It is a NEW YEAR.

Wow, we were off to a great start to 2020.

Yesterday friends called to see if we wanted to go with them for a walk in the River Valley.

We would drive there and then walk around for about one hour.

It was so absolutely beautiful outside.

We were in the area not far from the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

Even though it was an on leash park several folks did not have their dogs on leashes.

I was so proud of Alvin …. we said hello to everyone and wished them all a Happy New Year.

There was not one bark out of the boy no matter the size of the dogs.

Perhaps because I was so taken aback by the beauty – I was relaxed and not concerned about the dogs.

Although I did pay attention to our surroundings as any good pack leader would do.

 

My friend’s husband remarked of the circle in the snow.  Looks like something you might find in a field.

The majestic North Saskatchewan River flows through Edmonton and you can see how beautiful it is even

in the winter months.  Frozen but still a most glorious body of water.

My friend was attempting to get a shot of us behind the tree but we just could not get it right.

I had to watch that the branches did not poke Alvin or I, in the eye.

It always amazes me how beautiful winter can be without the pops of colour from trees, flowers and foliage in the summer and fall months.

 

 

There were so many people and pups out walking yesterday.

I could see why as the day was amazing.

I believe it was above 0 celsius with no wind.

George (my friend’s grand pup) was searching for squirrels

We did see a couple of squirrels along the way.

 

This was the most perfect outdoor afternoon that I have spent in a very long time.

The air was so warm that I did not require mitts so I was able to take photos easily.

Alvin was calm and happy.

 

My friend P made sure that we had photos of me and Alvin on our first adventure of 2020.

It was a great couple of hours.

Relaxing and wonderful.

Great company.

Great weather.

Could not ask for more.

A perfect way to spend the first day of 2020.

I look forward to more new things in 2020.

This was Mr. Alvin’s first walk in the River Valley and my second one.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 11th day of March, 2019.

Yesterday was so WARM with no breeze.

I decided yesterday to take Mr. Alvin to our friend’s birthday celebration.

The cats and Alvin did well.

He kept his distance.

Cricket knows Alvin but Casey has only joined their household last October (2018) and she wasn’t quite sure.

Both are used to dogs but everyone knows that sometimes there can be moments.

Casey did take a swipe at Alvin but he was not close and he retreated to the safety of his Mom’s legs.

Funny how that works.

Poor Alvin had wanted to say hello but Casey was not having any of it.

He pretty much stayed beside me the whole time except when our friend opened the fridge as he knows she keeps the treats in there.

We had a great visit and was interesting watching two cats and a dog navigate their time together.

After the visit we headed home where I quickly changed into boots, coat (had light jacket on) and mitts and of course grabbed some “poop bags.”

Our friend J had left the party when we did and by the time I stopped in and got changed she was outside with Jazmin.

She had not planned to go for a walk but when she got home Jazmin gave her the sign that she wanted to walk.

Miss Jazmin is I believe 14 years old and has a heart condition.

Somedays she just doesn’t want to go.

Yesterday she was excited to go and she tried and mostly kept up with Mr. Alvin.

They get along so well.

I was so happy to see her out and enjoying the warm day.

We had a great walk.

Perfect end to a perfect day.

 

I think that Mr. Alvin is beginning to dream “CATS.”

We were surrounded by CATS this weekend.

AND Miss Jazmin, who is a doggie.

We missed seeing Master Teddy this weekend.

 

Well back to work today.

We had a great day.

Quiet and relaxing and FUN.

 

I hope that you all had a great Sunday.

I hope that if you are in the “time changing zones” that getting up this morning did not hurt too much!!

Wishing you a wonderful Monday.

 

Listening to dogs barking in the distance.

One sounded big.

 

Happy Monday.

Special Hello to:  everyone who READS, whether it be this blog or another, a book or a magazine or a newspaper.  JUST READ.  Read to your children and grandchildren, too.

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 5th day of October, 2018.

Thanksgiving Weekend ahead.

 

Yesterday was a beautiful day …. even went for a walk at work.

I did not sit at my desk for my breaks ….. went elsewhere.

Need to get up a move during the day more.

Felt good.

 

My daughter picked me up after work and we went to COSTCO.

That is always an experience in itself.

Funny how when people are being rude they do not make eye contact.

I guess they feel as though if there is not eye contact – you aren’t really there?

I do not know.

But there are always those folks in the stores that are just going along cutting people off.

In their own little world.

Quite rude.

We all are in a hurry.

We all are important.

We all have somewhere to go.

We all would rather be someplace else.

There was one gentleman that let my daughter and I go by …. we said “thank you” and he said “you are welcome.”

Yay for manners.

Well enough of that.

 

When my daughter was leaving after dropping me and the groceries off; after we had commented on the cart full, seeming as though we had enough food and stuff for a month, she said

“see you in two weeks” (for another trip to COSTO).

Funny how much food three people can consume in a short period of time.

And other stuff, too.

 

I had a great time with my daughter.

We always have a wonderful visit during the drive.

We came up with a new art project.

I am going to start putting my part of the project together this weekend.

So excited to do something with my daughter.

She is such a creative genius.

It will be amazing.

 

Mr. Alvin continues to sit on his blue blanket.

He continues to ask for massages when I am a captive audience.  (giggling)

I hope that you all have an awesome weekend.

 

I am thankful to be surrounded by amazing, thoughtful, caring, compassionate, passionate, supporting, loving friends and family.

I am thankful to have Mr. Alvin as my trusty companion and sidekick.

I am ever thankful to have this house – this home.  I never thought until 10 years ago that this was even a possibility.

I am grateful to be in good health, have employment and live in a great country.

 

Happy Friday everyone.

What are you thankful for?

 

Special Hello to:  my family and friends all over the world.  Happy Thanksgiving early.

Always, Carol & Alvin