trucks and motorhomes leaving the city.

The line was long and slow as the city was evacuated.

Tears filled our eyes.

I do not know at this time how many homes were lost.

I do not know for certain that there has been no loss of human life or beloved pets.

I do know for certain that the loss of wildlife is huge …. there are no words.

There is no place for them to go.

They cannot outrun the walls of flames that seem to almost reach the sky.

I am almost afraid to check the news to see as last night the wind had increased in it’s strength.

So today I would ask you to keep our fellow Albertans in your thoughts and prayers.

When the call comes for assistance I know that people will rally to help with the fires and lives.

Later with the rebuilding of homes and businesses and the city.

My heart is broken today.

Take care everyone.

Special Hello to: citizens of Fort MacMurray, Alberta ….. you are in our thoughts.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 28th day of November, 2015.

The sun is coming up with pale shades of orange and blue almost clear.

It is quiet here in my neighbourhood.

Likely households are just beginning to stir.

The only sound I can hear is the buzzing in my right ear.

I guess time to start using the oil for my ears …..

Perhaps a bit too late but will try that first.

It would appear that as I glance out of the office window that my neighbour’s garage is final complete from the shingles to the lights.

It is quite the sight as it almost completely blocks the sight of their house and about half of the view from this window.

Looks nice though.

 

Yesterday the craft sale was good.

Some of the “vendors” were saying that the traffic was down from last year.

My neighbour is a nurse and works at the hospital so we had all of her co-workers and people she knows, so that definitely helped.

Compared to the Trade Show we attended a couple of years ago in a neighbouring community there were a thousand times more people.

We did not sell out but did quite well.

Lots of comments which gave us ideas for the future.

Some that made me think …. “did you forget to use your inside voice as the comments were not perhaps what one would deem flattering.”

I was reminded by my ever so wise daughter ….. not to take it personally ….. there are all kinds of people.

But then there was this woman who was so sweet.

She was at the hospital as her boyfriend was having surgery.

The dear lady lightly joked with us about him and having to look after him after the surgery when he goes home.

Clearly she was worried.

She loved our jewellery, and I showed her a pair of earrings and she remarked that there were too fancy for her as she was too plain.

“Ah”, I said …. “you are not plain and you wear what makes you feel good.”

My daughter showed her our pinecone earrings which are so sweet.

She tried a couple of necklaces on and checked them out in a mirror we had with us.

She decided on the pinecone earrings and one of the necklaces.

We chatted for a few minutes.

We girls, remarked how great she looked and she was on her way.

Just after she left … my daughter found her glasses.

We did not see which way she left so could not follow, so we were hoping she would come back later.

There was always the lost and found.

She came back later …. very worried as they were her only glasses and she needed them for driving.

I asked how the surgery went and she said “well.”

My daughter handed her the glasses and she was so grateful.

I gave her a hug and she was on her way.

We are so blessed that she stopped by as it reminded me how fragile the human spirit is and how we must we kind to one and other.

 

Overall I would say that it was successful.

Time spent with my daughter is always a great thing.

It was a nice change from the office.

Two of my friends stopped by to show their support so that was wonderful.

Pretty much everyone else I know was working.

But that is okay …. great experience.

 

Well in just over one hour we will be leaving for Alvin’s regular 6 week pedicure appointment, he also needs some food.

Then home to prepare the orders for the recent tea parties so that I can submit them today.

One of my friend’s is stopping by to take me to run an errand later and possibly stay for tea.

Then it will be laundry.

 

Well looks like I had better be getting this show on the road.

I hope that you have a wonderful Saturday.

 

One thing … my thought for the day …..

“Chose your words wisely before opening your mouth to speak”

Being hurtful or ingenue or less than kind is not how we should treat our fellow human beings. 

The old adage “if you cannot say something nice then do not say anything at all” ….. it works.

Just saying.

 

Special Hello to: my sister and our friend “M” back in Saskatchewan …. thank you ladies for always your kind words and support.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day…..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 4th day of June, 2015

You will never guess what I saw in the sky at 5:15 this morning!

Something so beautiful and unexpected.

So much so that I ran and grabbed my camera.

Well it was a RAINBOW.

There were clouds and a rainbow on the south side of my house.

There was sunshine at the north end.

Funny how that works.

Followed by a few drops of rain and quite warm out for this time of day.

What a wonderful way to begin the day with seeing a rainbow.

Last night after I set the sprinkler to water the front lawn; Alvin and I set out for a walk.

We got to the corner and Alvin spotted our friend “I” out trimming one of her bushes.

So he pulled toward her but I held him back as we had to cross the street first and watch for traffic.

After a check for cars we made a beeline for her house.

Needless to say a few minutes later we were chatting on her front porch steps joined by her husband.

They both love Alvin and do not miss an opportunity to visit him, and me, of course.

Giggling out loud on this end.

Over half a hour later we left to have a quick walk before returning home to turn off the sprinkler.

Needless to say the ground was quite wet.

It got a good soaking.

Oh, my social butterfly …….

Well looks like an “umbrellie” is in store for today ….

So I had better get this show on the road.

I hope that you have a great day.

I wish you rainbows and sunshine.

I wish you love and laughter.

Have a great Thursday.

Special Hello to: my friend “M” ….. so great to reconnect after so many years.

Always, Carol and Alvin