The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I are well and happy for the weekend. Although the weather is not quite cooperating this morning thus far. When we first were up around 4:00 a.m. it was raining and now it has turned to fluffy snow. So the roads and sidewalks may be icy out there so if you are out and about, please be careful. Take your time. Don’t be rushing around even if it means you will be late to your destination. Better to be slow and arrive. What a winter we are having. One minute it is minus double digits and the next it is warmer and raining. I see some shovelling in my future. The sky is that completely overcast with no sign of Mr. SUN. Where oh where did he go? I miss the sun. I know that he will be back and hopefully this afternoon. I promised Mr. Alvin that we would get out for a walk this afternoon as I had hopes the day would allow it. I guess that time will tell. In the meantime, I have a list one mile long of things that need to get done. Have I been slacking? Well, er, perhaps a little. Not like the house is filthy, I would never let it get to that point. Does it need to be vacuumed upstairs? Well yes it does as I found a dust bunny by my nightstand last night. He was hiding. I found him and that is a sure sign that yes I need to haul up the vacuum. For some reason, upstairs seems to get the least amount of attention other than the bathrooms of course, cause I do not like a dirty bathroom. But as far as vacuuming goes, I tend to leave it perhaps just a tad longer than one should but not so bad that when we walk I am kicking up dust bunnies. Not that bad. Okay, I am babbling. Who wants to hear that from a 64 year old woman. Not me! I just realized that I will be an official senior coming August when I turn 65. How in the world did that happen? Me, a Senior, not it cannot be. My body is kind of starting to sag a bit, and the weight is not as easy to lose than it was in my 20’s, 30’s and even 50’s. But to be honest I am not so worried about a few pounds at the end of the day. The only spot I want to work on a bit is my middle as it seems to expand and contract daily. It all seems to depend on what I eat and I am finding that the foods that I have loved my whole life are not exactly loving me at this point. So perhaps it is time to cut them out or cut back on them. ARGH. Doesn’t make me happy but then again I want to remain in good health. Wow, is it ever coming down out there. I will have to get out to the back and pick up that last poop before it is completely covered. I can barely see it from the office window.

So some good news! On our third attempt on the DEADBOLT, we have touchdown, we have success. My friend returned the second one to LOWES and upon careful thought and consideration decided to go to WALMART and see if they had the one that was needed. WALMART came through for us and she found exactly the right one and it took us like less than five minutes to install it. I am so grateful for my friend. It was less expensive than the the second one so there was a bit of money left for her to keep. After all she made three trips well actually four due to that first unforeseen situation. I am happy. She is happy. We are happy. I learned to do something should the occasion arise again.

Today Humphrey and Bogart’s Mom is playing in a curling tournament so I am going to check in on them a few times. Bogart is recovering from a “playing injury” so his Momma is a bit concerned. I do not blame her and I will certainly go and check on the boys. I love spending time with the cats. Too bad that Alvin could not come over, well actually he could but if it is snowing I won’t take him. I am hopefully this will end this morning so we can walk this afternoon.

Well that is all that is new from our house. I had the strangest of dreams. Must have been the toasted salmon sandwich that I had for supper last night. LOL.

Time to get the laundry hauled downstairs to the basement. Somedays I think it would be nice to have main floor laundry but I like having my bedroom upstairs. Anyway.

Have a great day. Be safe and be careful.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I put on my purple pants this morning, mainly because all of my “comfy” pants are in the laundry. I have not had them on since last summer or spring and they fit. Which is a good sign. Feels strange being kind of “dressed up” on a Saturday at home doing laundry and cleaning. LOL. Oh, I forgot I am going out to see the boys next door (Humphrey & Bogart) and we may get out for a walk. Fun times.

The New YEAR 2022

Hello, I cannot say that it is a good morning. I am terrified to go back downstairs and start this day. Last night while I was cooking supper, I heard a noise from the kitchen. The noise was the lid from Alvin’s wet food tin falling onto something, which I had left by the sink with some dirty dishes. I had put some water in the sink and was going to do dishes after I ate. Both Alvin and Cookie were with me in the living room. My heart sank, I knew what it would be. I stood up and walked around the sofa and to the end of the kitchen counter and on the other side of the sink I saw the creature that I fear the most, bigger than a spider and faster, a mouse. I can barely type those words. My throat is dry as I am so scared to go back downstairs to start this day. Poor Alvin. Anyway, when I saw the mouse, I grabbed my phone from the charger and ran to the door, screaming as I ran to the farthest point from him/her. It took me a few seconds or perhaps even a minute to actually text my neighbour Jessica, and all I could type was HELP followed by the word Mouse. I believe that I was hyperventilating. It felt like my throat was dry and I was crying and screaming. The poor dogs were frozen in positions on the sofa. After I texted Jessica, I texted another friend quickly as I know that she is not afraid of these creatures but I also knew that she has a sore back. It wasn’t long before I heard I heard a noise on the porch, so I scooped up Cookie so that she would not run outside. I surely did not need something else wrong. My neighbour came into the house and immediately went into the kitchen, the mouse was still on the counter. It ended up behind the stove but when she moved the stove, it was gone. It did not appear that there was any place for it to go. Somewhere in between all of this my friend and her daughter arrived. It may have been before the stove was moved, I don’t really remember. I was beside me. My friend had brought a mousetrap with her and the girls were trying to set it behind the stove. But after several tries it would not work. Someone googled to find what could be done in interim. Apparently they do not like tin foil, I did not know that. My neighbour had stuffed tin foil around the entrance points by the stove and counter and floor. I knew that they do not like bounce sheets or dryer sheets and I have them all over the furnace room, well not all over. In a few spots. Anyway, after several minutes of not seeing the mouse, my friend and her daughter went home and my neighbour suggested that she go to Walmart and pick up some traps and other supplies. I feared to be alone but it was the best thing to do. I had the pups there. Also Cookie’s family were on their way home. What a mess. My dinner had been cooking in the oven. So it was on the kitchen table but my appetite was not there but I did have a couple of carrots and roasted potatoes. I held Cookie while the girls were there and she was shaking. I can only imagine that I scared her half to death. Alvin just kept staring at me. It was not long before my neighbour was back. She pulled out the stove, set two traps, just like that and pushed the stove back. At this time, I have no idea if the mouse was caught or not. I cannot move the stove. I will need help. I had to take a day off work as I am so petrified to be downstairs. Anyway, my neighbour stayed for a few hours. We threw away some items from my counter that I could not easily clean and sanitized the rest. We washed, well she washed dishes and I dried. We did a load in the dishwasher. Bless her heart, my neighbour accidentally put the coffee perk in the water before I noticed, it is electric and cannot be submerged in water. How could I be mad? She was in autopilot mode trying to keep my spirits up and help. The pot actually needed to be replaced. Anyway, Cookie’s family got home and picked her up just before 11:00 p.m. and shortly after that we came upstairs to my safe place. Alvin is whining now so I must go. He likely has to pee. He has been so good. My neighbour is going to bring me coffee and stay for a bit while I figure out what to do. I still have to take down Christmas decorations. What a mess! Well not a mess, I feel like a mess. It would not have been so bad if the creature had not been on the counter, that freaked me out bigtime. Note to self, never leave the lid from his food uncleaned on the counter. It was not there long but enough time.

Breathe. Oh and I spent some time on the phone with my daughter while my neighbour was at Walmart. Oh, I am surrounded by strong women. I am so grateful. I wished that I could have the essence of CAT in the house so that they would stay away.

I am going to text Jessica and she will bring over some coffee. I definitely need coffee. I will put my winter boots back on, they give me a false sense of security but a security nonetheless. I put them on right away last night when this all started. I had to take the bag of garbage out to the garage and then they were covered in snow so I had to put on slippers. Not quite as good.

What a night. I pray and hope that it is gone forever and never to return.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS I am thinking that I may set up my workstation in my office for the rest of the week. Not sure if I can work in the kitchen at this point. I am even afraid to open cupboard doors and drawers. All the things we washed are cleaned and sitting on the kitchen table.

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

Welcome to a bright and clear blue sky on this Sunday morning.

Our time changed.

We flipped our clocks ahead by one hour here in Edmonton, Alberta.

I just returned from shovelling once again out front and going to look after Humphrey and Cynder.

Changing food, water, litter box and so on.

Then I gathered up Mr. Humphrey as he was happily waiting at the door for me to do so.

I carried the shovel in one hand and Humphrey in the other arm.

I am so happy to see that the snow has stopped falling.

We have so much.

I will have to shovel the driveway as well.

My driveway is at the back of the garage.

This morning I did some on the deck as well.

We have lots of ice build up so where there is ice, I left some snow cover.

Especially out front.

Gives a bit of traction when walking and less chance of falling and hurting oneself.

Thinking about all those folks including me that are out walking with their pups.

 

Yesterday was a great day.

My daughter, her husband and grand pups dropped by for a visit.

We had coffee and I share the chocolate chip cookies and no bake energy bites with them.

I also sent the remainder of the cookies home with them.

Less for me to eat.

 

Later on, Alvin’s best friend Teddy and his Mom are coming for tea and a visit.

Then we gals will head on over to the grocery store.

I am a bit anxious to see if our nearby grocery store still has bathroom tissue.

Some of the people I work with were telling stories that the places they had gone were out of bathroom tissue and Walmart actually had bare shelves.

If so, the worries of the Coronavirus have hit home for sure.

There are more and more reports on the news from around the world of shortages, closures of businesses and schools.

Hospitals are crazy busy.

I am going to remain calm in this storm.

Wash my hands as often as I usually do (after bathroom, after being in public and so on).

Covering ones face when coughing and sneezing and then washing hands is so important.

I even notice at work people taking great liberty with coughing and sneezing.

Forgetting that is how germs are spread.

We are cleaning our desks and workspaces with wipes.

When on the bus, I am wearing my gloves and not touching anything.

One night on the way home a teenager was on his cell phone, wiping his dripping nose with his hand, arm and sleeve and then going on his phone.

ARGH.

He was old enough to know better.

 

Anyway I am looking forward to seeing our friends later on.

Humphrey is downstairs.

Alvin is of course at my side.

Going to head to the shower, need to feel some refreshing water hit my body.

 

Thursday night we are going out for supper to celebrate my daughter’s 40th Birthday.

So excited to celebrate my baby’s birthday with my kids.

Tuesday is the birthday of my son-in-law’s brother.

Happy Birthday D (early).

 

Okay, time to get going here.

Lots to do.

Have to have some toast and coffee.

I think I have worked up an appetite.

Happy Happy Sunday.

 

Be kind and respectful always of everyone and everything in your path.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 30th day of December, 2016.

Wow, today and tomorrow and then a New Year.

The sun is shining brightly this morning and I had to close the blinds so that I could be on the computer.

Definitely not writing this at my usual time of 6:00 a.m. when it is still dark outside.

I have loved being at home with Mr. Alvin …… doing things as they happen.

Yesterday we took the Christmas Tree down and all of the decorations.

Did some laundry.

Alvin and I walked over to his Dr.’s office and I picked up some food and treats for him.

It was a nice walk.

We had a quiet evening.

The house looks so different without the Christmas decorations.

Actually looks empty.

I had eleven rubbermaid containers filled with ornaments and decorations not including the tree.

Those containers were not the little ones either.

Hard to believe that that much stuff was on the main floor between the kitchen and living room.

It was a different Christmas for us but very nice.

The kids enjoyed their gifts as did the pups.

Another Christmas come and gone.

All of the preparations reminds me of a wedding day.

Crazy the time that goes into one day.

But that is what we humans do ….. things are always over the top.

I am grateful that we being me, my daughter and son-in-law are trying to live a more simple life.

Not buying things just to have them.

Every year I go through the house and give/throw/recycle many items.

The only things that are not multi used are my things for Christmas.

That is my one guilty pleasure so to speak.

I have been thinking after a seed of an idea was given to me by one of my friends.

That perhaps I will start making personalized gifts for family and friends.

I guess that I have actually always done this but 2017 I will do on a larger scale.

This morning I am going out to pick up some groceries and use the remaining credit on my Walmart gift card.

I am not usually a big fan of that store but as I have the card I will go and use it.

One of my friends is going out and said she could drop me there and then pick me up after she is done her shopping elsewhere.

After that shopping I have another friend coming over for a visit …..

I have a couple of phone calls to make between tonight and going back to work.

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Cute story:  Most mornings Alvin has me up way earlier than we need to be so he eats and does his business and afterward we lay down on the sofa for some extra zzz’s.

I have this rectangular pillow which I lay my head upon and then cover with our special warm red blanket.

Not long ago this happened.  I lay down and cover with the blanket.  Alvin plunks himself down beside me with his head right beside mine on the pillow.  He snuggles so close.

The first time he did this I almost had the big one as he really plunks himself down but never hitting me.

Anyway then I cover us both with the blanket and we snuggle.

So cute.

Another reason why I love this little guy.

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Well time to get this show on the road.

Shower time to freshen up before shopping.

I can only imagine the people in Walmart.  Too many likely.

Have a great day.

One more day before we celebrate the New Year.

Happy Friday.

Special Hello to: YOU ALL.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Feels like a time to share some photos of our beloved babies.

Some left us this year and some joined us this year.

A full year of Sorrow and Joy.

Great memories.

 

Alvin at Christmas 2015

My Grand-puppies Penny and Elton

Miss Penny

Baby Milo and Miss Aspen.

Our newest family members.

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 8th day of February, 2016.

Have you ever awaken to feel like this is going to be a great day.

A day like no other.

Feeling like something magical, fun, wonderful and absolutely fantastic is happening to you on this day.

Well that is how I feel on this Monday morning.

I will admit a bit unusual for a Monday morning …..

Usually I do not sleep well Sunday night and Monday mornings are sometimes a bit of a strain to get up and get motivated but not TODAY.

I will admit that I asked Alvin to stay in bed until the alarm went off but it was not because I did not want to get out of bed.

Just because I wished to lay there and soak in the morning …. un-feted (is that even a word) by the day.

So here we are ….. breakfast done, shower check, make-up check and writing blog …. almost check.

Mr. Alvin is as usual laying outside the office door waiting for me.

He is so loyal ….. we could all learn lessons from our four-legged friends.

He is always waiting by the front door for me to arrive at home after work.

He is always happy to see me and I know he has to pee and is hungry …. but nevertheless he always takes that minute to ravish me with attention.

Now what a way to welcome someone home.

It doesn’t matter if I am gone all day or for 20 minutes ….. he welcomes me in the same way.

So today is the day …..

Perhaps a dream will come to fruition or just something nice.

It does not matter ….. I just feel great and that is what matters.

 

We had a great weekend in my household.

Friday night my daughter came for supper.

Saturday morning breakfast/brunch with my friends at International House of Pancakes or IHOP, as it is lovingly referred to …

Saturday a bit of shopping in the afternoon (okay at Walmart but it was still shopping).

Sunday I stepped out and did some canvassing for the Heart and Stroke Fund and received some donations.

So a great weekend by all accounts.

Even managed to do some work in between all of the socializing.

Now I will admit Alvin did get the short end of it all but I will make it up to him.

 

Well almost time to get this show on the road.

I wish you a wonderful day.

May you feel great and pass on that greatness to all you meet.

Be kind and rewind.

Happy Monday.

 

Special Hello to: my sister …. we SKYPED last night ….. we always have a giggle or three.  It was a great visit.

Always, Carol and Alvin