It is a NEW YEAR.

Well today is Saturday, January 04, 2020.

I love writing those numbers.

2020.

Feels futuristic.

We were outside a few minutes ago in the backyard to pick up you know what!

Alvin’s little parcels of love.

The air was warm and the sun is just coming up.

 

YAY, it is the weekend.

Once I have written this post, had a shower and breakfast; we will pop over to the Vet and pick up some food for Alvin.

There be laundry to do, floors and bathrooms to clean, walks to be had and whatever else I find the time to do.

My neighbours have agreed to help me bring in the cabinet/cupboard from the garage to the basement over the weekend.

Then I will be able to get the basement sorted out.

Now the Christmas tree and ornaments will remain until next weekend but I will have everything else in order by then.

 

Everyday on the news and on social media we hear stories and see photos of the massive fires in Australia.

The loss of wildlife is staggering.

I heard half a billion animals have lost their lives.

This will change the landscape of Australia forever.

My heart goes out to the people and to the animals both wild and domestic.

I know that Canada has been sending firefighters to help as have other countries.

Maybe if we collectively as a planet turn our thoughts to rain; we could bring rain to them.

Hoping for rain but not too much that they then have flooding.

Positive thoughts, positive energy.

Please save AUSTRALIA.

 

I wish you all a Happy Saturday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning All,

Well no bright sun shine this morning.

More cloud cover than sun.

But no moisture so that is a good thing.

What a Saturday we had …

Started off by the house phone ringing while I was upstairs writing my blog post …

Then checked mobile phone to find out that my neighbour was wondering if Humphrey could spend the day with us from 9-6 p.m.

Of course, yes.

We had a busy day.

Doing laundry, cleaning and changing things about in the kitchen.

Moving a plant upstairs as the kitchen just seemed dark with all three plants in the window and all of the Christmas decorations.

We were in and outside.

In the afternoon we were surprised by Teddy, his Mom and little sister dropping by.

She had sent a message via messenger but I was so busy I did not see it.

She was needing a break from the house with the new puppy, Teddy’s new sister and was wondering if they could stop in.

So both Humphrey and Alvin got to meet baby Kobi.

Oh my goodness is Kobi ever cute.

I made sure to snap some photos.

We had some tea and then Kobi had to go to the bathroom as determined by her Mom.

I did not know the sign.

We ended up drinking our tea on the deck in our jackets.

It was so warm and nice outside, most enjoyable.

When it was time to leave, Teddy’s Mom asked if we could walk Teddy home on our walk.

Of course, I said.

A little while later I harnessed the boys up except for Humphrey and went for a walk.

It was icy in spots but the temperature was warm.

When we got to Teddy’s house we rang the doorbell and met his Mom at the garage.

Reason being is that “Kobi’s Condo” is the front entranceway.

It is a good space with no carpet for her to hang out.

They have it all set up.

Teddy’s Aunt was celebrating her 65th birthday so his parents were going out for supper a bit later.

His Mom asked if it would be okay for Teddy to come home with us and in the next moment he was going to spend the night.

The baby would be okay in her condo.

Teddy is downstairs at this moment barking at something going by and now Alvin.

I guess I will check again.

I checked a few minutes ago and there was nothing.

Anyway.

Well our weekend was full of pleasant surprises.

All sorts of company.

Would you like to see the new addition to the family?

She is our family, too.

You may have notice the little pink harness and a diaper.

Kobi’s Mom fixed up this diaper so that she doesn’t have an accident when she is outside of her Condo.

So cute.

I hope that you enjoy the photos.

She is just so sweet.

So little.

We including me had to be careful not to step on her.

Alvin did run her over accidentally once.

It has been awhile since we have had a puppy in the house.

I guess since Milo.

Well I should get going.

If I want to have the coffee drank before lunch time.

The backyard looks so bare without flowers and furniture.

Happy Sunday.

I wish you the best day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

I hope that you are feeling wonderful this morning.

I am great.

We had such an awesome weekend, me and Alvin.

Both of us were able to spend time with our friends.

Yesterday, I went to the Christmas Craft Sale at our friends down the street.

I picked up several items so beautiful and could hardly wait to get them home and find a special place for each piece.

The sidewalk by my house was icy when I left home for the craft sale so I crossed the street which was about six inches of glaring ice.

Thankfully I made it there and home safely.

I love these friends, they are so welcoming and lovely.

Their home is absolutely gorgeous.

Good company, good food and beautiful craft items for sale.

Once home I noticed that Teddy’s Mom had sent me a message asking if I had wanted to go to the grocery store with her and could perhaps Teddy come over

and have a visit with Alvin.

I think that Teddy perhaps needed a little break from his new sister.

My friend had baby mind.

Just does to show you that it does not matter if you give birth to a baby, adopt a baby or have a baby of the four-legged persuasion – they are all precious but tire one out.

I had to giggle at her as needed to fill the car with gas but drove the car on the opposite side of the gas tank to the pumps.

On our way home she turned to go toward her house instead of mine.

Very cute.

But I totally get it.

Not enough sleep.

Can totally play havoc with your mind.

I asked if Teddy could stay and that that I would bring him home but of course, we didn’t have his harness and leash so we had just pulled up to my house, sat for a moment.

The pups saw us or at least I saw that Alvin had made eye contact and then we turned around and left.

We could just imagine that Teddy said to Alvin …. “that car looked like my Mom’s but why are they leaving?”

Went to Teddy’s house and picked up his harness and leash and then back to my house.

The boys were happy to see me.

I was only gone for about one hour (if that).

After I put groceries away and stuff ….. walked Teddy home.

We continued on our walk.

The air was so warm and refreshing.

Back home to make some STEEPED TEA SCONES.

Then supper and then time to kick back before bed.

Here are some photos:

The first wreath I am having my friend recreate for me and instead of the word BELIEVE I am having the owl.

She was going to add the little owl on the second wreath but I much prefer the first one.

This is their CHRISTMAS TREE, how gorgeous.

I love the long wreath on the door as well.

My scones.

Two red ceramic trees, homemade Christmas tree ornaments and the red snowflake and the antique tin in the bathroom.

What a great weekend.

Time to run.

Back to work.

 

Kindness and Respect of all creatures is the only way to live your life.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello, partially cloudy skies this morning.

So happy to report that Alvin slept right through until 4:30 p.m. from 10:30 p.m.

Upon doing the math it would appear that he sleeps six hours before waking.

For the most part.

So I guess we will be going to be a bit later and perhaps not 10:30 p.m. but maybe 10:00 p.m.

That would put up up at 4:00 and then we could hit the sofa for one hour.

Unless I was really “energetic” and perhaps got some exercising in ….. ooo, not sure about that …. at that hour.

 

Yesterday was a good day.

I decided to call Alvin’s Doctor and see if we could change his appointment due to icy conditions.

We changed it to Monday after work as they did not have any opening at all yesterday.

Done.

Finished laundry and added a few Christmas decorations upstairs.

We went for a hour long walk with our friend P and her grand pup Georgie just before 3:00 p.m.

There were a few icy spots as we walked to the park.

Both Alvin and I slipped but managed to stay upright.

The walk with our friends was great, the temperature was warm with no wind.

We came across only a handful of people out walking with their pups and one couple with stroller and baby.

Humphrey joined us ( I picked him up just after we got home ).

I made spaghetti and tomato sauce for supper.

Did the dishes and then relaxed for the evening catching up on my recorded television shows.

 

The New LORD of the MANOR …. Humphrey is so darn cute.

Then just a few snaps of the added Christmas items that were put out.

Even Miss Minnie Mouse has a silver bow bracelet.

I found this red bowl that a Christmas arrangement came in last year so I cleaned it up and put it on the counter for a splash of colour, red, of course.

The last photo was the pile of bows and garland before I put them on the Christmas tree.

Should have taken a photo of the tree.

My favourite added bonuses were in the office and guest room.

The little added something something to the window treatments.

Love them both.

 

Well I heard from Teddy’s Mom regarding his little sister.

She is settling in and they are in the process of “house training or pad training” her.

Kobi is a lucky little pup to have such a great new home.

Once she settles in … I know that she will love it very much.

Teddy and Kobi.

I still cannot believe that our Teddy has a little sister.

Very cool.

 

Well time to head downstairs and have breakfast.

Coffee is a must.

Just do a few little chores around the house.

Then time for a shower before heading off early this afternoon to a CHRISTMAS CRAFT SALE at our friends house down the street.

 

Wishing you all a very wonderful Sunday.

Oh the sky is beautiful as the sun peers through the cloud banks.

So very pretty.

Another sunshine kind of day …. yay.

Always happy for that.

 

With kindness and respect I shall spend my day.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Monday morning here we go.

Back to the weekday routine.

We love routine.

We, Alvin and I had a glorious weekend.

There was a visit and overnight stay by a best friend named Teddy.

There was a visit by our friend and neighbour Humphrey.

There was a visit by the two little neighbour boys from two doors down.

There was JENGA, Halloween ARTWORK, Laughter and toys flying through the air.

Girl Guide Chocolate Mint cookies.

Throughout this weekend surrounded by fur babies and children we had so much fun.

We enjoyed our walks this weekend.

There was sunshine and warm temperatures.

It was perfection.

I even managed to find time for laundry, some cleaning and relaxing.

Although who wants to relax when they are enjoying themselves.

Better to be in enjoyment than a couch potato.

I guess that I should not compare “relaxing” to “being a couch potato.”

They are definitely not one in the same.

Anyway we had a great weekend.

Also yesterday we were out for our walk and bumped into another friend who joined us for an extra long walk.

We just had to enjoy that perfect day …..

 

We both slept well last night and no waking up at 2 or 3 a.m.

First up at 4:00 which is doable.

 

I was working on taking a selfie (yuck, that word) of me and Alvin.

He wasn’t very cooperative but I will keep trying.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

 

 

Kindness and Respect go hand in hand.

A better place.

A better world.

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Good Morning ….

What a glorious Monday morning it is.

When I was outside with Alvin about one hour ago it felt warm considering I had a nightgown and sweater on exposing my lower legs.

So off to a great start.

Each weekend or the time off that you have from work is precious.

Most of us have a billion things to do on the weekends or on our time off away from the job.

There is always laundry, cleaning, yardwork, shopping for groceries at the minimum.

If we are able to take time to relax …. that would be in front of the television watching a movie or the like with a glass of wine or your favourite beverage.

But is that really relaxing?

Not really.

But we ALL do the very best that we can.

I am more fortunate than most as I do not have children at home although some would say that Alvin might rank a close second.

He is my partner in crime that requires help being fed and bathed and groomed.

But other than that …. I have more flexible time.

I can/could sit on my bed, in the middle of the floor or sit on a comfy chair and just meditate for some time.

But do I do this on a regular basis …. not really.

I did for a time but find it difficult to sit “quiet” without doing something.

This week I am going to make a point of sitting “quiet.”

Quiet means with NO outside distractions.

Now Alvin I have no control over but I will say if he has been fed and gone outside, he general would lay down beside me if I am on the sofa or bed.

So this is the week that things change.

I have also done quite a lot of reading and everyone says that it is important to do some weight bearing exercises as you get older.

So this week I am going to start doing some of those.

Off to an easy start, nothing to crazy.

I have some hand weights which will be perfect.

Now just for some proper instructions and I will be off to the races ….

We all try to do the best that we can.

But I think even though we think that we do – there is always room to pump it up a bit.

So that is my personal challenge for this week.

To start ….

More quiet time … no outside distractions like the television or phone (yes, I can see where these can get you into trouble).

Trying some weight bearing exercises.

I want to be in the best health that I can be in as I get older.

Never too late to start.

 

Okay the clock on the wall says that it is time to get this show on the road.

Well I hope that you have an awesome day.

Turn the lights out and lock the door when you leave for the day.

Remember a walk on your break is always better than a cookie and coffee.

Happy Monday.

 

 

Kindness and Respect always place the perfect reflection on you.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 3rd day of January, 2019.

WOW, day three of the New Year.

Our weather has been absolutely gorgeous breaking high temperatures for this time in history.

Yesterday was almost +8.

Pretty great for January.

 

Back to it today.

I am feeling much better and not certain what hit me yesterday.

Who knows.

Not to question, just feeling grateful.

 

Mr. Alvin is laying beside me on his blue blanket.

I love this part of the morning.

Listening to my fingers click clicking on the keyboard and listening to Mr. Alvin breathing/resting.

Looking out my window at 6:20 a.m. is much different than when we were on Christmas Vacation and getting up at 8:20 a.m.

Dark now and back then it was mostly overcast but some mornings we were treated to sunshine.

Nothing better than the early morning sunshine ….. sunrise….best time of the day.

Well perhaps I would have a small debate with myself as I love sunsets and the evening sky with the stars twinkling at us.

I guess I love mornings and evenings.

 

Back to work.

This will be our first day open to the public at our new temporary digs.

Should be interesting I am sure.

Likely will take people a bit of time to get used to our new location.

 

I am grateful to have this bit of warm weather.

Even the weekend at minus 10 degrees celsius is not too cold.

I wonder if this is due to climate change?

Likely in part.

Although we humans are enjoying this break in the cold temperatures, it can certainly mess up Mother Nature.

 

To my friend who sent me “some of her favourite things” for Christmas.

No, sorry not THE Oprah but she is my Oprah.

I tried the brow wax this morning and OMG, this is one of my favs.

If you have an opportunity to try this product – you will love it.

“ACTI-LABS” made in USA and Europe.

This one came from France.

When I first started applying it – I thought it was too light – Hickory.

But oh no, it was perfect.

It makes my old eyebrows look like they did when I was in my 20’s.

Thank you my friend.

I also love the SHEA hand lotion and the toothpaste.

Still have the deodorant to try.

GREAT Product line.

 

Well here we are almost time to leave for work.

The Christmas Vacation was awesome but always could be longer.

Grateful to have had the time off.

Grateful to have spent time with friends and family.

Grateful to have had all that time with me, Alvin.

Grateful to be alive.

 

Happy New Year.

Best life in 2019.

 

Special Hello to: my friend who is so thoughtful and kind.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 14th day of November, 2018.

Another good night with the boys.

Last night one of my friends dropped off the Harry Potter book that was written in play format.

I started to read it at bedtime and it is so good.

That friend also dropped off a jar of homemade beet pickles and two homemade meat pies.

The beets are going to remain unopened until Christmas so that I may share them with my kids.

They are my daughter’s favourite pickles.

We even managed to get in a short walk even though it was quite dark.

Alvin does not like to walk in the dark and would only go so far in the park as it is not well lit.

Perhaps he knows more than I.

It was so beautiful out yesterday.

Today is supposed to be nice as well.

We have an off-site all staff meeting today.

So it means leaving later for work and one of my co-workers is giving me a ride.

YAY.

Back to the carpool tomorrow.

 

Thought you might like some photos.

The arrangement is from Humphrey’s Mom to show her appreciation for the time that I spend with him.

He is such a dear ….

The others you will recognize them.

They are from this morning.

Teddy even got in a stretch.

It is amazing that the first thing they both do when rising from bed is to stretch.

I took take a page from them.

 

Well it took longer and I am running out of time.

Too many photos on the hard drive so I have to put off the photos until later.

 

 

Have an amazing day.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: my friends all over the world.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 16th day of October, 2018.

Another beautiful day on the way.

So gorgeous yesterday and tomorrow will take the prize at +18 degrees celsius.

YAY, we have fall, we are so HAPPY.

Doing a little jig ….

Doing a little happy dance…

 

Quick story about Mr. Alvin.

Yesterday my daughter had the day off and stopped by the house to pick up a couple of things.

When Alvin saw her coming I guess he started to quiver and shake.

My daughter said that he was so anxious.

She tried to feed him (as it was later in the afternoon and I was catching the bus home) but no luck.

She picked him up as he would not go outside to pee.

He likely thought that she was taking him in the car.

Without me at home, he panicked.

He does not love the car ride.

He does not like the car ride.

He barely tolerates the car ride.

He loves to be at home.

Poor boy.

When I arrived home a little bit later, he was fine.

I would never had know he had been in that state (unless my daughter told me).

That’s okay Mr. Alvin we will just stay at home.

 

I have been doing a lot of reading as of late.

Back to doing what I love and I love to read.

I came across this line and I think it to be true in a lot of situations.

“Sometimes all you have to do is shift your perspective to see someone else’s truth.”

Is that not the best line ever.

Or one of them anyway.

Love that line.

 

So here in Edmonton, life is pretty great.

Alvin and I are enjoying our walks in the evening.

Work is busy but I am grateful to be employed and able to pay my mortgage.

Always good to have food in the fridge and heat in the house.

I am very grateful to have the best family and friends.

So grateful that I have my life.

 

Have a great Tuesday.

Special Hello to: my sister ….. you are the best sister ever.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. so grateful to be carpooling most days to work.

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 20th day of January, 2018.

I believe another beautiful day is on the way.

Yesterday Alvin received a huge amount of BIRTHDAY WISHES and we thank all of our family and friends for them.

We had a quiet but great evening.

He must have had a little extra something that I did not see as he had me up to go outside just after midnight and then up at his regular time of 4:00 a.m.

I think that we are going to have to work on the “getting out of bed time.”

I had a raging headache earlier but it seems to have dissipated.

Thank goodness as we are puppy sitting for the day.

Our friend Teddy is coming to stay with us.

 

I am grateful for my yesterdays, todays and tomorrows, as they have shaped me into who I am.

We all have those times that we would rather not have to remember but they define us.

We learn from yesterday, try to do better today and dream for tomorrow.

No one has the perfect life.

The grass is not always greener on the other side.

So while you are trying to get to “the other side” why not make it green for you.

 

Have an awesome Saturday.

Time to go and start the laundry, have breakfast and make coffee for me and my neighbour.

Time to empty the dishwasher and prepare for the company.

Happy Saturday.

 

Special Hello to: thank you to all those people who I have encountered throughout my life thus far.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Just heard a series of loud noises from outside, I had better go and investigate.