Last Half 2022 – August

Good Morning ALL! How are you on this bright sunny Wednesday morning? Both Alvin and I are well and excited to be spending a few days with Amanda, Steven and the pups at their lake side home. I am so excited to just be away for a few days in the countryside. Breathing in that wonderful lake air. The stars at night are incredible and I cannot wait to see them. I have looked after Humphrey, Bogart and Cynder and will give one last check before I leave. Their Grandpa will be taking over from me. There is a bit of a breeze and that was nice when we went for a short walk this morning. We were a bit late getting out this morning. I have watered all my plants inside and out including Humphrey’s shrubs. I still have to pack and put together things in a cooler so that part has to be last minute but will have to make sure that I do not forget anything.

Birthday. Well it was fantastic. Aunt J brought Teddy and Kobi and a Mexican feast for we, humans. It was so yummy Unfortunately in all of the excitement, I forgot to take photos as I had planned. We had a chicken mixture in crispy tortillas done in a semi dry skillet. OMG, so good. Quesadillas. We had a wide variety of condiments and dishes: quinoa salad, refried beans, avocado, hot sauce, a creamy sauce for which I do not remember the name, fresh limes, my friend Val’s Jalapeno Raspberry jelly which was so delicious, pico de gallo, corn chips and more. Supper was off the charts great. We ended it off with a small piece of my Birthday Cake from Sunday. Perfection. WE have leftovers and I am packing them in the cooler with the “6-5” cake that Val made for me and Alvin’s wet food and pumpkin. So lots to take.

Oh, I need a hat for my boat ride. Better not forget the hat!

Turning back the clock a bit before the food …… Aunt J, our friend Iris and Walter and the pups Teddy and Kobi gave me the biggest bouquet of flowers, so beautiful and a very thoughtful card. My fireplace mantel is covered in birthday cards. I love cards.

This year’s birthday seems to be continuing as there will be more celebrations with my daughter and her family. Also we saw a friend this morning and she has something for me but will see us when we get back. Also another friend popped by last night after Aunt J and the pups left with a gift and card. I am truly spoiled.

So this leaves me to mention that I will be taking a break for a couple of days from posting/writing. I will have photos and stories, I am sure to write upon my return.

Thankfully I took next Monday off so that I have an extra day.

There is a list about 1/2 mile long of things for me to do before my daughter picks us up. I guess next thing to do is to hop into the shower and get ready followed by packing. I want to ensure that I do not overpack. Always fun.

Question: makeup or no makeup for the trip. I have asked my daughter to take photos of me and Alvin, just in case we do not get back out there before winter. I guess we could have them taken at home but why not in the country. Okay, makeup then.

Have a wonderful next couple of days and I will see you on the other side. We will be home on Friday not sure what time so next post will be Saturday.

I am so grateful for the 153 messages via Facebook, two birthday parties, parcel from my dear friend Val, friends dropping by, two bouquets of flowers, thoughtful gifts, a bunch of cards, phone calls, emails, phone texts and more. I am over the moon grateful. Now I get to go and spend some time with my daughter and son-in-law and grandpups at the lake followed by a boat ride and picnic on Friday with Pauline and her husband Al. I am over the moon grateful.

Time to fly.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

PS: 65 is the bomb, does that still mean good? I hope so. Anyway, 65 is great!

I tried to download last night’s photos to show you but did not work, other photos loaded but not from last night. Not sure why. I will send them on Saturday.

2021

Good Morning All! I hope that you are well.

Up earlier than usual. I just had a shower and doing this post before heading back downstairs to an overly anxious Alvin who has been pretty much barking every few seconds since I came upstairs. I am almost ready to pull my hair out by the roots. His tone can drive me ….. well,we won’t go there. He is anxious and I know that but it is difficult when it never ends or at least for the time that I am upstairs. Even if I talk to him from up here does not work. I guess need to work on my patience. My hope is that no one else can hear him. He will stop the second I am back downstairs.

Both Alvin and I were disappointed when the A/C technician from Always Plumbing did not show up. I called them at 430 pm which was at the end of the appointment window and the customer service clerk advised that the technician was still at an install. While I had her on the phone I brought up the issue that I had with the placement of the new hot water heater tank as it was blocking the entrance to the sump pump pit. I explained the situation and after couple minutes chat, she advised that she would set up an appointment for someone to come and check. At no time did I even mention about canceling the appointment for the A/C to be serviced. No one with this heat would cancel that and I certainly would not have intentionally done so. She must have cancelled it. I called back at 630 and again after 730. I called another phone number that was on their website. I sent an email. No one answered and they are supposed to have 24/7 contact. Poor Alvin. I am grateful that we have fans but I was so looking forward to having a cool environment to sleep in but it was not meant to be. I think that I will be having a free A/C servicing. At least someone could have called.
But that was our night.

At 806 pm it was still 32 degrees Celsius so I decided to water the flowers in the morning. I’m not sure when is a good time to water. So I will water them in a few minutes.
Another hot one on the way. I am hoping that they will send someone out first thing in the morning! I guess time will tell.

Well not much new, just hanging in and trying to stay cool. Much more difficult than I thought.

maybe we will get a rain shower to cool things down.

Grateful today is payday.

Amidst the heat and confusion there is a sense of gratitude for what we have and where we live.

I hope you have a great Thursday. Be safe and keep cool.

Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, love and gratitude.

Always Carol&Alvin

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  Our Lilies

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you doing this Tuesday morning? Today i work the late shift so I start at 11:00 am. We had a good sleep although to bed quite a bit later than usual.

Last night just before sunset we were out on the deck. Me watering the front and back flower beds and the flower pots on the deck with Alvin keeping an eagle eye on my every move. Once done I thought we would just sit on the love seat which happens to be the boy’s favourite spot. I gently lifted him onto the sofa and then sat next to him. He got comfortable and then started to look about. If he heard a bird his head snapped in the direction of the chirping. Me on the other hand focused on the flowers on the upper deck which are a mass of bright colours. They just seemed to blend into each other. So beautiful. No bugs to disturb our peace. We must have sat there enjoying the most perfect evening for a good hour or so. The air was cool enough for Alvin in his fur coat and I even had on a light sweater/jacket. As the sun dipped in the evening sky, I thought how very lucky am I, are we, to have this little piece of heaven to call our own.

This morning first check was on my lilies. Yes, we have lift off- they are blooming.

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  The Lilies

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  Thank you from Bailey & Mom

I am so grateful for all the beautiful flowers.

well time to head upstairs and have a shower.

we may even be able to enjoy time on the deck before gets too warm. Tomorrow they are coming to service the air conditioning do we will be cool with resorting to fans all over the main floor.

I am so grateful for our life. There may be a wrench thrown in once in awhile to make us remember just how blessed we truly are although I’m not sure that Alvin would agree with that assessment. Poor little guy, I did not mean that he needs to have surgery for us to be grateful. Not at all.

Wishing you a great Tuesday.

Continuing to live with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, understanding and gratitude for all.

Love Carol&Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Tuesday morning? We are HOT. Just back from a walk. Even though there is a bit of a breeze, I was perspiring, okay sweating, lol, by the time we got home. Phone says it is 23 degrees celsius. Upstairs in the office it is warm so this will be short. We are managing to get through this heat wave. Walks early in the morning and I guess tomorrow will have to be even earlier. Fans going all of the time. Even went to the basement to hang out last night. I really need to get it organized down there …..

Watering last night ….. I sprinklered Alvin a bit but he was not impressed. I on the other hand.

The heat wave is going to continue until into next week. Wednesday and Thursday at the warmest 37 and 38. Saturday is going to be 26 celsius. That will feel like it is freezing. YAY. We got this.

Wet towels covering Alvin for sleeping and during the day off and on. Lots of water as we have to stay hydrated.

I even slept with a wet towel covering my chest last night. We both slept well considering and I am grateful for electric fans. One thing I actually have central air conditioning. It needs to be serviced. I guess that is going to the top of the list to get done sooner than later. Poor Alvin – because his Momma …… Can only do what you can do. As the sweat drops down my face. I felt fresh and cool earlier. ARGH.

OBSERVATIONS on our Walk:

There was a slight breeze and it felt so cool.

The was a bush that was moving like crazy and at first I thought ….. how can that be when the trees right beside it were not moving. Then I realized there were birds fluttering around in the bush. LOL.

Some people do not like to talk in the morning.

Alvin really nice to sniff every blade of grass and every everything.

The roses smell amazing and I was grateful that I was able to smell them.

Okay, I really have to go. Too hot to be upstairs.

Stay cool and hydrated.

Please do not walk your dogs in the heat and by no means take them in the car. Because we all know that you will stop somewhere and think I will only be 5 minutes and they will be okay. That never happens. Also your children. No stopping and leaving any living breathing creature in the car.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this fine Saturday morning. Alvin and I are doing well and have been up for hours. We have already been for a walk, watered all of the flower beds and flower pots and did some yard work. I wanted to get in all of the outdoor work before the heat sets in for the day. I really am enjoying our early morning walks. Other than two people out for a walk we were the only ones. Surprised that folks with pups were not out for a walk but perhaps they were out even earlier. Alvin really loves his new travel water dish and usually drinks the whole bottle on each of our walks. I put the coffee on to perk while I am writing this post. Lots to do this Saturday. After this post, coffee and breakfast followed by changing and preparing to give Mr. Alvin a haircut and bath. His hair is not really long but in this next week heat wave a shorter cut will be better for him. Then of course, there is laundry and I think in the heat of the day we will be in the basement. My daughter and son-in-law gave us a leather love seat which fits perfects in the family room in the basement so we have a place to sit for my, lay for Alvin and watch a movie and just hang out and be cool. I have some rearranging to do in the basement so perfect time when it is hot outside. The fans on the main floor keep the temperature at about 80 which seems hot but isn’t too bad. I am not a heat person by any stretch of the imagination. Not at all.

Last night we went to one of our neighbors and hung out in their beautiful backyard. It really is gorgeous. First thing that Alvin does is to roll around on the grass as it is cool and thick unlike ours. He really loves this couple as do I and we always have such a great visit. Laughing and sharing news and information. Alvin made sure that he sniffed every part of the yard. He was fixated on something in one of her flower beds and surprisingly enough lifted his paws as not to squash any of the flowers. We were shocked. It was an deliberate action. What a guy!

Well this is going to be short as I have to get going and get Alvin’s haircut done. At least the fans will help. I need that cup of coffee and perhaps some toast before starting.

I am grateful to have fans for us to be cool. Not much housework this weekend. Thankfully I usually keep things tidy and clean so really not much to do. I am grateful that we were able to go for a nice walk earlier. The roses smelled amazing and the birds singing their morning songs. So beautiful out.

I hope that you have an awesome Saturday. Keep cool and safe. Enjoy the weekend.

Living this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, understanding and gratitude.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Monday morning? When Al and I were first up at 3:30 a.m. – it was dry, next time we were up at 5:30 it was overcast and the deck was wet and it was lightly raining and it continued. Until a few minutes ago the sky was grey with rain clouds but now the clouds are breaking up and I can see clear blue sky to the south. I cannot believe that the forecast had the rain starting and ending down to the hour and were correct. How is that even possible? Luck? Perhaps. It is windy. The temperature was to be 30 today but has been reduced to 29 but what is the difference of one degree? Likely won’t feel any differently.

Yesterday was a FANTASTIC day. We were up in good time. I wrote my blog, had a shower and went for a walk before my friend, S came over for a visit on the deck. We had a great visit in the sunshine. Mr. Alvin was barking and was getting warm so we moved from one side of the deck to the sofa. He laid down and I sat next to him. He settled right down. We, girls continued our visit. My friend still had some sunshine. I love my talks with my friends, I get caught up on all things children and with them. I learned so much yesterday morning. Also another thing that happened after our walk. I checked my phone to find two missed calls from our friend G, who usually comes with S for coffee and visits. Quickly called her back to find out that the “upright freezer” that I had been eyeing up at the COSTCO store where her husband works was on sale. He had not noticed and yesterday was the last day of the sale. It was a huge $60 off so I could not refuse. Lucky for me, they have a truck and could load up and bring it over to me after he was done work and that is exactly what happened. I am so grateful to have an upright freezer. Now there is no chance of me falling in and not being able to get out. For some reason I had that in my head and what would Mr. Alvin do? Would be funny for sure! Also for a second time I had groceries delivered to me. This time from Save-On Foods. They were a few minutes with their delivery but the driver called me to let me know he would be late and to make sure that okay to leave on the steps. I advised him that I would be at home and it was okay. Poor guy. Last night we watered the flowers and plants after a hot day. Yup, watered everything and everything had another good drink this morning. Thankfully it has stopped raining.

Sometimes you just never know what can happen during the course of a day.

What a day we had. Good on all fronts. I am so grateful to have such wonderful friends and family. Thank you to my daughter for ordering the groceries from Save-On to have them delivered. I tried to use the APP and had nothing but problems. My daughter to the rescue as always. So grateful to have her ….. she is good to her Momma. Sometimes technology drives me crazy.

Well looks like it is almost time to head on downstairs and put on the coffee, turn on some music, and grab Mr. Alvin’s bed from the living room and set it up in the kitchen so he can lay down there when he chooses. Usually he flip flops between the kitchen and sofa in the living room.

Too bad we could not get out for an early morning walk but to walk in the rain is not a great idea especially when there was thunder and lightning. Better to be safe. Hopefully the temperature will allow us to walk at noon. Most days we get in two walks so I guess if we miss one here and there we will be okay.

I am continuing to write the story that I started Saturday night ….. another chapter …..making more notes. Going in the right direction. So grateful for that ah ah moment.

I wish you a wonderful Monday.

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

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 14th day of June, 2018.

Started to rain just as we were going to bed last night.

But does not appear to have rained for any great length of time.

We watered our friend’s flowers and plants last night.

The north side of her house the flowers were still wet but on the south side they needed a drink.

North side does not get the hot afternoon sun but the south side, well yes it does.

All of our flowers are doing great.

She has some awesome looking tomato plants.

They are huge …. look like small trees.

I have a tomato plant and it is doing well….

My friend has this green thumb …. me, well I do love it and give it my best effort.

Looks like the clouds are blocking the sun or at least on the south side of our house … from our office view.

Now just a second ago at the north side … our bedroom side ….. there was bright sunshine.

 

I forgot to tell you all guess what Mr. Alvin and I saw the other night while out for a walk?

A goose and a biz-llion goslings.

OMG, they were so cute.

I just wanted to go and hug them.

Alvin used to be so taken with them when he was a pup.

We would spend hours watching them at the lake.

Now he just takes a look and is on his way.

Oh, Mr. Alvin.

 

Friends.

Do you have a special friend?

A best friend?

Perhaps you have several friends.

Just acquaintances!

Or maybe 20 dear friends.

Some of us are so blessed to have a great many friends in our lives.

Whether they are what people deem to be “best friend” or your “BF,” it really does not matter.

We all need someone to chat with, to confide in, to listen to, to just be near ….

We are social creatures, after all.

We have to remember the health benefits to having a friend or friends in your life.

So take the time …. today ….. call a friend.

Connect …. maybe go for coffee …. or just chat on the phone or SKYPE.

 

Well almost time to hit the road once again.

Have an awesome day.

Do not forget to call a friend today.

They really are your life line.

 

Special Hello to: all my friends and family all over the world, thank you.

Always, Carol & Alvlin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 30th day of July, 2015.

It is partially overcast with the sun coming up in the east and a bit of a breeze.

I guess Mother Nature just wants to keep us guessing.

I will take my umbrella just in case.

Last night one of my neighbours and good friend came over for tea and a visit.

We had such a good visit and then she came along with us on our walk.

Perfect evening ……

Only one more sleep until my sister and brother arrive for our road trip.

I think that I have mentioned we are going to see our other brother.

It is always nice to spend time with your siblings and away from the city is a nice touch.

My brother lives on an acreage so it will be nice and “quiet.”

Well lots to do today after work.

Packing …. watering flowers ……

Here we are again almost time to leave for work.

How does that happen?

Do you find that the mornings seem to zip by?

For the most part …. they do for me.

Oh well ….. better zipping than not.

I hope that you have an awesome day.

May this Thursday be filled with GREAT news and that you are surrounded by happiness.

Being happy is the best …..

It all begins with oneself.

Alvin is pacing …. I better get him outside before I leave.

Special Hello to: my friends new and old …. you are the best.

Always, Carol and Alvin