Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing great. Alvin is laying in front of the fan in the hallway as I type this post. We were up for the first time this morning at 5:45, that was fantastic. I suppose we should have stayed up as it was close to the time that during the week I need to be up so that we can do everything we need to do before I start work but alas after I fed Mr. Alvin, took him outside, we laid down on the sofa again. Next thing I woke up and it as 8:00 a.m., I quickly ran upstairs and got changed, filled his water bottle, slipped his harness on, grabbed the leash, poop bags, my sunglass clips, my flip flops and the keys and we were on our way. It was so nice outside a bit of coolness filled the air. The sky is slightly overcast as I type these words and there is a bit of a breeze. I think that today the temperature is to be a bit cooler. So grateful for that. We walked to our friend Pauline’s house, looked at the flowers from the public sidewalk as I could see people coming with dogs. Turning around we headed home. Of course, there was a poop stop before carrying on. We were almost to the poop bag station at the entrance to the park when the lady and her pup caught up to us. She called out that they were waiting for us. Her dog was large but seemed so sweet. Mary and PopTart. Those were their names. We chatted from a bit of a distance as Mary said that PopTart was afraid of smaller dogs. Alvin was busy sniffing and not paying too much attention to her although he did look at her from a distance and was wagging his tail. PopTart was so well behaved. I am always amazed at how many new people I meet. Are there that many moving into this area? She was nice and her pup was nice. We also mentioned about walking early in the morning or later in the evening (if not dark, no mosquitoes) if cools down as too hot for the pups during the day.

Just as I was typing this post, I realized that I had a voicemail message and it was from Pauline, she had called after we left the house to see if we wanted to meet and go for a walk. I texted her back and she suggested maybe this evening. I hope that the temperature allows for us to walk.

I would like to bake a banana loaf however it will depend on the temperatures. Have to check the weather station.

My brother and his husband made it safely to Regina last night to our sister’s house. She has air conditioning so they would have had a good sleep last night.

I can smell the freshly brewed coffee so it is time to end this post. Looks like more clouds are rolling in. Perhaps we will get some rain. I watered my flowers last night as they can barely go more than one day without being watered. We are also getting closer to the end of their season. I will need to bring in my geraniums and canna lily in likely a couple of weeks so will need to repot the geraniums. Guess I will need to look at getting some more flower pots and dirt.

I hope that you have an awesome Sunday. I have to bring up the clothes that are drying in the basement. Perhaps this afternoon, I will go through some of my crafting items as I promised them to a person that picked up a item that I was selling. No point in having things laying around the house that you will not use.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: always be open to possibilities!

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this Thursday morning? Alvin and I are well. We had a good sleep. Aiming for another early morning walk right after I have finished this post. YAY. Two for two as it were, as it is. The sky is overcast but the sun was shining earlier. So grateful for some cool air this morning. Our walk will be divine. I just heard some noise and noticed that Humphrey is out in his backyard enjoying the cool morning air. Life is good. Can you believe that were are in the month of June already? Where does time go? We put the measurements on time. That is a whole other conversation. Always food for thought. I had read something about time and Einstein’s theories. All so interesting.

Earlier when Alvin was outside the air was filled with birds singing. Now I can hear dogs barking. Are they speaking to each other or simply barking to be allowed into the house? Alvin is quiet sitting on his bed in the office with me. He has his own little bed to lay on when he is in this room as the floor is laminate. I suppose it is likely more cool at the moment than the bed but he is okay. He has water on each level and even out on the deck. Lots of dishes to check and keep full. But hydration is just as important for him as it is for me. Most creatures require hydration, in fact I do not know of any off the top of my head that do not require hydration. There may be some but I don’t know. Anyway by in large, we all need hydration. So please remember during the hot summer months when you are outside with your pets, with your children and for yourself to have water. I always carry water with us – mainly for Alvin but if I needed a sip I have it with us. I have recently changed back to my tupperware water bottle that I used to have at the office and I have found that I am drinking more than with my other glass. Bonus for me.

Life is good. I am so grateful that we are able to work from home. I love working from home. Works for both me and Alvin. He needs me to be here for him especially now that he is older and since his surgery. He needs to drink lots of water and he would not do that if I were working from the office. So I am grateful to be at home. Oh, I just felt a wee bit of cool air flutter in through the open window.

Well time to hit the trail. Get some exercise and enjoy the cool morning air before it gets hot.

We wish you a great day. May you be surrounded by love and laughter. May you be in good health and have abundance. Take Care.

Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love and gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday, August 15, 2020.

Two days to enjoy before heading to work on Monday.

Now that being said …. heading to work means moving down the desk to my second chair and workspace.

Seems odd but I do love working from home.

Perhaps this will be my forever set up …. working from home.

I will keep those thoughts.

 

Well yesterday Mr. Alvin and his Momma, Me had the most delightful walking adventure.

We left the house just before 12:30 p.m. and arrived back home about 2:30 p.m.

Two hours of walking and enjoying the scenery.

I apologize for this being posted so late.

I started to download or upload the photos from my computer to this page and it took forever.

Likely as I had so many to do.

Then I joined the second of four, of my Fifth Avenue Jewelry online showings for my jewelry party weekend at just after 10:00 a.m.

That is a mouth full.

So cool that so much can be done online.

Then Laundry happened.

Finally I have all of the photos that I snapped on our 2020 Summer Vacation Hike.

It ended up being warmer than I had anticipated but I took water.

I know that in some of the closeups Alvin looks as though he is going to keel over but trust me I was keeping an eye on him at all times.

We hit the shade often and he drank almost two of his water bottles during our two hours.

We had the best time.

Stopping for snacks along the way.

Bumping into our friends on the way home.

When we were leaving the park and about half way home, Alvin was running out of water.

I happened to see a young man out with his children and was holding a garden hose.

So I politely asked if he would refill Alvin’s water bottle and he said “most certainly.”

We were very grateful and thanked him and then were on our way.

We spent two hours out and about and most of the time slowly walking along.

It was gloriously.

As Mr. Alvin is getting older …. I am not certain how many more long walks he will be able to endure so I was pleased that we had this opportunity.

He especially loved the treat breaks.

The trees and the grass was so green.

I snapped shots of almost everything in our path.

I will say that holding a water bottle and a doggie on a leash and trying to snap photos with the cell was difficult at times.

But we did end up with some nice shots.

I most especially loved the ones in the further park (beginning of the photos) as you feel as though you are walking in a forest.

We came across so many folks out walking their dogs.

Sometimes when the dogs were larger we detoured down a side path.

There was one older dog that we kept bumping into and finally ended up getting quite close.

I offered him some water as he appeared to be hot.

But he did not take any of the water.

Poor old guy was blind in one eye.

He was a larger doggie and was actually younger than Alvin.

Alvin does not have grey hair as yet.

No dye jobs either, lol.

Well here it is almost noon.

I had better get this show on the further road.

Have an awesome day.

I hope that you enjoy seeing our photos from our Summer Vacation 2020 Hike.

I guess we will have to watch the weather and see when okay to go for a walk.

Right now the sky is overcast.

There is a cool breeze.

 

Living life with kindness and respect.

Enjoying each and every moment.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Up and at it.

Today is my late shift to start work which is 11:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

These late shifts are so that we can answer the after hours calls from our clients.

There are a couple of departments that take turns doing this which amounts to about twice per month.

Anyway, we were able to sleep in this morning which was nice.

Alvin slept until almost 4:30 a.m.

We got up he had his glucosamine chew, his breakfast and did his thing outside and then back to the sofa until I woke up just before 7:00 a.m.

A few minutes ago he wanted to go outside so out to the backyard we went ….. so nice out.

Most of the darker clouds have dissipated, there is just a bit of a breeze and there be SUNSHINE.

Oh glorious sun, doing a little happy dance while I key these words.

We used to call keying …. typing …..

But now it is a keyboard and back then it was a typewriter.

Oh how times have changed and how times are much the same.

 

I think I am going to hop quickly into the shower and then we will go for a nice walk.

It is perfect outside.

Our next walk will be at 3:00 p.m. as that is when my 45 minute “lunch” break is for this late shift.

So this will work out well.

If it is too warm then, we can go after I get off work at 7:00 p.m.

It is really too late to eat a big meal.

That is one thing that I don’t like about this ….. I try not to eat after 7:00 p.m.

Most days I do not.

Anyway off topic.

Shower and go for a walk.

 

I was wondering what was life like this day last year and perhaps a few years before.

It has been great doing this post almost everyday for the past almost ten years, I think now.

Almost like a living history book of my life.

 

This date being July 16th – 2019

Hello,

A beautiful morning.

Windows open to let in the cool fresh morning air.

To keep Mr. Alvin comfortable until I arrive home.

There are clouds forming on the southern horizon.

 

We had another hot muggy day yesterday.

Luckily we managed to get a walk in right after work.

I, as per usual took along a full bottle of water for Mr. Alvin.

He has the slickest water bottle / tray for him to have a drink.

There was a slightly cool breeze otherwise I would have waited until later.

We got our walk in and after supper the temperature dropped quickly followed by thunder/lightning/rain.

Not too much rain but lots of thunder and lightning.

Sure love the beauty of the sky when there are storms.

 

On this Tuesday I am thinking about how blessed I am.

I am surrounded by loving and supportive family and friends.

I have me “Alvin” alongside me everyday to keep me company and to keep me focused.

I am employed.

I have a beautiful home with a yard.

So many blessings.

The most important of all is good health.

I am most grateful to be my age and to be in good health.

Everyday I count my blessings / grateful that both Alvin and I are healthy.

Makes the world of difference.

 

Well for some reason we are less on time this morning.

Not sure why.

I have windows to close before my ride appears.

 

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

Filled with kindness and respect.

If we are fortunate to be surrounded and live with kindness and respect, life is good.

 

Maybe you are lucky to have an Alvin in your life.

Or a Humphrey or a Teddy or Miss Aspen or Baby Milo ….

These fur-babies ….. so much love and fun.

 

Happy Tuesday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

P.S.  going to the Mall tomorrow night to shop for shoes……I have not done that in a long while….. so excited.

 

Back to 2020

Well it seems like my day to day is somewhat different.

Weatherwise the same.

I wonder if I asked Mr. Alvin if he would be in agreement that it is nice to have me at home.

I love being at home.

Perhaps the freedom to go outside whenever he chooses or mostly.

Because I still have to work.

He follows me around even more than he used to so I think it would be difficult on him if I do eventually have to go back to the office full-time.

Sounds like we may be home for awhile and maybe indefinitely with only a day or two per month to print and mail our large mail outs.

We would take turns within our team.

Well time to hit the shower so that we can go for a walk before everyone else decides that is a good idea.

I love being the only one outside on our walks.

 

I hope that you have an enjoyable Thursday.

Living my life with kindness and respect.

I hope that you are as well.

What goes around comes around ….. that is the truth.

 

Take care.

Be safe.

With kindness and respect,

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

Just some more brightness for your day!

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

We actually had sunshine, clear blue skies yesterday for the first time in days.

I hope that this means that the forest/wild fires to the north of Edmonton are perhaps lessened.

But more than likely it is because the wind changed.

Yesterday was quite warm.

I brought Humphrey the cat over to spend the day with me and Alvin.

Again they never cease to amaze me.

Sharing the space.

I felt bad taking Alvin for a walk last night as I know how much Humphrey likes to walk sniffing as he goes.

But he was in the backyard for time over the course of the day.

He is quite the cat.

We walked at 7:00 p.m. thinking it was cooler than earlier but only to find out it was still quite warm.

Thankfully I always carry Alvin’s special water bottle/dish with us.

We did not see the geese who were probably near or in the water keeping cool.

In between things yesterday I even left them for a short time while I headed to the grocery store.

Seemed strange but they did great.

 

Today is Sunday.

Love Sundays.

Pancake breakfast.

Oh, I forgot to grab the frozen blueberries out of the freezer.

Will have to do that right away.

Also going over to pick up Humphrey the Cat (have to make sure that he did his morning ritual before he comes over to spend the day).

Cinder the Gekko has to be fed.

I wished that I could bring her over to my house, too.

Also am going to give Alvin a trim and a bath.

That should be fun.

We always enjoy those, not.

 

Well in this very moment; I am gleefully happy.

Feel great.

Sitting at the computer clicking away on the keys while Alvin waits outside the office door.

Not sure why ….

I think he knows that his friend will be here shortly.

Spending the day with animals is wonderful.

They warm your heart.

 

Well time to go and look after my charges: Humphrey the Cat and Cinder the Gekko.

I love my life.

It would be great to be retired with no mortgage and spend my days writing stories and looking after our four-legged creatures.

Alvin, Teddy, Humphrey and Cinder.

Perhaps others from time to time.

 

Okay, Living … One day at a time …. you never know what will happen.

Does not hurt to look forward a bit as long as do not dwell.

 

Happy Sunday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 26th day of April, 2019.

Sunrise this morning is partially covered by a deep blue cloud bank.

The forecast for this weekend in Edmonton is cooler and wet.

We could use some rain.

 

Last night after work my daughter picked me up and gave me a ride home.

I absolutely love our conversations in the car ride home.

Trying to squeeze in and also to remember every bit of news that we can.

There is usually a bout of laughter about something or other.

I love my girl very very much.

We made a couple of stops including one at Alvin’s Vet to pick up some food for him before reaching home.

I was surprised as the cost of his food had increased by almost $3.00 per bag.

So lovely that everything rises in our daily lives but our income.

Why is that?

I often wonder how big families afford to buy food, good food?

Anyway ….. just thinking.

We had a quick visit at the house.

One of the other stops we made or rather I went into the store while I was waiting for my girl …. BON TON BAKERY.

They have been in business for over 60 years.

I could see why.  Busy place.

The baked goods smelled so delicious.

WOW, it was amazing.

I ended up buying a few things …. a loaf of bread, 1/2 dozen cinnamon buns, two muffins and an oatmeal raisin cookie.

I know it was an odd mix of items.

A bunch of carbs ….. do the raisins count to fruit?

They even gave us a lovely fresh “FRENCH BAQUETTE” as we were leaving the store.

As my daughter was leaving the phone rang and it was our friend P wondering about a walk.

Ten minutes later I was changed, had Alvin in his harness and out the door (his water bottle, too).

We walked all about the big lake to the north of us ….. we walked for about 50 minutes.

On the way home I stopped at the mailbox as we had a parcel waiting for us.

I even managed to carry the parcel (which was big), some mail, Alvin’s water bottle and of course, the boy.

The boy I did not carry, though.

Anyway home we opened the parcel which for Alvin could not happen fast enough.

He barked and barked.

I took out his present from our friend V and placed it on the floor.

He was able to get partially opened and then needed some help.

I took some video and photos.

Alvin got a can of some nice wet food and a toy.

He was happy.

I got well V’s famous cheese buns, regular buns, a carrot cake in the shape of Mrs. Rabbit.

The carrot cake is too die for …… so good.

I had to stay away from the fridge after the first piece.

A bunch of chocolates all kinds, a handmade dish cloth, a fancy sponge and more.

Well I see carbs in my near future and my belly is going “oh, no.”

 

Well I would have posted some photos but as I was going to do so found that my camera needs a change to the battery pack.

I do not have a spare one at the moment.

So no photos.

 

Well time to leave for work.

I hope that you have an awesome Friday.

Teddy comes tomorrow …. that always makes me and Alvin extra happy.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello to: our friend “V” who always spoils us.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 5th day of June, 2017.

Well this morning is unlike the past couple of mornings as it is overcast, windy and was raining.

The winds last night seemed close to gale force as they rocked the neighbourhood accompanied by lightning and thunder.

What a show it was.

Unfortunately with all the excitement it did not make for a very good night sleep.

Oh well ….. that is what happens sometimes.

 

We had a good weekend and enjoyed our little adventure to the “Northern Park.”

I call it that as it is two parks north of our house.

The baby geese always hang out there or at least most of them.

So each year me and Alvin make sure we take a walk up there.

It is not really that far but it is so much different than our “parks” and is most enjoyable.

The path through the area has not been touched for the most part it is wild as far as the trees and plants go.

The wild roses were blooming unlike ours in our nearby parks.

The fragrance filled the air.

I could sniff that scent all day long.

Close your eyes and imagine the most wonderful scent known to man.

We had a great two hours.

We did not walk steady as we would stop and take it all in and I snapped as many photos along the way as I could with a leash in one hand and a water bottle for Alvin in the other.

The rest of our Sunday was quiet and relaxing.

 

I have come to realize and have for some time that “one must always keep an open mind.”

It is something that is not always one hundred percent easy to do but we need to try.

There will always be changes.

Changes in life happen every second.

We just have to keep an open mind.

 

Well here it is time to leave for the walk to the bus once again.

Seems like it was yesterday but that was two days ago.

Time flies.

 

Have an awesome Monday.

Happy Monday All.

 

Special Hello to: those adventurers who enjoy life one second at a time.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Monday the 22nd day of May, 2017.

The sky is partially overcast but it remains somewhat sunny.

I do not think there was rain the forecast but then again I have not check the past couple of days.

We have had a mixed weekend with emotions running from happy to extremely sad.

I was pleased to get some big jobs done over the weekend and to attend a barbecue late yesterday afternoon at one of my friend & neighbour’s.

Yesterday earlier in the afternoon there was an unexpected knock at the door.

Both Alvin and I went to the door to find our friend and neighbour “S” from down the street.

She was clearly upset ….. tear stained eyes.

She wanted to tell me that the afternoon before being Saturday about 3:00 p.m. – their beloved Lola was killed by an unleashed dog – a Pit Bull.

I felt as though someone had punched me at the knees.

Lola was a five year old Chihuahua.

My friend had been out walking at the park where we always walk.

We always obey the rules and have our pups on leashes.

It is seconds near their home and we pass by their house at the outer rim of the park.

She had been walking with their 12 year old son and their two doggies Lola and Presley.

Presley received serious injuries and under went surgery that day.

He was doing okay and was resting at home.

Not comfortably as she said he was clearly traumatized by this event.

Not to imagine what their son is going through.

The owner of the Pit Bull did not even realize until my friend began to scream that anything was wrong.

He had been playing ball with friends and was clearly not paying attention to his dog.

Our park is a family park and is NOT an off leash park.

I will say I am a little concerned about walking there now.

I will stay on the sidewalks and not walk around the lakes on the grass.

I will always take something in my hand that I could throw …. Alvin’s water bottle.

My heart goes out to this family …… Lola was their baby girl and now she is gone.

 

I do not know why some people feel like they can disobey the rules.

They are there for a reason.

We do not even know if he lives in the neighbourhood.

 

My thoughts and prayers are with the family on this day and all the days to follow.

Our four-legged babies are our family.

When they leave us it feels the same as losing a two-legged family member.

They are just as important.

 

So I will be on guard on our walks and pay close attention.

I usually do but now there will be no drifting off or zoning out for even a second.

 

Please make sure that if you have a large dog and most especially a Pit Bull that you have him or her leashed when in a public place.

They may be the most gentle animal that you have ever known but one split second can change the lives of a family of a neighbourhood.

Please think twice.

Be good citizens.

Be compassionate and responsible.

 

Okay time to go on our walk.

Have a great day.

Today is a holiday in Canada – Victoria Day ( for long since past Queen Victoria of England ).

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who lost their four-legged babies … my heart goes out to you all.

Always, Carol & Alvin.

 

 

 

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 17th day of September, 2016.

Happy Birthday to my friend and Steeped Tea leader “C” ….. Wishing her the best birthday ever!

Yesterday we celebrated the last Friday of Summer and it was beautiful.

One hitch on our walk last night was the return of Mosquitoes.

Not sure where they came from but they were out in strong force.

Thank goodness that my wonderful neighbour “S” who had the day off took Mr. Alvin for over an one hour walk yesterday morning.

So when we had to cut ours short – I was not feeling guilty.

We did pick up in the mail a parcel from Steeped Tea – my two free teas that I earned for sales in August.

YAY, Me.

Kind of off topic but then when I have I ever stayed on topic ….. LOL….. just ask my daughter.

Oh, sun is coming out ….. we woke up to cloudy skies and rain.

Perhaps the day will be sunny and warm after all.

 

Anyway earlier this morning I had the most unusual dream.

Here is what I remember.

Not sure where I was living but it was my house.

Couple of friends coming over.

My daughter was in the house, too.

One friend pulled up in her car and the ground on my front lawn (which was way bigger than my actual yard) gave way – a sink hole.

Down, down she and the car went.

My other friend and I stood on the edge looking down and could only see part of the car.

I yelled we have to call 9-1-1 … so I ran into the house to phone.

While in the house I thought that I should take some water outside.

But I could not locate a certain water bottle.

Everywhere I looked there was loose uncooked oatmeal.

In the drawers. Everywhere.

I asked my daughter to clean it up.

Finally somewhere I found a bottle to put some water in and outside I went.

Meanwhile, outside my friend had found a way to climb down into the hole which stretched a long bit.

She was near the car when I came out and yelled to me that our friend was okay except for a broken foot.

I did not question how she knew that but no matter.

It seemed like forever before the fireman arrived.

Somehow in between I had gone back into the house for something and they were all there upon my return.

They were all down in the hole by the car.  Pushing it.

Two women in dresses (not sure where they came from), my friend and some firemen.

My friend was rescued from the hole in my front yard.

We went into the house afterward for coffee.

Mm, come to think of it not sure if the injured friend went to the hospital or not.

Anyway while we were in the house a crowd of 50 or more people gathered to check out the hole.

They were everywhere.

Taking photos.  Throwing random things into the hole.  Others were trying to climb down.

That was about the end of the dream.

I just remembered feeling frustrated to have all these people hanging out at my house.

They made a mess.

 

Well in between writing my blog one of my neighbours came for a cup of coffee and now the sun is shining.

What the difference half a hour can make.

 

Time to get this show on the road.

There be toilets to clean, floors to dust/mop, laundry and so on to do.

Have an awesome Saturday.

I am going to enjoy this one so much.

 

Special Hello to: all those folks who take the time to read my blog, thank you very much.

Happy Saturday.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 28th day of June, 2016.

Can you believe it ?  Honestly?  The second last day of June, 2016.

WOW.  So crazy.  I know.

Last night after work our neighbours of 7 years removed their odds and ends from our garage and took the remaining items from their half of the duplex for the last time.

That time went so quickly and I, we shall miss them.

Looking forward to meeting our new neighbours.

Another hot one on the way.

Alvin and I enjoyed an hour long walk last night.

We were on our way home when we bumped into one of our neighbours out walking (the one that had hip replacement in April) with her walker.

She is doing so well and is almost completely healed.

So we joined her and expanded our walk to include the lake/park north of us.

It was the perfect evening.

We laughed and chatted and had a great time.

Saw others along the way and even gave a dog owner some helpful tips about the care of doggies in this heat.

He hadn’t been carrying water with them and has a long haired collie.

He needs water.

The man liked the water/bottle dish that I was carrying for me Alvin.

Also he did not know that when dogs pant that is the way they cool themselves off because they are too hot.

I cannot believe how many people think they just “pant” which was what another lady thought earlier on our walk.

Anyway that is good …. always glad to help.

Well time to get going once again.

Seems like the mornings just evaporate.

I hope that you keep cool and hydrated.

Keep your pets hydrated and in the shade.

Happy Tuesday.

Special Hello: my friends all over the world.

Always, Carol and Alvin