2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am well but bothered by a situation that occured in our neighbourhood last night. Alvin is okay other than wanting my attention but that is nothing new. Yesterday as you know I took the afternoon off as vacation time as Alvin had an appointment. The weather was so nice but incredibly windy. We enjoyed our walk at noon. I received some good information from Alvin’s Vet regarding the covid vaccine and was able to speak to a pharmacist nearby so I should be able to get in for my first shot next week. I am happy about that. Seems like a muddle of a mess going on. I heard later in the day that vaccines were pulled and sent to “hot spots” in our province. I understand the reasoning. Anyway, at least this sounds promising.

After Alvin’s appointment we went home and just hung out together. I did a bit of tidying up and then it was time for supper. Alvin, first as always and I had leftovers. Easy peasy. Later on about 7:00 p.m., I was looking for a movie to watch and came across “Shrek the Third” on one of the channels so I started to watch. It was only a few minutes into the movie when I happened to see out the window what looked like two small dogs running. Some people walking across the street and stopped and looked and then carried on and on my side of the street along came some teenagers who had been looking as well. Of course, not one person was doing anything. I ran to the door and asked the kids as I could not see the dogs at that point due to cars parked along the street and the mailboxes if they saw two dogs without owners and they said yes by the mailboxes. Just as I was about to turn and run for my shoes, phone and keys, I noticed one of my neighbours from down the street walking on the other side of the street. I called out to her and said about the dogs and she said that she was trying to catch them. I quickly called out that I was going to grab my shoes and then I would be out. So I put on my shoes, grabbed my phone and keys, locking the door as I flew out of the house. Dogs off leash are always a concern in our neighbourhood as there is a lot of traffic and people always speed. By the time I got out they had crossed to my side of the street and my friend was right beside them. I had to run to catch up. Have not had to run in a long time. Anyway, I reached them. She had brought a leash with her (smart) and was trying to put it one of the dogs who had a harness. I was able to grab the other little one and took my lanyard with my keys to stop it and as I did not think to bring a leash with me, I scooped the furry bundle up into my arms. The other pup ran over and was growling and trying to jump up on me. Neither was vicious at all. But what they were was noticeably neglected. Both pups desperately needed baths and hair cuts. They had matts and smelled badly. Friendly and oh so cute.

We had not idea what laid ahead once we got back to my house. I had snapped a couple of photos as I thought they may be needed. My friend and I took the pups back to my house. We were on the porch and I said that I had a leash in the house but due to the condition and possibility that they have have mites or ticks or something else, I did not want to bring them into the house close to Alvin. So in the moment I was going to leave them with my friend on the porch but that was not working as both pups wanted to come in and it was clear that I could not leave the one without the leash on the porch. I scooped him up, went into the house and searched for the leash in with Alvin’s things. I found it quickly and my friend determined that in fact the pup did have a collar on so I did not need to bring the only one I have (which only had for emergencies as Alvin wears a harness). Alvin was wondering what was going on and got by me but I managed to get him back into the house without contact with the pup that was waiting on the porch with my friend. OH my goodness what a time. Anyway everything seemed to be happening so fast.

Next thing Alvin was in the house and we were discussing what to do when we noticed the Police SWAT vehicle across the street and a Swat Officer was coming towards us. Apparently they had been called out to a house in the neighbourhood and while going into the house two dogs got out. They had come over and were asking if I lived in the house and if they were my dogs. I said “No, that they were on the loose and we had rescued them and were waiting to figure out what to do next.” I made sure to mention to the Officer about the neglect of these poor dogs. He said could we hold onto them for a few minutes as another Officer would come and speak to us. I said Yes. A couple of minutes later he was into the vehicle and they were gone. While the back door of the vehicle was open I could see a man inside. A Police Officer approached us a few minutes later. He explained that they were searching a house (no details) and asked if we could keep the dogs until the owner of the house could come for them and that it would not be too long. I said Yes. I also told this Officer about the condition of the dogs. He left and a few minutes later another neighbour from down the street who had driven by just as this was all happening came over to see what was going on. She stayed. We were standing on my porch and sidewalk chatting about the situation. The first woman on the rescue team had to go home as she had not had supper. Then we were down to two. The dogs were friendly. I went into the house at one point and got them some water. We had to loosen the collar on the one dog as it was so tight. His hair was matted and a mess. He/She (we could not easily see but figure were boys due to the way they peed with leg up on my tree) laid on my outdoor porch matt and rubbed his stomach against the matt. I think that he was really itchy. Really what should have happened was that the police called Animal Control and had them taken in where they would have been looked after and the owner should have been charged with animal cruelty and neglect but alas that did not happen. I still cannot get them out of my head. Anyway after waiting over 1.5 hours for someone to come and fetch the dogs, the neighbour that was waiting with me (nice to have the company) decided to walk over, and see if she could see anything (we knew where the police were) and she seemed to be gone a long time when she finally came back. Lo and behold, she went up to the house and spoke to the Police and found that she actually knew the owner of the house. One of the officers told her that they were almost done and it was okay to bring back the dogs. I had been starting to get cold and was thinking that they needed to get inside anyway, so off we went to take them home.

I was not prepared for what happened. When we arrived at the house, the door was open. We could see from the sidewalk several Police Officers inside, and “the owner.” As we came closer to the house, my friend addressed him and the man said thank you. I don’t remember what else he said but as I leaned over to first undo the leash for one of the dogs and then the other, the words spilled out of my mouth about their poor condition and that I should be reporting them and that was clearly not the words to be saying. He got MAD. Before anything else could happen my friend urged me to go.

In hindsight, I wanted the man to know how badly they needed care and attention and that this was not acceptable. Besides there were several police officers there and I wanted them to hear this, as well. I at no time was afraid for my life. I was only hoping the dogs would get some help. Before we had gone to the house my friend had said that the dogs belonged to the son of the homeowner and that he had complained about all they do is “piss in the house” (his words not mine). Clearly he had no concerns for their well being and it breaks my heart that these darling little creatures had to be left in this house. I am MAD. How could that man not be ashamed? I am willing to bet that those dogs are never walked, never gone to a groomers or to the vet, not bathed in a really long time.

The Police Officer not the Swat Officer had taken my name and phone number initially so perhaps they will contact me about the dogs. I did not think to take note of the house number and it was dark by this point. We walked back to the first neighbour’s house after leaving the pups to drop off the leash. One thing is for sure, should we ever see those pups out again, we will be calling the authorities. I do hope and pray that maybe my words would give him a kick in the butt and the pups will receive some care and attention OR if they do not want to look after them at least give them up to the authorities so that someone that truly wanted dogs would take these darling little ones. They would have to go together as the one is super protective of the other. It was a Friday night that I will not soon forget.

Well I had better get dressed as it is getting late and Alvin is giving me the stare. I do hope that if anyone reading this story and sees any dogs or cats or any creature neglected that they will take the time and call the authorities. Animals do not deserve to be treated badly.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience for ALL.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this bright and sunny Tuesday morning? I, we are doing well. Alvin is patiently waiting for me outside the office door. The garbage truck is making the regular rounds. Just a soft breeze this morning. I can hear the hum of the traffic on the highway in the distance as people are out and about.

I was wondering who do you admire? Who were your childhood heroes? Did you have any? What did you learn from them? Are you continuing to learn from those people? Perhaps they have passed. Did you learn life lessons? Did they make an impression on your life? on your future? on your personality? on what you chose as a career? So many questions.

I would say that I admire those folks who do what they say and say what they mean.

I admire people who stand up for what they believe in.

I always admired my teachers growing up as I learned about the world from them.

My paternal grandmother played a huge role in my life. She gave us time, love, taught me to dance and was always there for me and my siblings. I could say so much more about my Gran Stella but it is almost time to head downstairs for work. These are big questions and I could write likely forever on them.

I want to continue this post perhaps on the weekend when there is time to delve into details.

Food for thought, though.

Wishing you a great Tuesday.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Happy Easter. Trust this will find you all well. Perhaps even enjoying a bit of chocolate from a delivery from the good ole’ Easter Bunny. I can still taste some of my favourite Easter treats. The marshmallow eggs covered in chocolate, Oh Henry Easter Eggs filled with peanuts and caramel and chocolate, solid milk chocolate Easter Bunny and more. Another favourite food item: Hot Cross Buns. Love those fruity buns. Alvin and I did not see the Easter Bunny this morning and did not find any special treats, but I guess at 63 …. he figured that I no longer required those delectable items. I think that he guessed incorrectly,lol. Maybe next year. We were up over two hours earlier than yesterday morning. Guess we just needed that sleep.

No worries, despite our late rise yesterday I had a very successful day. I spent almost 4 hours out cleaning up the neighbourhood. Shockingly I picked up over 50 of the blue and black disposable face masks. On one of the walkways I picked up in excess of 60 disposable coffee cups. There were so many shingles and the two large black garbage bags that I was carrying were getting so full and heavy that I had to leave a few behind. We have had so much wind over the past few weeks. My arms and back were sore by the time that I got home. In fact, I could not even finish and had to almost drag the bags home and pick up another bag and go back out to finish the 1/2 block by my house which I almost filled a bag doing. I am always surprised by how many people walk by me not wanting to make eye contact, do they think that I am a criminal or what? But then sometimes there are a couple of people that stop me and say thank you. I am not doing this for the gratitude but it sure is nice when it happens. I posted the story on FB mainly because I was appalled at the number of face masks that I found in our neighbourhood. I was totally disgusted by the number. No reason to be throwing them about.

I also heard a dog barking a few minutes into the trash pickup, and seemed close by so I turned to see this little yellow dog running to me and barking. The dog was on a busy street and I almost had a heart attack as I dropped my trash pickers and garbage bag and ran to the dog. He/she was alone. My heart sank. Now what? The closer I got the more she/he would run away and then back to me. As I approached the corner, I could see a man and his dog on a leash out for a walk coming toward me and I asked if was his dog and he said no. He did what he could do and I just stopped traffic trying to figure out what to do. Every time I approached the dog it just ran about. We were on a extremely busy street or couple of streets actually. I physically used my body to stop traffic. Just stood in the middle of the street so that no one could turn as I tried to keep the pup safe. As the cars backed up – a man and small boy came out, I asked if was their dog and he nodded. They both tried to coax the dog to them and finally after a frightening few minutes the boy was able to grab his tail and then scooped the dog up into his arms. They walked away. Then it was over. I apologized to the drivers of the vehicles and moved out of their way and went about my trash pick up. I did have a brief conversation with the man and his dog. We were both surprised that the owner of the dog said nothing, no thank you, nothing. Perhaps he did not know English or I just scared him. Anyway, I was so relieved that the dog was safe. I guess there had to be some excitement on my walk.

When I got home, Alvin was patiently waiting for me. I took the garbage to the back fence and then put in the garage until trash pickup. Once back in the house, time for a shower, I felt so dirty. But before the shower, I gave myself a haircut. My hair was quite long and now it is not. I haven’t had this short for awhile and am pleasantly surprised at how good it looks. Then a long warm shower. Once I was dressed, I put on Alvin’s harness and we went for a walk. I had a visit with neighbours while we were out. Then just enjoyed our walk. When back home, Alvin had his supper and I decided to order pizza as a treat to myself. It was so yummy. Always feels good to do some community service. I do want to mention that some of my friends that commented on my FB post about the trash pick up – said they saw lots of disposable masks just laying on the ground in their communities as well. I would think that this is a problem everywhere. What is wrong with people? I will say this, I was thinking that perhaps this is part of the reason that the pandemic is not going away and why our oceans and lakes and rivers are becoming filled with trash. People just do not seem to care. Easier to turn a blind eye and walk away. Well I will say this, eventually you will have no choice, it will be on your doorstep, your neighbours and mine. If everyone kept in front of their homes and packed their garbage properly …. it would help so much. On that note, I will say Happy Easter. I do hope after my “rant” that people are doing well and are safe.

Happy Easter

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Remembering each day to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Happy Easter ALL

Love Carol & Alvin

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