Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! Well it is a good day. The sky is overcast and there is a bit of a breeze. Second day where the temperatures have been on the cooler side. Which is a wonderful reprieve. Still feels like summer which is great. Not that cool for sure – perfect break. As I look out of my office window I sit in awe of the huge tree which is across the back lane from my house, it is so massive that it covers the rooftops and garages of some of the houses behind it. I never really took note of it before but now I have and looking closer it may be two large leafy trees close to each other. Absolutely beautiful. I am running a bit late this morning as I just could not get my poop in a group and just kept setting the alarm a bit later. We were first up just after 5:00 a.m. which is a bit later than usual for Mr. Alvin. Outside and then back to the sofa for a bit until breakfast time. Not too many days now until my vacation. I kind of wished that I had taken two weeks but I like to keep some in my pocket so to speak, in case something comes up. Oh well, I am taking 6 days which is good because I will go back on a Tuesday and not a Monday which is always nice giving me three short weeks in a row.

Yesterday my daughter came over in the late morning to help me get a urine sample from Mr. Alvin. I had tried once when he went outside but no luck. I decided that a small round margarine container might work better. When I took my lunch break we both went outside and she patiently followed him around keeping low and close and she got lucky on her first attempt. I transferred the sample to a glass jar for transport to the vet. We had a little visit and she had some of the apple crisp that was in the fridge from the previous night. I filled up some water bottles for her and then she was on her way. Oh with parcel in hand to post for my friend Val’s birthday.

I had no idea of how long it would take to hear back from the vet so just carried on with the rest of the day. After work I decided we should get out for a walk as it was so nice. Not too hot. Just perfect for me and Alvin. We walked over to our friend Pauline’s house, she was not there at that moment so we just walked around their backyard admiring the flowers for a few minutes before heading back home.

Once home, I checked my phone and found that the vet’s office had called. I called back as I had not been able to check my voicemail recently. Another story. The receptionist said that Michelle, had called but she had stepped out for a few minutes. So we left it at – I would try and access my voicemail and if not able to or if needed to, I would call back tomorrow. I was able to access my messages and listen to Michelle basically tell me that he, being Mr. Alvin would require a change in diet. I was struck by the message. I decided to just wait until today and call the vet and get more details. Michelle said that they would retest his blood and urine in six months. When they are open – I will call back. If only diet change that would be wonderful. I think that Alvin could sense my deep relief as he was very playful in the early evening.

I hope that you have a wonderful day as it is time for me to head back downstairs. Put on the coffee and then start work shortly.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: only 6 days till 65.

Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning All! I hope that this finds you well. The trees are swaying in the breeze, the sky is overcast and it is quiet except for the slow drone of the fan in our bedroom and the loud barking of a dog in the neighbourhood. I am not sure why people leave dogs barking for hours! The dog is definitely outside in the elements. I wonder if it is calling for attention or for help. It does not sound like it is in distress and Alvin does not seem to be bothering by his barking. I sure hope that it is okay. We did not go for a walk this morning even though it is quite cool outside. We were up at 2:45 a.m. this morning. After the bathroom break – Mr. Alvin was sniffing about the backyard. Like he was on sort of important mission. Whenever I tried to break him out of the trance he appeared to be in – he growled. As I was holding the phone flashlight and a poop bag just in case, I figured just to let him be. Some twenty minutes later back into the house, wiping wet paws as it had raining during the night and then laying down on the sofa. We were up at 6:00 for someone’s breakfast and outside. Back in the house we came upstairs and laid on the bed until 6:50. Actually I did not keep hitting the snooze button as I was upstairs, which was a good thing. Into the shower and then ready for first day back at work for the week. I am grateful for the cooler temperatures this week. Hopefully for all those places in British Columbia and elsewhere in Canada – get some much needed rain and cooler temperatures.

I had a lovely chat with my sister yesterday afternoon. One sibling left to call. Always great reaching out to them. Catching up.

Today is the day that we have to collect a “urine sample” from Mr. Alvin. Not really looking forward to doing that but could be worse. My daughter is coming over to help with retrieving the sample and then she will drive it to the vet as there is a one hour time limit between time you take it and time it gets to the vet. Hopefully the results are good. Fingers crossed. Not sure about the abdominal ultrasound but likely that will be round the corner.

My one concern is the long drive to my daughter’s next week. I want to go so badly. It has been a long time since I have been anywhere and quite honestly I need a break. Fingers crossed. Doing a lot of that lately. Positive thinking and thoughts. Alvin is not a great traveller at the best of times. I guess time will tell. Likely a good idea to ask the vet about the travelling.

Well almost time to head downstairs for work. I am grateful that the house has cooled off. May not have to take the third fan downstairs or at least not now.

Have a great Tuesday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 7 days or one week till I turn 65. I am hoping that 65 brings continued good health for me and better health for Mr. Alvin. My wish anyway.

Last Half 2022 – Alvin

Good Morning All! Even though today is the last day of July 2022, I thought it appropriate to title this post “Alvin.” We had a really good sleep last night as it cooled down and with one of our trusty fans we slept until 5:00 a.m. from about 10:30 p.m. Then up and outside to go pee & poo, not me, Alvin of course. He had his glucosamine chew and then to the sofa for some more sleep before up to eat. He lasted until 6:15 and then we were up and he had his breakfast. We went outside and he just stayed on the deck for a few minutes drinking in the fresh cool morning air. It wasn’t until 9:00 a.m. that I bounced up off the sofa ready to start the day. Alvin was still sleeping so I quietly went into the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee. A couple of minutes later he was up. He is wherever I am. I was going to come upstairs and get dressed but he wanted to go outside and as a good Momma, I went outside with him. He sounded like he was coughing or sneezing hard to tell but it was not until he started madly eating grass, maybe not madly but eating grass nonetheless that I realized he had been trying to throw up. He did this yesterday a couple of times as well. But I missed the signs. He is on medication to prevent him from throwing up. His last pill is later today. He ate the grass and then we came back into the house. He did not try to throw up but went straight to his water bowl and drank a good big drink. We are now upstairs as I wanted to get dressed. I am watching him carefully for any unusual moves. He is resting on his belly as he always does in front of the office doorway. My poor boy. The drama continues. I hope that he is okay. This all makes me wonder. We won’t know anything more until Tuesday. I guess we will be trying to score that urine sample as soon as possible on Tuesday morning. I had a couple of moments where I was not feeling very positive about his situation but now I am back on track. It will not help him if I am moping around, crying and distraught. He needs to feel my strength and positive demeanour. As difficult as it may be, I will be strong. I keep thinking all of our years together, our adventures and stories.

Okay, the story does continue. Thankfully it is cooler outside. After some coffee, I will see if he wants to go for a walk. Checking the temperature first, of course.

We will just enjoy the day together. There are some things that I would like to do, should do but he comes first. If that means cuddling with him and doing whatever I can for him, that is my top priority.

Okay, back downstairs. Sounds like he is snoring. A familiar good sound. I want many more good sounds for many more months and years.

I hope that you have a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 9 more sleeps until my 65th birthday.