The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Tuesday morning. Two more days until Easter long weekend. Two more days till the big spring cleaning begins. How are you this morning? I am okay. Woke up several times during the night. Reminded me of someone. Oh, how I miss my little buddy Alvin.

Yesterday at lunch break I took a stroll taking the route to the bus stop and back to the office. After work I went for another walk. Total walking time 45 minutes. I also grabbed my trash picker tool and the garbage bag from the small trash container on my front porch and cleaned up the trash from the street. I am always struck by how many times people will walk over or around trash and not pick it up. Then it was time to put out the trash for pickup today. We are on the spring/summer pickup. With a few more warm days the remaining trash in our neighbourhood should have dried out and will make it easier to collect. Picking up and dragging around bags filled with wet trash is not much fun. Perhaps more than 10 years ago it wasn’t as much of a deal as it is now. I can still lift it but at 65 do I really want to be lifting bags that are really heavy and struggling with them, no not really! Too bad that some of the younger people in the neighbourhood wouldn’t get out there and pick up trash or how about people just keeping their yards, the public sidewalk and street directly extending past their property clean! That would help the cause for sure. Anyway, I like a clean place to live and includes my home and neighbourhood so I shall continue to pick up trash for as long as I am living here.

Slowly this time of “grey” while the snow melts and life returns outside, I can visualize the trees budding and the grass slowly turning green. This in between time feels dirty so I call it the grey time. Soon we shall be surrounded by amazing colours. I cannot wait.

I can see that it is starting to lighten up outside. The trees to the south and the garage tops are starting to come into view. Morning time.

Coffee will taste so good this morning. I must have been dreaming or something. So need to put my energy cap on for the day.

I hope that you have an awesome day. Tues – day that is. Be well and take care and be safe.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel)

2021

Good Morning All! How are you doing this Sunday morning? Did you sleep well last night? We slept straight through for six hours and then up and then back to the sofa. Nice to have a solid amount of sleep. The skies are overcast this morning. We managed to get all of our housework completed yesterday. Only have to bring up the clothes that are air drying from yesterday and put them away. I think that I may clean out my bathroom cabinet. It wasn’t long ago but I feel it could be better organized. Likely time to put away the winter coats and things as well. But perhaps I will do that on the Easter long weekend as I will have four days off and a project or two is always good to have. There will be time for lots of walks and if the weather remains dry – I may get out to do a neighbourhood trash pick up. I have been picking up trash everyday now for awhile. It blows in front of my house or onto the lawn. Trash sticks in the storm drain grates and in the gutters. Garbage is everywhere. Seems to be so much this year. I cannot remember if I mentioned this when we walked to Alvin’s vet appointment on Wednesday there is a walkway. In the bushes on the walkway were what seemed like a hundred disposable coffee cups from McDonalds, Starbucks and Tim’s and others. I wanted to cry. It was obvious that people were finished their drinks and then tossed them into the bushes. What is wrong with people? Now this almost 64 year old woman who was appalled by their actions has to take her time and garbage bags to go and clean up their messes. On the bright side it is exercise for me. Also there are blue disposable masks everywhere and I mean everywhere. Come on people! Are you neighbourhoods like mine? People cannot say that it is only the old or poor neighbourhoods that are dirty and filled with trash for that is definitely not true. I am truly disgusted by some people. I wish that people would just carry their cups and masks and what have you to the nearest garbage bin or home. Also another reason for trash blowing about in our ‘hood is the lack of proper placement when putting out their garbage. Most especially the recycling. When Alvin and I are out for our walks, I see people put papers, egg cartons loose in a blue bin or cardboard box and what happens when the wind comes up ….. they end up at my house or on the street for me to pick up. So many people just leave crap laying on their lawns, in the gutters and on the sidewalks in front of their homes. They sometimes even walk around items instead of picking them up and putting said trash in their garbage bin. There is hope coming for garbage as we will eventually all have bins with lids and then garbage cannot blow about. Also will help keep the crows, ravens and magpies out of the trash. Hopefully it won’t be another decade until we have bins for recycling. I guess that is a heavy duty rant for a Sunday morning as I smile.

Well I guess someone needs a cup of coffee or three. Alvin is impatiently waiting at the office doorway giving me that look. What look? That look ….. impatience. Perhaps he has to go back outside. He went before we can back upstairs for me to have a shower. Oh well, old bladder, I get that. LOL.

I hope that you all are having a great weekend. I am looking forward to our walk this afternoon.

Have a wonderful Sunday. May you have some quiet relaxing time throughout this day.

Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience (always working on).

ALLways, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing today? I/We are well. I cannot even mention sleeping patterns. Certainly there are a great many folks out there who can attest to being woke up in the wees hours of the morning either by themselves or by their children or by their puppies. So as this seems to be our norm. End of story. The sky appears to be overcast this morning. Yesterday it started out with the odd snowflake which turned into rain. Our lunchtime walk was shortened as it was raining and I did not wish us to get too wet. We both had jackets on of course but still not a great idea when it was only +4 degrees celsius outside. The walk even though short was still most enjoyable. I was off work early to take Mr. Alvin to the vet for his regular 5 week or so appointment. It was raining out so I put on his sweater which I had rinsed out and dried as it was dirty and wet from our lunchtime walk and also put on his rain jacket. He actually did not fuss too much which was strange for him making me happy. He walked slowly and did not run ahead at noon and on the way to the vet. Not his usual self. He did not seem to be upset, suffering, in pain or anything. Just a slow day. That was okay. We arrived at the vet with a few minutes to spare and had to wait for a brief time outside while the last patient was looked after and then the door has to be wiped down. Inside I removed his jackets and then put his harness only back on as they now take all of our beloved pets to the back area instead of looking after them in one of the two patient rooms. I could hear another pup crying the blues and of course that did not help Mr.Alvin who at times made it known to all without a few miles that he was not having any of this nail trim business. Poor baby. He has never liked this and likely never will. Not that this is anything new for him as we go on a regular basis, like every 5 weeks. Oh well. Soon he was done and back to me to get dressed for our walk home. I also picked up his two bags of treats that were waiting there for us. He was happy to get home and have some of them. I do want to mention something. Is your neighbourhood filled with trash this spring? I could not believe the amount of coffee paper cups that were in the bushes lining the path along one of the walkways that we take to the vet. It was downright sickening. There must have been 50 or more. Trash was everywhere. What is wrong with people. As soon as it dries up a bit more so that trash is not wet and heavy to carry, I will be out cleaning up my beloved neighbourhood. Makes me mad, sad and disappointed that people do not care enough to keep their neighbourhood clean. I suppose some of the trash may be from people passing through, I really do not know. Just made me want to cry. I certainly did not want to walk there but had no choice.

Almost forgot that last night I attended a FB live Mary Kay “Masking party.” It was fun and I will say this if you have never tried their Charcoal Mask, you really should. My skin felt clean, soft, pores much smaller, and just so good.

Time to go and get the coffee brewing and soon get to work.

I wish you a wonderful Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Well we are one week into the second half of this NEW YEAR.

It certainly has been a roller coaster kind of ride thus far.

Who would have thought on New Year’s Eve when everyone is thinking about the New Year – that we would have a worldwide Pandemic?

Not me that is for sure.

This year has been stressful, caused anxiety I would say for most people on the planet.

Of course, certainly some more than others.

 

Children were disrupted in their school  year.

Likely the middle school aged children were the happiness to be away from school.

The little ones and the ones graduating not so much.

Although I believe that most schools did offer some online schooling which was great.

 

Parents losing their jobs or working from home adding to the household stress.

Children and their parents home together, 24 / 7 for months.

Not something we see everyday.

 

Then there are single folks and folks without children.

Some working and others not.

Whether you have a house full or not, we have all given our heads a shake in disbelief as the days pass.

By now most of us that are working from home have settled in, I have for sure.

Alvin loves having me at home and I really enjoy being here with him.

We have somewhat of a routine although I find that I am changing things up a bit here and there.

Which is likely a good thing.

 

Parents with school age children are likely happy that it is summer vacation.

Now they just have to worry about keeping them entertained for the summer months.

Although that is a word when used in this context, I am not fond of.

Children should be learning to do things on their own to some degree.

Bringing forth that imagination and such.

But this is a topic for another day.

Reading …. they should definitely be reading more.

 

This pandemic has given the human race much to ponder and consider.

I believe that we have learned so much and have even more to learn for the future.

The nature world has certainly enjoyed the respite from us pain in the butt, human beings.

 

On this Tuesday, we should pause and be think about things that we can do to make life for all.

Picking up trash.

Keeping your yard and neighbourhood clean.

Planting trees.

Being kind and respectful to yourself, to others and to nature and the environment.

 

Well time to head out on the long tiring commute to my workstation.

It is oh so far …….. away …… so far …… at least six inches ….. oh my!!

 

Enjoying my days and nights with me Alvin.

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S. thought there was a storm a brewing last night so I carefully placed most of  my potted plants into the garage.

What – no storm!

Oh well, better to be safe than sorry.

AND

I somehow managed to break off the arm on my glasses while doing yoga after work yesterday.

HOW?

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 15th day of April, 2019.

Well it seems to be calm outside this morning.

The exact opposite of yesterday.

The sky is clearing as the sun rises in the east.

Alvin is on his blue blanket as he rests while I write this post for my blog.

We had a busy but wonderful weekend.

We socialized, had some exercise, ate well, did some work around the house and yard, and even did some volunteer work.

Humphrey was with us on Saturday for most of the day.

My young girl friends came for coffee after Al’s Doctor/Vet visit on Saturday morning.

I raked, did laundry, made a big pot of chilli and tidied up around the house.

We had some wonderful walks including one with our friend S and Luna, the young labrador (lab).

Yesterday my daughter came for a visit and pancake breakfast.

We had a great time catching up with all of our news.

After the big breakfast and visit – I geared up to pick up trash in the neighbourhood.

I made sure to have extra disposable gloves, two big garbage bags, mini gloves and a coat with a hood and a scarf.

Once outside I decided to tie my hood up with the scarf which worked for a few minutes before the wind blew around my hood and took it down.

The wind was cold and so strong that most of the time I had to pick up trash a few times before getting it into the bag.

There were moments when I thought that I might be air borne.

Sometimes picking it up with my hand that was covered with the disposable glove.

I was almost home when I turned to see this whirlwind of dirt heading right for me.

Luckily I was able to turn and miss the face-on brunt of the impact.

Over the course of this walk one man even crossed the street to say “You are my hero for picking up trash.”

That was nice.

When almost at home I hear my name from one of my friends who was visiting at another friend’s house.

She said she did not realize it was me at first.

The wind had my hair all blown wild and crazy.

Between the scarf and my hair, I was unrecognizable.

I chatted for a moment before carrying one.

One thing to mention ….. my friend’s dog Jazmine was there and she took one look at me and turned away.

I even called out her name but she would have nothing to do with me.

Ah, I must have looked scary.

One more story.

Sometimes people drive me crazy.

I was coming around the bend toward home and this young couple crossed the street ahead of me heading to their vehicle, a truck.

When the girl got into the truck some fast food wrappers blew out.

I was right there and picked them up.

She saw this and said nothing.

How rude.

Anyway my hood is clean now except for the leaves and whatever trash blew in from elsewhere.

It was a productive weekend and Sunday.

YAY, me.

 

Well almost time to leave for work as my ride is coming early today.

I hope that you all have an awesome Monday.

Please remember that your trash is not for someone else to pick up.

Your trash is not to fill the oceans and kill the marine life.

Your trash is not meant to fill the yard of your neighbour.

Your trash is not meant to blow around parks and forests for the wildlife to eat and then slowly die.

You need to look around and be mindful.

Stop buying all those items with the multiple layers of plastic.

If we stop buying and start complaining then manufacturers will make changes.

We only have one planet.

Time to change.

This is the change that needs to happen.

Not just a change in government a change in how we live our lives.

I challenge you one and all.

What will you do?

 

Special Hello to: my friend V who was a busy girl this weekend and always (time to rest?).

Always, Caro & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 6th day of May, 2018.

The sun has already been up for a few hours and it is to be +27 degrees celsius today.

Just on our way out for a walk, before coffee and then I am going to pick up trash before the heat sets in for the day.

We had a good Saturday with a later than start day.

Did the laundry, cleaned the bathrooms, vacuumed and dusted.

Took some recycling out to the garage.

Enjoyed coffee.

 

My neighbour and I left for the movie at 2:50 p.m. as the start time was 3:25 p.m.

The theatre is about a ten minute drive from home.

We arrived …. handed in our on-line receipts and picked up the movie ticket.

Picked up treats.

Popcorn and drinks.

Went to the theatre and found our seats.

We sat and chatted while the theatre filled up around us.

The popcorn was most tasty.

I enjoyed the “regular coke” as this is the only occasion that I drink pop.

We were in the 3-D theatre with some of the seats that moved to the movie (not sure the name of them).

There were a great deal of children in the theatre and oddly enough they were not noisy.

All of a sudden it was start time 3:25 p.m.

The screen was blank.

A young man came in and said something but we did not hear him.

We remarked at this and a guy in front of us told us that the movie would start in a couple of minutes.

Then it was fifteen minutes past the start time.

Then 20.

Someone else came in and said that they had to change a bulb and it would start in five minutes.

Then it was 40 minutes.

I guess they had to get someone to come in to change the bulb???

A young woman came in and told us that “they were sorry but we would not be able to see the movie.”

LOTS OF GROANING.

One little boy behind us said that he did not want to leave when his Dad tried to explain what had happened.

I guess they did not wish to hold up the next viewing.

Lots of super disappointed people in the audience.

Some will likely not have an opportunity to see it again.

After spending $25.00 on treats and the passes were $19.00 each.

On our way down the steps of the theatre – a woman on crutches slipped.

I was close by and helped her up and gave her my arm as we descended the steps to the bottom.

Thankfully she was okay.

It was funny as we had commented on her before – how she managed to get up those steps in virtually darkness.

Let’s face it the little light on each step does not help that much.

At the landing:

They handed out two movies to each person in the theatre.

I suppose we were compensated fairly but I still mentioned that we all treats and would have to purchase them again.

So disappointing.

The young man that was handing the complimentary passes to me – did not say a word in return to my comments.

So that was that.

So much for a movie.

I only get out to maybe one a year ….. this would have two.

Well time to get going …. Al needs a walk.

So much for seeing the new Avengers movie.

I did however watch an older one last night and then watched the most recent episode of “Agents of Shield.”

Oh well.

Not the end of the world.

But very disappointing.

 

Have an awesome Sunday.

Special Hello to:  all those folks who were able to see the new Avengers Movie.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 30th day of April, 2018.

WOW, the last day of April.

First quarter of the year now on the books.

The sun is rising brightly in the morning sky.

Everyone is hoping for a much warmer day than yesterday.

Yesterday it was cold, windy and overcast for most of the day.

No rain, though.

We could use a nice rain to give everything a nice fresh drink.

I did not make it out to clean up the trash in the neighbourhood yesterday.

Just not easy to do when the WIND is blowing everything around and back.

I noticed that with the wind some trash has blown in the gutter in front of my house and there is trash lying about.

So will get that all picked up.

 

Update on Mr. Alvin.

I have decided to just wet/soften his food for him.

Although that is likely not good for his teeth.

Will keep an eye on him and if need be take him to see his Doctor.

 

We had a nice quiet day inside other than my trip to the grocery store.

My neighbour lent me her car.

Always a nice treat to drive.

Keeping up my skills as well.

It was nice just snuggling with the boy while the wind howled outside.

 

Well almost time to leave for work.

It is nice being in a carpool and just taking the bus from time to time.

Some of our vacation time is the same so that worked out nicely.

Otherwise just will pick up more bus tickets.

I am / we are enjoyed the extra time in the morning and at night.

 

I hope that you all have a bright, sunny, warm and wonderful day.

Special Hello to: my sister……

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 27th day of April, 2018.

The sky continues to be in the mornings as of late filled with hues of pink and orange as the sun rises in the sky.

I wonder what last year was like on this date?

****************************************

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 27th day of April, 2017.

The sky finally appears to have clear breaks ….. our morning sky has been pretty much been overcast for days now.

Some sunshine would be very welcome.

We have had enough moisture for a bit …… I would love some sunshine.

The weekend holds promise weather wise so that is good.

***************************************

It would appear that this week compared to last year was beautiful.

We could use some moisture and if that would appear next week – I would be most grateful.

It has been so great to be able to grab a pair of shoes and put Alvin’s harness on and go.

No more worries about walking and ice.

Last night when we were on our walk as we approached one of our friend’s homes; I could tell that Alvin spotted in outside somewhere.

Long before I did.

He stopped and did not wish to continue.

I looked up and there she was sitting on her upper deck reading a book.

She spotted us and came down.

After I threw a poop bag and some garbage that I had picked up into the trash; we went and joined her upstairs on the deck.

She had treats for the boy, of course.

We enjoyed chatting outside basking in the warmth of the sun.

After we had chatted for over 1/2 hour – we had to go as another friend was coming to our house after supper.

I still had to have supper.

Lucky me, lucky us, we had the absolute pleasure to visit with two FRIENDS last night.

Does not get better than that for a Thursday night.

Well I am catching the bus to and from work this morning as my carpool took the day off from work.

It will be a nice walk to the bus this morning.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Friday.

Love that Mr. Alvin has taken to laying on his blue fuzzy blanket beside me in the office.

Love that guy.

 

Happy Friday.

Do something new today?

Take a chance.

Special Hello to: my friends, I am so grateful that you are a part of my life.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 24th day of April, 2018.

The sun is beginning to rise in the morning sky.

The air inside the house is on the “cool” side as I turned the thermostat downwards, not off, just down.

Today is to be +20 degrees celsius.

 

Last night Alvin and I thoroughly enjoyed our walk together after work.

Most of the snow / ice has melted.

There was a fairly large patch of water covering the sidewalk but we walked around it the best we could.

My shoes and Alvin’s paws managed to get wet.

Although I was not deliberately trying to get mine wet.

What a guy!

We picked up some trash along the way.

As there always seems to be some laying about.

Next weekend will be my big trash pickup.

 

So happy for this weather.

Finally, I believe that I can put our winter clothing away.

Alvin will no longer require his winter coats.

That will be my Saturday project.

 

I do love going through my closets and containers.

Checking on what needs to find a new home and what to keep and wear for the summer months.

I do need to bring my shoes upstairs and see what I have.

 

Alvin just popped into the office.

He was sniffing about as dogs will do.

I have a little blue blanket in the office which usually is draped over the arm of my chair.

I placed it on the floor, he gave it a couple of kicks and then has curled up.

He almost never curls up on the blanket.

Usually just sits or lays down.

So cute.

 

Well almost time to put the finishing touches on getting ready for work.

I wish you all a Happy Day and as I was reminded that everyday is EARTH DAY.

I love that.

It certainly is …. everyday I do my best to help our environment and I hope that you do, as well.

Have an awesome EARTH DAY.

 

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 29th day of December, 2017.

Another bright sunny morning with no dark clouds in site.

The sky is a pale blue with smoke rising slowly out of the chimneys.

It is another bitterly cold morning which means once again no walk for us.

We are on the upswing if you will ….. today is the last day of bitter cold.

Now that was the forecast yesterday so it may have changed but I sure hope not.

Forecast for the first week of the New Year is to be walkable temperatures.

Thank goodness.

Yesterday I took down the majority of the Christmas decor.

Leaving up the Christmas Cards, one wintery wreath, my ADVENT Calendar which was a gift and a few small items upstairs.

Oh and there is he tree in my office.

The main floor looks BARE.

 

Two sleeps until New Years Eve.

Alvin and I will stay home and snuggle on the Eve of the New Year.

Last year I went out wasn’t gone long and went back home for me Alvin.

I just cannot leave the little guy home alone when I am not at work.

Our Christmas vacation just seemed to zoom by.

Isn’t it crazy how fast ten days can pass?

 

Well today is laundry, tidy up and put away things in the basement.

Rearrange mostly.

 

Time for a shower.

This cold weather just makes me want to sleep.

Thankfully it will pass soon.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

If you are wishing to do something in the NEW YEAR ….. how about VOLUNTEERING?

There are so many ways to volunteer.

You can help at a Seniors Home, Hospital or Animal Shelter.

You can help at a Shelter.

You can help by picking up trash in your neighbourhood OR shovelling snow for seniors or someone who cannot.

Deliver meals on wheels.

There are so many things that we can do.

Look around and find a need and fill it.

Simple as that.

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello to: YOU, today because you are super special.

Always, Carol & Alvin