Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 6th day of June, 2018.

A beautiful morning with sunshine and blue skies.

There remains at this time a bit of coolness to the air.

But to warm up over the course of the day and the next two.

 

Alvin and I enjoyed our walk last night.

Not too many folks out but we did bump into some folks we had met another time.

Last night I went over to my NORWEX Leader’s house for some additional information.

She is a nice person and reminds me so much of a gal that works at Alvin’s Vet Clinic.

They both sound exactly the same and even similar features.

 

Well my carpool starts vacation this afternoon so it will be back to taking the old City BUS until next Tuesday.

Will have to see what is new on public transit.

Likely should check to see if the schedule changed.

 

Funny how you can be dreaming and wake up and are surprised it was not actually happening.

I had such dreams last night well actually just happened while dozing on the sofa this morning.

We had 1.5 hours give or take, well actually take and I had the most bizarre dream.

There were dogs, me, a house, police officers, water, flooding, fake police officers, plants, carpool, work and more.

 

Well almost time to hit the road.

Happy to have a ride this morning.

 

Have a great Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all the dreamers….

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 1st day of May, 2016.

Well here we are – May 1st, 2016.

The morning is almost over; the air is fresh and the sun is shining.

Once again I felt the need with this “cold” to sleep away the morning.

But I guess that is the way of the body healing itself.

I am sipping on a delectable cup of coffee as I write these words.

Alvin is laying on guard outside the office door, as he always does.

This has been an odd weekend for me.

But a restful one for the most part.

Had two wonderful long distance chats with actually two guys this weekend.

One friend and the other my nephew.

Always good to connect with people.

Today I am going to clean up the trash on the walkway to 62nd Avenue.

This will be the fourth time this spring but always good for it to be clean.

I can finally hear some voices coming in through the open window.

Someone is awake out there.

Children.

Out and about.

Certainly is the weather for it.

This coming weekend is forecasted to be in the 20’s all week.

Quite warm for the first week in May.

Well I had better get this day going as tomorrow is back to work.

Where does the time go?

 

I hope that life is treating you great.

It is okay to run that tub with nice warm water and take a relaxing bath.

You deserve it.

Go ahead …..

 

Special Hello to: all my friends and family who keep me sane.

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Thought for the day……

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 19th day of April, 2015.

The sun is up and shining.

The wind is still blowing.

It is quiet in the house except for the tapping as I hit each key to form these words.

I could even hear Alvin’s little feet as they softly walked across the hallway rug.

We both feel it …. the stillness…..

Do you or have you ever had time completely and utterly by yourself?

In a room or in a house?

No fans, no furnace blowing warm air into each room, no dogs barking or babies crying?

No laughter, no voices.

Just the sound of your heart beating.

I think it is a good thing once in awhile.

Time to reflect and think.

To get yourself in order.

I have done a lot of thinking the past couple of days ……

It is good for the body and mind.

Good for your inner being.

I feel very relaxed and calm.

Alvin, I am not completely sure how he is feeling.

Lonely ….. we both are for sure.

But tomorrow will bring routine.

Back to work.

Back to the office.

Back to the drama …..

The drama that is life.

Well I hope that you are having a great Sunday.

Finding time to reflect on the past days and your life.

Waking those dreams within you.

As have I …….

Happy Sunday.

Special Hello to: empty nesters …… it will be okay.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Story Line by line – December 23, 2013

Chapter Five:

December 1, 2013

As we lay there sleeping wrapped in the big white fluffy blankets, I dream of childhood and Christmas; my favourite time of year, and there was one in particular.

December 2, 2013

When we moved into the new two story house on the farm my bedroom was on the main floor just off of the living room ……. I had a birds eye view of the Christmas tree ….  this one year I wanted to wait and watch for Santa ….. pretending to be asleep …. once  I heard noises figuring it was Santa I waited for him to leave ……  slowly opened the bedroom door and getting down on my hands and knees  crawled out toward the tree ….. only to be stopped dead in my tracks by my Mom’s voice “GET BACK TO BED” ….. I had been so quiet …… 

December 3, 2013

My favourite Christmas was 2005  …..  the log cabin in the mountains …. the clear night sky …… the stars shining so brightly …… the food …… the stone fireplace ….. love and laughter ….. feather comforters …… coffee by the fireplace ….. the best place in the world.

December 4, 2013

Kids singing Christmas Carols …… Grandma playing the organ in church ….. our Charlie Brown Christmas tree …… turkey cooking at Grandma’s house ….. snow falling …… baby crying …… sister smiling …… dog barking ….. opening presents . driving to Grandma and Grandpa’s house ….. the trees out front of their house all light up ….. it is Christmas once again.

December 5, 2013

Oh, how I feel alive and happy …… as each scene plays out ….. there is another one just as wonderful as the last …… people and places ……. my heart is full ……

December 6, 2013

Ah, my great nephew, I remember that day so well …… then skipping years ahead to when Alvin came to live with me …… this movie just seems to go on forever …. I wonder when it will end ….. movie, is it?

December 7, 2013

Movie, what …. am I dreaming …… asleep …… awake …… in a coma …… my mind is swirling and then before me is a crystal clear thought ….. YOU ARE REMEMBERING YOUR LIFE ….. 

December 8, 2013

Truly I am going crazy, please someone help me wake up from this wild dream …. HELP ME, HELP Me …….

December 9, 2013

This whole ordeal has seemed to go on forever ….. I do not know what to do …..  just when I think that I may have an answer ……. it all comes tumbling down …… such as life, I guess but why now ……. or did I just bump my head!

December 10, 2013

“Did I bump my head?” I think to myself as Alvin snuggles in closer to me as if to comfort me in my time of uncertainty.

December 11, 2013

As I lay under the warmest most comfortable blanket ever, I begin to devise a plan – I will get home – somehow – someday I will escape and be free.

December 12, 2013

Home, what a wonderful thought ….. I realize how much I miss my house, the flowers in my yard, my Christmas tree ……. whoa ….. what did I think ….. was it spring, was it summer or winter when this first happened and I realize maybe now for the first time that I have literally no idea how long we have been gone ….. a day, a month, years!!!

December 13, 2013

All of a sudden I hear this small gurgling slightly roaring sound coming from my stomach ….. guess it has been awhile since I ate anything …… Alvin, too must be starving  ….. suddenly a banana, some fresh carrots, a piece of chocolate cake, and a cup of coffee are sitting on a table in front of us….a FEAST.

December 14, 2013

Well no matter if this is real or a figment of my imagination …  we are going to eat  ….. mmm, as I peel the banana Alvin goes crazy as he absolutely loves banana ….. carrots …. we love carrots and for me my favourite habit …. COFFEE.

December 15, 2013

Yes, hot coffee …. it warms my throat as I quickly take a sip and trying to hold onto the taste reminding me of home …. Alvin is happy as we finish the last bite of banana and continues crunching away on the carrots and for this time we have no worries.

December 16, 2013

As we enjoy our treats I cannot help but to think of home ….. what are my friends and family doing ….. who is looking after our house ….. is there snow to shovel or grass to mow … I do not even know what time of year it is ….. oh …..

December 17, 2013

I just feel like crying even though Alvin is here I am all alone …. no one to discuss things with ….. no shoulder to cry on ….. as the tears well up in my eyes the feelings just explode inside my body, and my heart  hurts …. where are they ….. please let us come home …. I just want to go home…… please, help us find our way home……..

December 18, 2013

Through the tears and the feelings of being alone, the despair, and, of not knowing which direction to turn, whether to shout or to continue to cry ….. I feel that warmth once again, and a light although dim begins to shine on me.

December 19, 2013

For a few moments I am lost in the glow …… there is music playing ….. could it be ….. sounds like Celine Dion ….. oh, how I love her ….. saw her in concert once, and she was AMAZING …… I am drifting away in bliss.

December 20, 2013

How many days has it been, I lost track after 83 ……. there are such blissful moments, and then such ones that trouble me greatly …… I just wish that someone would tell me what to do, please …….

December 21, 2013

It would seem that this time there are no family members showing up ….. no voices in my head other than my own ……. no Christmas trees ….. no flowers ……. the food has been eaten ….. the music has stopped, the bed is gone and where is ALVIN?

December 22, 2013

It seems darker now ….. where is that light ……. I can feel Alvin’s body snuggling up to mine and I am so grateful to have him with me ……

December 23, 2013

My eyes are wide open or so it would seem but I cannot see anything ….. how can we be enjoying food and drink and that big comfy bed and now it is all gone …… have I lost my mind, and then once again I hear voices but where are they coming from?

 

 

 

 

 

Story Line by line – October 18, 2013

Chapter Three:

October 1, 2013

“Jeannie, it’s me, ” I say in a firm hushed tone as she turns her head to the sound of my voice.

October 2, 2013

Jean smiles at me with warmth but something is missing, and I want so much to believe that this is real and that we are all together again; safe and happy.

October 3, 2013

Alvin who has been still (which is highly uncharacteristic of him) suddenly pulls on his leash and brings me forward with a jerking motion, as we are now within touching range; my heart almost stops and I gasp aloud.

October 4, 2013

Suddenly I hear the sweet soft voice of my sister “Grace” telling me “Do not worry” as my mind spins confused; I do not know what to say as I just stand there close enough to smell their scents.

October 5, 2013

I can hear Alvin sniffing, and as I turn my head to see what is happening he has jumped up on Edward’s legs wanting attention, and the reaction is startling.

October 6, 2013

“Please stop”, I yell at Edward, as I dive toward them.

October 7, 2013

Edward had reached down and pulled Alvin up by his harness holding him tightly in a football hold; as my poor boy whimpered, and all the while squirming to get away.

October 8, 2013

I was only a few seconds behind Alvin as I went tumbling through the air, and much to my surprise landing in Jack’s arms.

October 9, 2013

All of a sudden I realize that other than the few words that I have uttered in the minutes that I have been surrounded by my siblings; that not one of them has spoken a word; how odd.

October 10, 2013

I now remember that Grace had told me “not to worry” but did I actually hear her speak those words, and in between the noise and confusion in my head, I hear my Alvin whimpering as he wants to get down.

October 11, 2013

At this very moment, I really do not know what to do; screaming for help will not do me much good, and besides they are my family even though I have a funny feeling they are not from here or maybe it is that I am not from here.

October 12, 2013

This just seems so surreal, and in the moments that pass I am unsure and slightly frightened by all that is happening but I do know one thing for sure – I have to rescue Alvin from his hold and soon.

October 13, 2013

In the next moment, I decide to speak to “my siblings” perhaps I can get the Edward to let Alvin down so that he will not be frightened, and as I think about it; Edward releases Alvin who runs to my side.

October 14, 2013

Everything seems to be happening so fast and so slow all at once … I am grateful that Alvin is once again safe near me.

October 15, 2013

I must do something, and then suddenly without warning I hear all their voices invading my mind, and then one at a time telling me all is well and that you are safe here, but where is “HERE?

October 16, 2013

I certainly feel like screaming my head off but that definitely is not the answer and, as I have been so preoccupied with Alvin and the “siblings”,  I have not noticed that the fog has already lifted considerably and I can now see what is ahead of us.

October 17, 2013

The colour and the clean lines take my breath away, and as the siblings steer us toward the building, I wonder, “Is it a building?”

October 18, 2013

Then I hear their voices each climbing over the other as they try to answer my question.

Story Line by line – October 15, 2013

Chapter Three:

October 1, 2013

“Jeannie, it’s me, ” I say in a firm hushed tone as she turns her head to the sound of my voice.

October 2, 2013

Jean smiles at me with warmth but something is missing, and I want so much to believe that this is real and that we are all together again; safe and happy.

October 3, 2013

Alvin who has been still (which is highly uncharacteristic of him) suddenly pulls on his leash and brings me forward with a jerking motion, as we are now within touching range; my heart almost stops and I gasp aloud.

October 4, 2013

Suddenly I hear the sweet soft voice of my sister “Grace” telling me “Do not worry” as my mind spins confused; I do not know what to say as I just stand there close enough to smell their scents.

October 5, 2013

I can hear Alvin sniffing, and as I turn my head to see what is happening he has jumped up on Edward’s legs wanting attention, and the reaction is startling.

October 6, 2013

“Please stop”, I yell at Edward, as I dive toward them.

October 7, 2013

Edward had reached down and pulled Alvin up by his harness holding him tightly in a football hold; as my poor boy whimpered, and all the while squirming to get away.

October 8, 2013

I was only a few seconds behind Alvin as I went tumbling through the air, and much to my surprise landing in Jack’s arms.

October 9, 2013

All of a sudden I realize that other than the few words that I have uttered in the minutes that I have been surrounded by my siblings; that not one of them has spoken a word; how odd.

October 10, 2013

I now remember that Grace had told me “not to worry” but did I actually hear her speak those words, and in between the noise and confusion in my head, I hear my Alvin whimpering as he wants to get down.

October 11, 2013

At this very moment, I really do not know what to do; screaming for help will not do me much good, and besides they are my family even though I have a funny feeling they are not from here or maybe it is that I am not from here.

October 12, 2013

This just seems so surreal, and in the moments that pass I am unsure and slightly frightened by all that is happening but I do know one thing for sure – I have to rescue Alvin from his hold and soon.

October 13, 2013

In the next moment, I decide to speak to “my siblings” perhaps I can get the Edward to let Alvin down so that he will not be frightened, and as I think about it; Edward releases Alvin who runs to my side.

October 14, 2013

Everything seems to be happening so fast and so slow all at once … I am grateful that Alvin is once again safe near me.

October 15, 2013

I must do something, and then suddenly without warning I hear all their voices invading my mind, and then one at a time telling me all is well and that you are safe here, but where is “HERE?

Story Line by line – August 23, 2013

FIRST LINE …..July 25, 2013

As we walk along the water’s edge the coolness leaves my skin with goose bumps and prickles, as if there is someone behind me.

July 26, 2013

Alvin pulls on his leash and brings me back, the fragrance of freshly cut grass fills my nostrils; my heart beat quickens, and I am unable to shake the feeling.

July 28, 2013

The sky is overcast with a hint of sunrise peeking through and the leaves of the trees rustle in the breeze, and I think how did I get here? 

July 29, 2013

What does that mean, and what is making me think these thoughts?

July 30, 2013

All of a sudden the leash tightens as Alvin pulls me forward.

July 31, 2013

My body lurches forward as I fight to keep my balance, what is going on …. “Alvin,” I cry as things appear to be happening in slow motion.

August 1, 2013

Alvin turns his head and with eyes as big as saucers; I suddenly realize what is going to happen.

August 2, 2013

I had no control, and could feel my breath slowly leaving my body as it was happening.

August 5, 2013

As the fog lifts from my brain and I come round; I realize that quite some time has passed as dusk has fallen, and then the horrifying thought comes to my mind where is my Alvin?

August 6, 2013

My thoughts turn immediately to the searing pain in my head as I try to stand the pain is impossible but I must ….. try to….

August 7, 2013

I do not understand what happened;  partially putting things together, realizing my thoughts turn to my beloved Alvin ….. as I try to call out his name…. I feel something warm against my body.

August 8, 2013

Suddenly I hear voices off in the distance calling my name.

August 9th, 2013

As I start to focus on my surroundings, I realize that I am not where I was and things do not look familiar.

August 10th, 2013

I want to cry out but I am frightened, and I do not quite know why.

August 13, 2013

My mind is racing, please let it slow down so that I can concentrate on what I need to do, please.

August 14, 2013

Okay, I will open my eyes again and try to focus on what is around me, and all I see is nothingness, there is absolutely nothing, how can that be?  and where is my Alvin?

August 15, 2013

“This does not feel right” as I manage to pull myself up off the ground and slowly regain my senses realizing that the only thing the same is the coolness to the air.

August 16, 2013

This is absolutely crazy as I look around only to see; it is as if I have been plucked away by someone or something and placed in this spot surrounded by a deep engulfing fog; it seems like there is nothing else here but it, and I feel so alone.

August 17, 2013

As the veil of fog begins to lift from my brain a million questions flood my thoughts, and then it hits me!

August 18, 2013

I am not where I began, and where is Alvin, my dog, he was my dog wasn’t he …. my memories are a blur as I try to piece it altogether.

 August 19, 2013

Okay, as I take a deep breath; wherever I am, I appear to be alone….. one step at a time….. I will find him.

August 20, 2013

I have never been so afraid or so alone in my whole life, I have no idea where I am or how I got here but as I slowly take those first steps I quickly realize my senses are in tune with my surroundings; how strange.

August 21, 2013

It is as if I can feel the dampness of the fog as each molecule strategically penetrates my skin, and I feel … like ….. ah….. there are no words …. what a strange sensation, and I wonder about this place.

August 22, 2013

Gathering myself together I begin to walk around this new place, this new environment, this new what; what in the world or perhaps better asked where in the world am I?  

August 23, 2013

One of the first things I begin to notice is that there appears to be no sound and when I go to call for Alvin, I make the startling realization that I cannot hear my own voice, and I wonder where were those voices that I had heard earlier.

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday, January 9th, 2013.

How are you today?

I am feeling great ….. I had a slightly disrupted sleep but am awake now and ready to go.

At first, I thought I had a fever but it was only a “hot flash.”

Oh, the joys of being a woman.

 

Are you a good sleeper?

It seems like whenever you speak with anyone these days …. people are having problems sleeping.

Not even due to outside forces …… like a baby crying …. or sirens …… they just plain cannot sleep.

Now some people find it hard to shut off the voices ……

While others fall asleep only to wake up after a few hours and then cannot go back to sleep.

 

For the most part, I have good sleeps.

Some nights outside forces such as Alvin disrupt the sleep of his Momma.

Some nights I sleep and wake up “warm” …..

Some nights just thinking too much.

 

I hope that you had a good sleep or at least can take a nap during the day.

We should adopt the “siesta” ….. about 2:30-3:00 p.m. …. that would be great ..

 

Well have to run here.

Thank you everyone for taking time out of your busy day to read my blog, I really appreciate it.

Have a great day.

Special Hello to:  all those people who wish that they could have a good night’s sleep …..

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

 

Bedtime …..

Yesterday in the City of Edmonton, and for sure in my neighbourhood the air was warm and the sun was shining.  It felt like an early August summer day.  A few weeks ago, I decided to put the cover on the air conditioning unit outside, and not use the air conditioner anymore this year.  After all, it is almost the end of September.  So needless to say it got warm in the house.  I opened the windows upstairs and down.  I was watching the beginning of a new television show called “THE EVENT” when Alvin decided it was time for bed.  He went upstairs but I coaxed him back down.  He laid down on his tummy at the foot of the stairs as if to say “time for bed” ….. so the good Mother that I am (okay, he is spoiled), I turned off the television set and we did our usual bedtime routine.  First take Alvin outside to go pee, then brush his teeth and finally brush his hair.  Then upstairs we went.  For the first time in awhile, I didn’t bother going onto the computer – decided to just go to bed.  I wanted to spend more time reading, and was a bit more tired than usual.   Alvin, was confused I guess as he laid down in the hallway.  After a few minutes of coaxing he came into the bedroom, and I quickly shut the door.  The bedroom window was open as were the blinds.  So I closed the blinds on the one window that does not open, and on the open window left them slightly open (about maybe four inches).  So after I did my nightly routine, I crawled into bed.  Alvin was lying on his blanket …. on his tummy facing the open window.  I was pleased to see this as I knew he would be a little on the warm side.  Was reading away when we heard some voices outside.  Well, Alvin jumped up and off the bed.  He made this weird  bark, there is no real way of describing it other than to say it was both a deep and high pitched sound.  He was up to the window and scrunched down to see out of the window.  I wanted to laugh but figured it was not appropriate.  Up, I sprang from my comfortable position and closed the window and the blinds.  As I was going back to bed, I said to Alvin, “time for bed”.  He jumped up and laid down.  Honestly, he is so funny.  Just goes to show that for the most part he is definitely a creature of habit.  But I loved watching him look out the window.  He is so used to having the blinds wide open.  That is my Alvin story for today.  As I write this – he is curled up on my comfy leather computer chair while his Momma is sitting with her legs crossed on a stool from IKEA.  Now the stool is pretty comfortable for a bare bones kind of seat.  ….. LOL ..

It is all good, as I so often say.  Remember to spay and neuter your pets.  I heard on a television show yesterday that in the U.S. they put down 45 million pets annually.  I sure hope that I heard those numbers, incorrectly.  Please look after the little guys and girls that you have ……

Have a great day.

Always, Carol