The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Looks like a nice morning out there or at least from my office window. The sky is blue with hues of pinks on the horizon. Very pretty.

Day Two with all three pups being together. My daughter brought Aspen & Milo at 7:00 a.m. yesterday and they did well. There was one moment where Aspen did a bit of a growl at Cookie shortly after they arrived but she quickly found her happen place and then was laying on the bed beneath the living room window. Lucky for me and for Aspen that the window is low to the floor so she has no problem resting her head on the window sill as she lays on the “doggie” bed. Milo and Cookie were good. They sniffed each other. After Amanda left for the office, I sat on the sofa and drank my coffee. Cookie on one side of me and Milo on the other. Wasn’t long before Milo was on my lap and Cookie did not like that very much but she just stayed beside me.

My son-in-law came back to the house after he was finished with the strike walking, picket line. What do you even call it? Likely I am not politically correct. Oh well. They were walking. Thankfully the weather is getting nicer although some mornings it is cool for sure. He said that the pups were doing well.

When I got home from work they were all happy to see me. My son-in-law had an on-line meeting so he was upstairs in my office and I was downstairs with the three pups. Earlier I had decided to order pizza and invite them for supper as I knew it would be later than usual because of Steven’s meeting. I fed the pups and then ordered pizza. I cut some up some raw vegetables as you always have to have veggies. While I was waiting for Amanda to arrive and the pizza, there was a knock at the door and there was one of my friends from down the street, I opened the door a crack so the pups would not escape (especially Cookie) and explained. Savannah said that they being her and her two year old son, give bouquets of flowers randomly and when she asked who to give them to Grayson, he said “Carol.” So I ended up with a beautiful bouquet of carnations. They are so pretty and are cream with red. I was so happy. A few minutes later the pizza and Amanda arrived at the same time. Minutes later we were all sitting down and enjoying pizza.

The kids did not stay long after supper as they have about a one hour drive home. After they left, I cleaned up and then sat down to enjoy some television shows that I recorded. Cookie laid on the sofa beside me and stayed there for a long time. I was shocked. She must have been pooped out.

Time to head downstairs and get things ready for today. I hope that you have a wonderful Wednesday. We go out onto one of our sites each Wednesday morning. Record any outside maintenance issues and pick up garbage and then back to the office. Fresh air on the upside.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel) & Miss Cookie

The Next Chapter

Good Morning and Happy Friday. The sky is a little overcast and hopefully will clear over the course of the day. Not to be warm today coming in about 5+ celsius. Thinking of all my friends and family back in Saskatchewan as they relive “winter” all over again. Hopefully the sun will come out and the snow will melt quickly but not that quickly for flooding.

Yesterday when I came home from work. Miss Cookie had been busy. I noticed that she did a bit of climbing as ornaments were tipped over and a photo frame. I had to move the “soft” coffee table as she jumped up and then knocked over some items on the floating glass shelves under the television. She also left me some presents. Thankfully she peed on the pee pad (she is pretty good at that) although she did get excited when I arrived home and peed just at the edge of the entry mat on the floor. There were a few “brown” presents as well most of which did make it to the pee pads but not all. She was happy to see me. My grand pups did not come as my daughter worked from home yesterday so my son-in-law had the car. All good, a bit of poop never did bother me as easy cleanup. However the climbing – not so happy about that. Hopefully she will be more calm today. My kids and grand pups will not be coming today as my daughter can work from home again today so the son-in-law has the car.

I sent photos, an update and video to Cookie’s family. They will be back one week from tomorrow. They are enjoying time in the U.S. with family. But Cookie will be okay. We did try to walk but that is another story. Oh, I hear her upstairs.

Photos will be posted of my little visitor tomorrow when I have time. Time to head downstairs. Oh, she slept really well last night so that is great. I was hoping the first night was just due to missing her family.

Wishing you a very Happy Friday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel) and our visitor Cookie.

The Next Chapter

Good Morning! There be a “pup” in the house. Cookie has arrived. She came after my shopping trip last night. This will likely be a short post. She is all over the place and I must keep an eye on her. She is sniffing and checking things out. I think she still misses Alvin.

Poor Cookie spent most of last night jumping off and onto the bed crying. I know that she misses her family. Without Alvin here to keep her mind off of them. She will be okay tonight.

The shopping trip was a success. I found a dress, a sweater and a night shirt and a purse. Not just a regular purse but a “fanny pack” kind of deal. Apparently the new deal is to wear them across your body not around your waist. I am good with that. I got everything on great sales. So am very happy. Did not spend a ton of money.

On the weekend, I will take more time and write longer stories. There will be more for sure. Cookie….

Have an awesome day. Sure hope today is more warm than yesterday. We froze out on site. I was chilled to the bone for the rest of the day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My Forever Angel) and Miss Cookie

The Next Chapter

Good Morning! Did someone play an April Fool’s joke on you yesterday? Not on me, as I was by myself. I had a very productive Saturday. I took everything stitch of clothing out of my closet and placed on my bed. Two bags, one for good will and the other for garbage were nearby. I went through each and every item and made a decision based on whether it was in good repair (you know how you hold onto something old even though it has sweat stains and small holes etc.), age of item, quality of item and whether or not it actually fit me and whether I have wore it recently. I even tried on a few items to see if they fit. Sometimes clothing is given to you and you accept it without really taking the time to understand if it is really something you will wear. With respect to items being given to me, some of my most favourite items were given to me and I still have a great many items that were hand me downs. I had a lot of items that were given to me that I plum wore out. They had a good life. Anyway, I filled the garbage bag full of items and the one to charity as well. Two whole bags full of things that I will not and have not been wearing. Surprisingly enough my closet does not look empty. At the same time that I was doing my closet – I went through the spare room closet as I keep items in there as well. I used to separate winter from summer but no longer. Also, I went through my dresser and reorganized and a few items did not return to the drawers. I would say that it was very successful. I have a question do you have anything in your closet that you keep for “sentimental reasons?” I have a few items. One is a jumpsuit from the late 60’s that belonged to my Grandmother, a Saskatchewan Roughrider jersey and a top that one of my client’s made me when she moved away from Edmonton. An eclectic group for sure.

The hall closet by the front door did not go unscathed. I cleaned it out and took the remainder of my winter outerwear down to the cupboard in the laundry/furnace room. In the cupboard downstairs I came across a bag of items. There was a sheer pink dress that I wore to my youngest brother’s high school graduation (1980’s), the dress and bolero jacket that my grandmother wore to my wedding (1977), a dress and tops that belonged to my grandmother from the 50’s, the dress I wore to the first family photos taken when my daughter was a baby. In the bag was a beautiful pink satin bridesmaid dress that I had used for a Halloween costume several years ago and the pink half slip & camisole that I wore under the sheer pink dress. The elastic in the slip had disintegrated, so I threw out the bridesmaid dress and the slip and camisole. I could not believe the sizes of the dresses. My grandmother’s clothing appeared to be something a child would wear (size wise) and my old clothing – well safe to say that I would never fit in any of the items again. I had a fun few minutes reminiscing about each items. The items that I kept were tossed into the laundry for a wash. I figured if they came out okay, I would keep them. They are all hanging on the clothing racks in the basement. Airing out that last bit of “chemical” smell. I will keep them in a closet instead of packed away. Honestly keeping clothing packed away is not a good idea. Reminds me of the smell from a second hand store or thrift store. Most of the clothing that people bring in are placed in garbage bags. Why in this day and age, can we not invent something that does not have that chemical smell. It ruins so much. You cannot always get rid of it either. That smell also accompanies clothing when you order on-line as well, the packaging. All plastic. We need to do better. So all of my clothing closets are all cleaned out. The one in the basement has my winter items and I left the door on it open a bit to keep air circulating. While in the basement, I put away some gifts bags and tissue paper that I had left sitting out in the “family room.” The laundry left over from Friday night was also finished. I did some other cleaning as well. Rearranged the living room other than the furniture. I made a special tribute to Alvin on the fire place mantle. The living room is filled with cards, his toys, blankets, his memory items, pictures and his Urn. We spent a lot of time in the living room, on the main floor. The kitchen and living room are all one large room with a half wall separating them. I was thinking that I have not slept on the sofa since Alvin passed. It was many years since I spent a whole night in my bed. Feels strange. Still. Yesterday was an emotional day for many years but very productive. I also hauled a bunch of things from the basement to the garage for disposable. The Electrolux vacuum that I had for many many years and that would no longer start with all of the attachments found a new temporary home in the garage. Perhaps someone will be able to fix it? I see garage sale and social media buy and sell in my future. After I finished everything, I put on my running shoes and jacket and headed out for a walk. I walked for about 40 minutes and on the way home found my neighbours Norbert & Irene outside in their garage. Irene was cleaning the van and Norbert was working on his lawn mower. So I stopped to say hello and we had a nice visit before I returned home. With no oven, I decided to just order pizza. So disappointed as the pizza place that I have been ordering from for a long time – well the pizza is not as good as it once was. The crust has more than doubled in size and the topping is so much less. Who wants to eat a bunch of bread for supper? It is very expensive and used to be worth the money. I really like the young many who usually delivers it but that is not a good reason to order pizza. Or maybe it is. He is the one who remembered Alvin by name and always was happy to see him. I noticed that his front bumper was damaged so I asked him. Apparently a moose hit him. Yup a moose. The moose was okay. Actually just at the end of the newer development by the acreages that surround the south part of this area. Insurance did not cover the damage but he says it was worse and he is waiting for a part to finish the repair. Such a nice young man. I am sorry about the pizza. I should have called the pizza place and let them know that I was disappointed in the quality. But I did not so that is on me. Unfortunately they have lost a good customer.

Looks like I have written a book. How can cleaning out closets and ordering pizza be so wordy? Time to head downstairs and make some coffee. I am going to finish my income tax today. That is a priority. I am close so want it to be done.

The sky is overcast and they forecast snow overnight (did not happen) and this morning. Yesterday was so beautiful out. People were out in flip flops and shorts. I think might have been a tad bit early but that is just me.

Happy Sunday Everyone.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin (My forever Angel)

The Next Chapter

Good Morning. The sky is beginning to lighten outside earlier with each passing morning as we hedge toward spring. A week from this coming Sunday, we turn our clocks ahead by one hour here in Edmonton. SPRING is on its’ way. The first three days of this week I worked from the office so away from home. I am so grateful to be home today and tomorrow to be closer to all the reminders of my beloved Alvin. I had been taking one of his toys in my purse to the office just so that I could have something of his not just a memory with me. At home, I feel more connected to my beloved boy. Oh, how I miss him.

Today at noon, one of my daughter’s friends is going to be dropping off his pup named Betty Ann to stay here until my daughter picks her up after work. She was an old friend of Alvin’s as my kids would look after her quite often while her parents travel from home. It will be different but nice to have her here with just me for a few hours. She will be staying with my daughter and son-in-law and grand pups for about one month. Betty Ann is like extended family to the kids and grand pups.

I woke up with a headache so I am going to cut this short so that I can go and take something and make some coffee.

The house is oh so quiet except for the hum of the furnace fan as it moves the heat throughout the house. There is the odd creak. I am glad to be home.

I hope that you are well. I hope that life is treating you with kindness and respect and you are in turn. Remember to show love.

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

I am so grateful to be surrounded by family and friends who have shown me so much love and support during this time of loss.

I miss you Alvin, always and forever in my heart.

Always, Carol & Alvin (my forever Angel).

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am doing GREAT. Today is my last day of work and then I am on two whole weeks of vacation. So excited to begin my time off. Alvin is patiently waiting downstairs for me. I managed to get all of the extra items done yesterday and hopefully will be able to finish off all the mail that I have left before day’s end. Fingers crossed. Then things will be in a good place for my team.

VACATION

This is what most folks winter vacations look like:

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Photo by Thorsten technoman on Pexels.com

Photo by Recal Media on Pexels.com

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Photo by jimmy teoh on Pexels.com

Photo by Vincent Gerbouin on Pexels.com

Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

Photo by Maria Isabella Bernotti on Pexels.com

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

My winter vacation:

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

A warm bath filled with lavender epsom salts. Perhaps a glass of baileys over ice. Maybe a candle burning with some music wafting in from my office (bedroom) next door.

Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.com

Going for walks with Alvin, (this is not Alvin, lol).

Photo by RODNAE Productions on Pexels.com

Coffee with friends, not likely this dressed up and likely no male unless someone’s husband is at home. LOL.

I am sure by now you get the picture of what my vacation will be like. There are plans to download photos from my old computer to the external hard drive, sleeping in, walks with Alvin, deep cleaning in the house, figuring out the return to work and to the new work space re transportation for me (bus) and care for Alvin. Lots to do.

Time to head downstairs.

I will be back tomorrow. Have a wonderful day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Well, I will leave the “sleep” alone for this post. I will say this that the moon last night was so full and awesome. The moon seemed to be more bright than usual. The sky was clear and I could see “stars” and likely sateilttes taking up their position in the sky. Looks like the sky is overcast this morning and there is no wind at this time. We were up a bit later this morning but not too late for a Sunday.

Yesterday was a great day. Woke up having my daughter, Alvin’s sister in the house which was awesome, we so love having her sleep over. I was dressed and ready for the birthday party while the coffee perked. We girls had coffee and visited while she worked on transferred my photos to the external hard drive. Surely is not a quick process but thankfully is not super difficult. I will report exactly how that goes the first time that I do it for myself. Yesterday afternoon I was supposed to do some more but did not happen. Amanda left just before I was leaving for the birthday party. The sky was a magical blue and the sun so bright and mighty. I wore my fav sweatshirt, my only sweatshirt, but I love it and jeans. Instead of wearing a winter coat, I opted to throw on my winter down vest. Perfect. Alvin had gone pee before I left and was settled on the sofa with the television on for company. The birthday girl was running late as she now is working two jobs and overshot how long it would take her to be done (I think she slept in as did I, actually I think she mentioned something about that, too). Gillian and I had coffee and chatted. I filled her in on my latest drama. Sure would be nice to have a light hearted comedy going on, instead, lol. Just as we were about to dive in on the “food” (what a spread), the birthday girl arrived. Food went on the table and then we were eating and chatting, laughing and crunching on food. Friends around the table, enjoying a beverage (tea and coffee), good food and each other. Oh, how I love these girls. They are the best. Gillian’s boys joined us for us food. Then it was time to open gifts and then the birthday cake. Signe had two cake a strawberry one and then a chocolate one. Both so yummy. The birthday girl is not fond of chocolate cake. We did not more chatting and then cleaning up and then it was two hours later and we were on our way home. Signe lives closer to Gillian than I do, across the alley actually and me well a few doors down. Maybe a two-three minute walk, maybe. Then I was home, I turned on a load of laundry and had more coffee, chilled with Alvin and of course, let him outside. We went for a walk about 40 minutes later. Oh, it was so warm and I could have kept going. Alvin surprised me and instead of walking into the park by the ponds, he made a dash towards Teddy’s house. Yup, I let him led the way. Exactly where he was going. When we got to their house, he darted up the driveway before I was able to stop him and explain that his BF was not at home. I felt so badly for him, I am sure that he misses the little guy. He has not seen many friends as of late. Lots of human friends but no puppies or kitties. Might be a good time soon to have Humphrey come and spend some time with us. Unfortunately will not be today. Maybe tomorrow when I go to the office Alyaa could bring Cookie with her, I will ask. On the way home from our walk, close to home, he went up the sidewalk of another friend and just so happened she was by the window and saw him so she came to the door. Next thing we were in the house. He was having a treat and we were chatting. It was 4:00 p.m. when we got home and was 2:39 when we left so it was another nice break. More social happenings yesterday than not. Back home I finished up the laundry and vacuumed the main floor.

One more thing, there has been a foul odour coming from under the sink. Last week I took everything out from under there and did a deep clean. But no luck, the smell was still there. I even left baking soda under there to no avail. So yesterday once again, I took everything out and did an even deeper clean and still. I have no idea where this is coming from? There is the wall and then there is a partial wall under the sink, maybe something got in there? Food or something? So frustrating. Or is it coming from the dishwasher. Anyway, I put an open candle (unlit) under there and last night it did not smell bad. I will keep investigating. Perhaps a vinegar wash in the dishwasher would help. Life in the fast lane.

We had a quiet evening. Oh, my friend Signe picked me up a lottery ticket and I have not checked it, still living the dream.

Finally the movie that I have been waiting for was “streaming” on Disney, “WAKANDA FOREVER.” I ended up watching the making of this movie and the making of the new Avatar movie as well before hand while I was feeding Alvin, cooking some chicken for me and cleaning up. Then I watched WAKANDA FOREVER, what a great movie. Not sure if I liked it better or not, I think both movies could hold themselves up individually. I did miss Chadwick Boseman, and nice to see Michael B Jordan playing a cameo (he passed in the first movie). Anyway, two of my all time fav movies.

Okay, I have to fly. Time to get the coffee going. I have to give Alvin a haircut and bath. This afternoon I will be chatting with my sister and then going for a walk. There is more laundry to do and then get ready for working at the office tomorrow. Oh, how I wished that this was not my new norm as I loved working from home.

Have a great day.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P. S. I am planning to move some photos to the external hard drive this afternoon. Lots to do.

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am okay despite being up six times during the night not including the time we actually got up for the day. NOTE: it is darn cold outside. I pray and hope every night and day that Alvin will be better that day. So fingers crossed today is the day that he makes the switch to good poop and that it continues from now on. I went to Save-On on my lunch break yesterday with one of my coworkers to pick up chicken breasts for Alvin and lottery tickets for me. At this point, the possibility of money out weighs my desire to buy groceries for myself (don’t worry my fridge, freezer and panties (whoops, meant pantries) have enough food to keep me going for awhile. As I was typing and notices that I typed “panties” instead of pantries, I thought well that is funny, just leave it. Sometimes an error needs to be left but not quite undone. Although considering I may have had four hours sleep during the past two days, I apparently still have sort of a sense of humour. Hopefully I keep that to myself today as we have a meeting with our AVP and Director followed by a lunch meeting with them and all of the site teams. I will take my coffee and sit as close to a wall out of the way as I can. Surely do not want to nod off or anything. Yesterday, I was bouncing off the walls and like a squirrel could not stay focused for very long at a time. This is not by any means, my normal self but is due to lack of sleep, stress and anxiety between Alvin and work. Oh well, I have so much to be grateful for …… that every morning I wake up in this beautiful house that I wait until I was 52 to have …… that even if we are waking up on the sofa, I have Mr. Alvin beside me ……. that I, we have lots of good food to eat …… that I can afford to order pizza every so often (which I did last night and believe you me, it is like buying a small car, these days) …… that I am in good health except for being tired …… that I am surrounded by so many good, caring, compassionate family and friends who love and support me who matter what …… that I live in this country where we can live our dreams so we should decide to ……. that I have beautiful plants that are flowering at this time and their colours bring me great joy ….. there is so much more but I am running out of time. Alvin needs to go outside before I leave for work and that is fast approaching.

One more day this week and then it is the weekend. I have five days next week to work and then I am on two weeks vacation. I was thinking that perhaps I should only take one week as I am using all of my earned vacation and then I thought …. no …. I need this break ……. so vacation time in February in Edmonton …… on my sofa and figuring out my life……

Wishing you a great day.

Yesterday was our friend Signe’s birthday. I did remember in the morning to send her a birthday text and we are celebrating her birthday at Gillian’s house on Saturday. I forgot to send her wishes from this blog. I try to remember people here but honestly when I write these posts early in the morning, sometimes I forget. Trying to remember! Looking forward to Saturday morning with my friends with a short break from the “madness” of my home. Not really but sounds good, not really……..lol.

I be needing those mugs of coffee this morning for sure. Perhaps I should take my big mug today.

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

Trying to keep remember “when nothing is sure anything is possible.” I love that thought.

Always, Carol & Alvin

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! We are doing well. Alvin has an appointment this morning at 10:00 a.m. to get to the bottom of things. Okay perhaps that is a bit of a pun! I am working on bringing back my old positive self. She has been gone for awhile. I will continue to put out my gratitude to the Universe and keep my thoughts positive as much as possible. There are some things that you cannot change so why bother! You can only change yourself not others. So that is what I am going to do. I am grateful for our good health (good poop this morning). I am grateful for our beautiful home which is cradled inside a wonderful loving and support neighbourhood. I am grateful to be surrounded by amazing people, some family and some friends that are like family. I am grateful to have Mr. Alvin in my life, he is good company. I am grateful to be employed at a time when so many others are struggling. I am grateful for the sunrise each and every morning and the sunrise each night. I am grateful for the blue sky, the wind, the snow, the trees and all of nature. I am grateful for the continued warm beautiful weather.

I booked the morning off to take Alvin to the vet for his appointment.

We had a great Sunday. Quiet but wonderful. We had a nice walk. Did some laundry, cleaning and made a big pasta supper.

Time to head downstairs and make some coffee. I want to have a mug or so before we have to leave. I wish you a wonderful Monday.

Continuing to life this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilites and coffee.

Always, Carol & Alvin

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Wednesday morning? We are doing well. Definitely Mr. Alvin has improved vastly. This morning was first meal with his regular food although I did throw a bit of chicken on the top as a treat. We had a pretty good sleep. I think it was around 4:00 a.m. when he needed to go outside and then we hit the sofa for a couple more hours of uninterrupted sleep. So I am very happy.

Tomorrow and Friday, I am back to the office. Hopefully Alvin will do okay. I think part of his anxiety stems from me having to leave the house. Even with someone coming to check on him, it is not the same. He still has to hold himself until someone comes at around noon. I get that. Can you imagine if you had to go to the bathroom and had to hold it for hours? Not me, I would have an accident. In all of our years together he has only had two accidents. Both were poop. First was the very first morning that he came to live with me and really that should not count and the second was years later. He pooped on the floor in the upstairs bathroom. That is it. No peeing accidents.

So off the above topic and something important. Tomorrow is Mr. Alvin’s 14th Birthday. If you would like to wish him a Happy Birthday – I would definitely forward the wishes to me. I cannot believe that we have been together for 13 years. Longest relationship with a male. He does wear the pants in this household and I am grateful. What a good guy he is and I am so grateful that I adopted him back on that cold night in January of 2010. It was a leap of faith, I suppose. The first month was not much fun for either of us but we got through those long days and long nights. Here we are!

I am hoping that perhaps after work or maybe at lunch time we can get out for a little walk. It has been since Christmas time, I think. Beginning of January for sure. Hopefully this mild weather will hang in for awhile longer.

Time to head downstairs and plug in my coffee to perk. I carried Mr. Alvin upstairs to be with me as I was having a shower and then writing this post.

Have a beautiful day and remember even when things seem their darkest, there is always a streak of light at the end of the tunnel. Things always work out. Sometimes it may take a bit of time but if you can remain positive, life will be good.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin