Last Half 2022 – September

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are doing great on this official FIRST day of FALL/AUTUMN! This is my favourite season of all – beautiful colours – warm but not too hot temperatures – sweater weather – fall cleanup – that fresh smell in the air – taking in the harvest of crops and gardens. There is a breeze on this first day of fall, the sun is slowly rising in the sky.

The sights of “autumns gone by”

Our first trip to my daughter and son-in-law’s new home at Lac Ste. Anne – Alberta Beach, Thanksgiving 2021. Home grown green peppers. Wreath on front door which I changed up a bit this year and did not update the photos. One of our many adventures to the park north of where we live, it was a beautiful fall day. Old photos of our tree in the fall – love the colour. I love this colourful candle holder and the way the sun shines on it.

Lac Ste. Anne – Alberta Beach

Thanksgiving 2021

Alberta Beach

Fall Day

Pepper Harvest 2021

Fall Wreath

Adventure with Alvin

Park north of us

Alvin

Fall gone by

Our tree

Reminds me of Autumn

To get us in the mood for the first day of Fall.

I go to the office tomorrow and am thinking of all the walks that I have had at lunch time and right after work with Mr. Alvin over the last 2.5 years. I am sad that we have to go back to sitting in a dreary office where I cannot see the sun shining or the weather changing. Back to early bedtime and up earlier to fit in a commute to the office. Not really sure how this is supposed to be good for anyone. This is 2022 and we have changed our way of life due to a pandemic. So why are we trying to recreate a time before the pandemic? There is no going back, we can only move forward. I will miss those extra hours each day that I had with Mr. Alvin and in my home. We go back to work three days each week starting in October. Back to close quarters and surrounded by germs. YAY. What a life?

Well sorry for the dip in happiness moment. It is the truth and so we must state it.

I hope that you have a great day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! Alvin had a rough morning starting just before 4:00 a.m. (actually a bit earlier). His ears once again are bothering him so that means only one thing – ear infection. So as soon as the vet clinic opens this morning – I will call and make him an appointment. The poor guy and momma’s poor pocketbook. I had one left of his pain meds so I gave it to him with his breakfast at 4:30 this morning and it seems to have taken the edge off as he has not been rubbing and shaking his head for the past hour and one half. Hopefully it is on the warmer side as we will be walking to the clinic which is luckily close by.

Yesterday was really nice and we had a nice walk at my lunch break. You never know once “winter” begins how the temperature will dip from day to day and sometimes hour to hour. So when we the temperatures cooperate we will walk.

I am sorry my brain is a bit on the sleepy side and I cannot think of what to say this morning. So I guess this will be a short post.

I hope that you all are safe, warm and happy and in good health, of course that goes without saying. We always hope that everyone is in good health.

Have an awesome day.

Continuing to live this day with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter and gratitude.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning All! I hope that you are well.

Up earlier than usual. I just had a shower and doing this post before heading back downstairs to an overly anxious Alvin who has been pretty much barking every few seconds since I came upstairs. I am almost ready to pull my hair out by the roots. His tone can drive me ….. well,we won’t go there. He is anxious and I know that but it is difficult when it never ends or at least for the time that I am upstairs. Even if I talk to him from up here does not work. I guess need to work on my patience. My hope is that no one else can hear him. He will stop the second I am back downstairs.

Both Alvin and I were disappointed when the A/C technician from Always Plumbing did not show up. I called them at 430 pm which was at the end of the appointment window and the customer service clerk advised that the technician was still at an install. While I had her on the phone I brought up the issue that I had with the placement of the new hot water heater tank as it was blocking the entrance to the sump pump pit. I explained the situation and after couple minutes chat, she advised that she would set up an appointment for someone to come and check. At no time did I even mention about canceling the appointment for the A/C to be serviced. No one with this heat would cancel that and I certainly would not have intentionally done so. She must have cancelled it. I called back at 630 and again after 730. I called another phone number that was on their website. I sent an email. No one answered and they are supposed to have 24/7 contact. Poor Alvin. I am grateful that we have fans but I was so looking forward to having a cool environment to sleep in but it was not meant to be. I think that I will be having a free A/C servicing. At least someone could have called.
But that was our night.

At 806 pm it was still 32 degrees Celsius so I decided to water the flowers in the morning. I’m not sure when is a good time to water. So I will water them in a few minutes.
Another hot one on the way. I am hoping that they will send someone out first thing in the morning! I guess time will tell.

Well not much new, just hanging in and trying to stay cool. Much more difficult than I thought.

maybe we will get a rain shower to cool things down.

Grateful today is payday.

Amidst the heat and confusion there is a sense of gratitude for what we have and where we live.

I hope you have a great Thursday. Be safe and keep cool.

Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, love and gratitude.

Always Carol&Alvin

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  Our Lilies

2021

Good Morning ALL! Just back a few minutes ago from a nice early morning walk before the heat of the day. There is a bit of a breeze so it is perfect for a walk. While out on the walk I picked up a few pieces of trash so I figured not only did we get some exercise, we also did some community service. Right! The wild roses are blooming by the entrance to the park so we, rather I stopped to give them a sniff. My favourite fragrance next to summer rain and freshly cut grass. So gorgeous. So pretty. Today is my late shift that is why I left the post for a bit later than usual and decided to walk first. We went to bed later than usual last night and two hours later at midnight, guess who woke up and it wasn’t me? So off downstairs we went and outside. He had to pee so then back upstairs to bed. Next time we were up was 4:30 (man, did I feel that). So I gave him his glucosamine chew and his breakfast and then outside and then back to sleep for a bit on the sofa. To be honest, I had set the alarm on my phone for 6:15 but somehow I just could not do it so I set it for 6:30 and we were up at 6:45. Oh well, I am not perfect. When I am tired, I find it hard to get up unless I have no choice. Given the choice, well you know what I did. Oh well, no matter. We got our walk in and the coffee is perking and I am writing this post. Yesterday when I finished writing my post, I noticed that it was at 999, wondering if it is at the 1000 mark now. How exciting! I cannot believe that number. Guess I need to step up this post. I used to write more about different things but somehow fell of that wagon. Perhaps it is time to get going and start writing more poetry. Some crafting ideas. How about organizational ideas? I love to organize and people tell me that I am quite good at it.

Oh, I just got a waft of that freshly brewed coffee. I think that I will be able to enjoy a cup of coffee on the deck this morning as I do not start work until 11:00 a.m.

Yesterday my daughter stopped by after an appointment, she stopped and picked us up a few items from the grocery store. She is so kind and generous to her Momma. I love spending time with my girl.

I am grateful for the morning walk.

I am grateful for all my dear friends and family.

I am grateful for our good health.

I am grateful for all the people that we will meet.

I am grateful for our beautiful home.

I am grateful that the roses are blooming and smelling so fragrant.

I am grateful for my/our life.

Well somebody is acting up so better sign off for now.

I wish you a great Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you on this absolutely gorgeous bright and sunny Sunday morning? The rain has stopped and the clouds have parted. I/We went to bed about 10:30 ish and were up at 3:45 and then at 6:15 a.m., I felt rested and we stayed up. First Sunday morning that I have felt so rested and stayed up so early (for me). What a great way to begin the day! Feeling on top of the world! I cannot wait to see my kids and grandpups this afternoon.

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the women and girls in our lives and everywhere who continue to give us through good times and bad, all the love and support that we need each and every day. thank you from Carol & Alvin

I want to share some of the writings of my past Mother Day’s Cards:

MOM, to the world you are a Mother, but to your family you are the world.

For the love you give

from your heart every day

and the millions of little things

you do with so much care

thank you

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With love to you, mom ….. for all your patience, wisdom, guidance, and love.

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These are the words written by my kids:

We’re so grateful to have you in our lives and are so proud of all you’ve accomplished. This year brings lots of change we’ll all get through it together. Love you so much.

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Thank you for always being there for us, your kindness, thoughtfulness, and unconditional love mean the world to all of us! I know if the babies (pups) could speak, they would say the same!

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I wish each and every woman and girl on the planet Earth a Happy Mother’s Day.

You are a Mother to us ALL.

Be safe and be well.

I hope that have a wonderful day.

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

Be well everyone.

Look after each other.

That is the only way we can do this thing called Life …..

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

P.S. I made the brownies last night for today and they taste yummy. My first time from scratch. Also made the black bean burgers and they taste so good. Looks like tonight’s supper is going to be GOOD.

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you this morning? Is there snow where you are? It be snowing here. Not too much overnight but some that warrants shovelling later on. The fresh blanket of snow gently covers the sidewalks and the rooftops and the roads. When the light shines on fresh snow it reminds me of a field of diamonds, shining ever so brightly. Best of Nature. I love snow and am hopeful that it is only a light blanket that we receive this time. Tuesday morning. Did you have a good sleep? Alvin woke me up at 2:38 a.m. to have his glucosamine chew and to go outside. He pooped and it was snowing. I guess I do not have to tell you that now it is covered by fresh snow. I remember roughly where it was so hopefully in the light of day I can dig it up and dispose of it in the garbage can. ARGH, I should have put on my coat and boots and went outside with him but somehow the idea of going outside at 2:39 a.m. did not have much appeal to me. Not much at all. Oh well, my fault entirely. We then went back to the sofa until almost 4:45 a.m. which was lovely, up and he has his breakfast and then outside again (I know same story and yes more digging will happen when the daylight appears) and then back to the sofa until 6:45 a.m. and then I just had to have 15 more minutes. Some mornings I feel as though I am a robot moving automatically about. In the hours before our first time up – I did have some good sleep. I should have one of those watches or that phone app that can monitor your sleep patterns. I wonder just how much “good” sleep I am having each night?? Likely a great question. Oh well, such as life. If I was not getting up with Alvin …. I am getting up myself to go to the loo. Age?? Likely. Perhaps enough of silliness and the talk of poo and the loo, which by the way takes up a large part of our lives.

Next subject. What is the next subject? I feel a sneeze coming on? I am hopeful that this cold snap will disappear soon and we can go out for walks once again. I noticed some neighbours out walking with their dogs. I just cannot take Alvin out when it is minus 30 or colder with the windchill. The pads on their paws can freeze easily. Don’t they know? Some of our neighbors have booties for their pups and nice coats which makes me happy. They are well looked after. They are big big dogs and need the exercise each and every day. Speaking of doggies, my Mr. Alvin is whining and staring at me from the hallway. What now Mr. Alvin, what now? He is spoiled and that is clear. Too late for us. Oh well.

Almost the end of January, thank goodness.

I had thought of a good topic as I was going to bed and should have written it down as I have forgotten.

Time to head downstairs. I hope that you have a great Tuesday.

Filled with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

I work on patience every single day as it is not something that comes naturally to me. Personally I think that it does not come naturally to most human beings. LOL.

Always, Carol & Alvin

2025

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? Well this Sunday morning we were up as per usual at around 4:00 a.m. – Alvin went outside and then we headed to the sofa for some zzz’s. Just as I was settling down he jumped off the sofa and starting pawing at said sofa, which is his way of telling me to get up. So up I got and checked the clock and it was almost 4:30 ….. so out came his food, he happily gobbled it down and then outside to do his business. Back into the house and to the sofa for some zzz’s.

Not long later or so it would seem, he was up and pawing at the sofa (luckily he has not left marks), so up I got and looked at the time it was 7:12 a.m. We went outside. I heard we were supposed to get snow today so wanted to pick up that morning “package” that he left in the yard before I would have to play detective to find it under fresh snow. While outside I noticed that the odd snowflake was falling and glad we went out. I noticed that my neighbour Sonja was already up and Bogart the cat was up on the railing saying good morning. It was at that moment that I decided to go into the garage and grab the box for my old t.v. so that I may store it properly/securely while I decide what to do with it. I have a small television in the basement family room which I watch every once in awhile. Just not sure if I really need a bigger television. Was thinking of asking about to see if a family or someone needs a good television. Following that I grabbed all of the laundry that was drying to bring upstairs and put away. Back upstairs, made our bed and put away the dried clothing. Did some online banking. Writing this blog and then will have a shower. I have now removed several items from my TO DO LIST for today. Doing a happy dance. Thank you Alvin for getting this Momma up and mobile earlier. Usually once I get up and doing something, I am okay to get going.

I was checking out the long range weather forecast and noticed that today is supposed to bring some snow, tomorrow is to be sunny and mild and then after that rain and then snow, argh. By Friday the temperatures are supposed to dip into the minus 20’s celsius. Not really looking forward to that but we have been so lucky, so fortunate that our weather thus far has been very mild. Looks like Alvin’s birthday party is going to be cold so will be nice to have company as we likely won’t be heading out for a walk.

Tuesday, January 19th, 2021 is Alvin’s 12th birthday. I cannot believe that we have been together “11” years on Tuesday. Time flies. He definitely is a young 12 year old and I hope that we have many more happy healthy years together. I am planning a birthday party for the boy next Sunday. His best friend Teddy and his little sister Kobi and the grandpups Miss Aspen and Milo and of course, my daughter and son-in-law will attend. Tomorrow I am going to see if I can get a cake or something like that for the special day. Also pick up something for a gift for Alvin and some treats for the pup’s goodie bags. After all you cannot have a birthday party any longer without party favours / treats for the guests. Decorations will be simple. A Happy Birthday banner and I have some Happy Birthday table decorations. We do not use balloons as they are bad for the environment and for animals, birds and marine life. Alvin hasn’t mentioned anything but I think he is excited for the party. He loves to have company at home. Not much of a traveller this guy.

Looks like a fine layer of snow on the deck that was once bare to the wood. Oh well. Temperature to be mild. Hopefully we can get a walk in at some point without snow coming down.

Wednesday is the inauguration of President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris. I hope that they have a safe and peaceful transition to their positions.

I hope that you are having a great weekend.

We continue to live with kindness, respect and compassion for all.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Well today is my late shift and as always we were up extra early to start (@ 3:54 a.m.).

So of course, after Mr. Alvin had breakfast and made a trip outside with me, of course, we went back to bed.

Usually we hit the sofa for more zzz’s but today as he forgot a chew treat upstairs, we just went back up to “bed.”

We were up again and then to the sofa but I just wanted to sleep.

So finally at 8:30 a.m. – time to rise and shine.

The sun is shining and there is quite a strong breeze.

The trees out of my office window to the south have turned started to turn this beautiful yellow and are twinkling as the sunshine touches them.

So beautiful.

Alvin is laying on his little homemade bed of blankets and towels.

A reminder that it must go into the laundry this weekend.

Always keep clean.

 

So my late shift has me starting work at 11:00 a.m. and working until 7:00 p.m.

Today we have a team meeting at the actual physical office.

We are to meet at 1:30 p.m. and it is scheduled to run until 2:30 p.m.

I will be shocked if it only goes for one hour.

We have not been altogether since March 19, 2020.

I will miss my first 15 minute break of the day as I will be in the car going to the office.

One of my team lives a short drive from me so she offered to pick me up.

I will say that as our team is down a couple of members, will still 8 in the meeting room.

Which to me is a lot.

Other than shopping …. this is the most humans I have been around since March.

My 45 minute or lunch break will fall at 3:00 p.m. so likely that will be pushed forward.

I want to take Alvin for a walk then.

I suppose we could have gone this morning had the Momma been more on the ball and likely still could.

Sometimes it just feels like a lazy morning ….. write …… shower ….. have breakfast and coffee.

Oh well, such as life.

My top ten list of things that I have love about working remotely:

1.  Being home with Alvin
2. Drinking my own perked coffee
3.  No commute to work
4. Sleep in later
5. Can walk at lunch break with Alvin if we choose
6. What I wear to work
7. Just being at home
8. Less distractions
9. More time in evening
10. More time in morning
11. More time to read (just had to add)

 

Actually I think I could do a list of more but will leave it at ten.

If you are working remotely, are you happy or are you missing work?

Personally I love being at home and if possible would love to continue to work from home.

I do miss my coworkers but with technology we do have the ability to see each other via video.

 

Today is also the 12th birthday of one of my closest friend’s daughter.

I cannot believe you are 12 Miss Madeline.

She was just a toddler when I first met her.

WOW, time flies.

 

Just about forgot to mention Alvin’s visit to the vet yesterday.

I was told beforehand that Dr. Karen would be away and that another Vet would be there.

So I was prepared for a new person.

One of the staff showed us to one of the patient rooms and we waited for a few minutes.

I tried to give Alvin some water but no.

He was a bit anxious but settled down.

When the Vet entered the room – I knew things were going to be different.

He was carrying his tools with him.

He said “Hello Alvin.”

But Alvin first.

He squatted down to Alvin’s level.

Said hello as he gave him a little check over while asking me if he was okay.

I told him the reasons for our visit.

He checked his ears and said other than a bit of wax in the outer part there was no redness and they did not smell of infection.

YAY.

As we chatted, he clipped Alvin’s nails.

He was almost finished the first paw before Alvin even noticed.

I could not believe it.

He did not put him up on the examination table ….. the whole visit was done at Alvin’s level with him staying on the floor beside him.

I can not imagine being able to stay squatted in one spot for that amount of time.

Even when Alvin starting to “make some noise” about the nail trim ….. “Greg” just kept on going.

Yes, I could not remember his last name so I asked his name.

He was gentle and kind.

Actually can I have a crush on the Vet, cause I sure do.

He took it all in stride saying that Alvin is all talk and no follow through.

Which was good as I think follow through meant struggling and perhaps getting vicious.

I did mention that usually Alvin is up on the examination table and his reply was “I like to change things up.”

Whoa, that was great.

He checked his anal glands and said they were empty.

I was duly impressed with Dr. Greg.

I love his regular vet Dr. Karen but Dr. Greg, I must say brought a whole new experience to Alvin’s appointments for both of us.

 

 

Well time to hop into the shower and get this day going.

Starting to feel energized.

 

We wish you a great Thursday.

Take Care and Be safe.

We shall continue to live with kindness and respect.

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning,

Funny how some mornings you wake up and are full of energy and ready to go and others not so much.

The sky is overcast this morning and this is a “not so much” kind of morning.

We were up earlier at 3:45 a.m. – well actually Alvin had me up at 3:45.

I gave him his glucosamine chew and then we hit the sofa for what seemed like 5 minutes before he was up and wanting to eat.

Guess what time that was?

It was 4:15 a.m.

So I fed the boy, then outside, and we hit the sofa again.

Then it was 7:19 a.m

Thoughts of “Oh do we have to get up crossed my mind.”

I decided might be nice to return upstairs and lay on our bed.

We were there for a few minutes when we hear a loud bang.

Alvin’s head bolted up.

Then shortly after the sounds of a hammer.

Then a electric saw.

ARGH.

So then at 8:15 a.m. which is not early and not late – we are up.

I checked out of the window to see where the noise was coming from and noticed that the neighbours across the street (not directly) were/are working on their fence.

Oh well, I have things to do.

Shower, breakfast, gather up all the laundry that is air drying in the basement, wash the floors, move my flower pots back to their original spots (looked like a big storm with possible hail and more

wind) and at some point walk and move some of the flowers in the front flower bed.

Oh, I have two tomato plants to transplant.

But they are not growing very quickly so I am hesitant to move them outside.

I would like to do some work-work (office).

Today is Sunday so not sure if I want to spend any more time “working” as I already did 3.45 hours yesterday.

We are just so busy that I find putting in extra time here and there helps my peace of mind.

Actually truth be told more than here and there.

I generally put in extra time everyday.

That varies from one hour to multiple hours.

I am quite certain that I am not alone.

Now that we are working from home it is not easy to ignore “work” during off hours.

As it is starring one right in the face.

I see my work computer as I write this post and think I should be working.

Also not just for me but for my clients.

Everyone is nervous, worried and also most people think everything nowadays should be completed in the blink of an eye.

Which is not so.

So many folks now working from home have found their work loads have increased many fold due to the COVID19 pandemic.

So what do we do?

Oh well, I will do as I always do.

Work extra when I can.

Try to relax when I can.

Life goes on.

I do not wish to complain as I know that I am blessed in so many ways.

I have a beautiful home, great family and friends, Alvin and we are in good health.

You know what – no noise now.

I guess that was my wake up call.

Time to get this day going.

The sky looks dark as though it could start to rain anytime.

The bind is blowing.

I hope that neighbour is able to complete everything he needs to do today before the rain.

 

Yesterday was my friend’s birthday.

I did not have an opportunity to see her but we did chat on the phone.

She had just spoke with two of her sister who live in England.

How lovely.

Her gift & card are ready for the next time we see each other.

 

Another friend down the street asked if she could take Alvin for some time on Friday as she has the day off.

She is the Mom to Alvin’s girlfriend Abi, who passed away in February.

I hope that Alvin will go with her as she really needs some company and is missing Abi terribly.

You know Mr. Alvin is such a Momma’s boy and does not like to leave my sight.

 

Well I guess time to hit the shower and get this day going.

A cup of coffee and GO.

Thank you for reading and listening.

I hope that you are doing well in the midst of this pandemic.

So much is happening in the world.

If we can just listen to each other, love and respect each other and treat each other with kindness – the world stands a chance.

Reach out with a phone call, video chat, email or text to a friend or loved one.

Help an elderly neighbour.

Visit with a neighbour over the fence or in the backyard.

Do some volunteer work (yes, there are things we can do even during this pandemic).

We are all HUMAN BEINGS.

 

Enjoy your Sunday.

Living with love, kindness and respect for all.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Remembering these cupcakes that I commissioned a coworker to bake for my birthday last year.

Looking forward to more this coming one.

They were so o pretty and oh so o yummy.

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 9th day of March, 2019.

WOW, one week into March and one week closer to spring.

The first day of spring is fast approaching but will it be the actual date that spring arrives.

Time will only tell.

This coming week we are to have above zero temperatures and with that more SNOW.

I shovelled twice yesterday …. once being leaving for work and once after Alvin and I went for a walk.

When we walked only about half of my neighbours had shovelled.

Alvin did his hop jump through the snow dragging me behind him.

What a sight that must have been.

For some reason once again we were up about 3:00 and now have been up since before 6:00 a.m.

Early, early for a Saturday.

Normally on the weekend we are up a bit later …. say 10 p.m. and then up about 8:00 p.m.

Not today.

At least on the bright side, I will have my work done early.

By 7:00 a.m. I will have my blog posted, bedding changed, laundry gathered, and the first load of laundry in the washing machine.

Also coffee on and starting breakfast.

Already did some work on my taxes this morning before this post.

I guess there is something to be said for getting up early.

But I am up at 5:00 or earlier during the week ….

Oh well …..

Today will be different …. will see what happens.

 

The sky remains dark out of my office window.

Must be overcast.

No light on the horizon.

ARGH, does that mean more snow for today?

No, please no more snow.

I just want birdies singing, buds on the trees and blades of grass sticking out of the nearly melted snow.

Is that too much to ask?????

Am I having a moment, sorry I am.

 

Well I better hop to it.

Lots to do.

Really looking forward to coffee this morning.

 

Have an awesome day.

Remember …. no matter what happens ….. SPRING is closer than WINTER.

Winter is ending ……

 

Happy Saturday.

Special Hello to: all my friends and family ……

Always, Carol & Alvin