Good Morning ALL! Well it is now “WINTER” in Edmonton. Looks pretty but was chilly to start.
Monday MorningFirst snowfall at homeLater in day at work
I wished that I had been able to snap a few photos of Master Jack who is now 7 months old and experiencing his first walk in the snow. He was one happy puppy. Jack reminded me of a kangaroo hopping and jumping in the snow. He also seemed to like sniffing and eating the snow as well. What a cutie! So enjoyed watching him. Mr. Eddie is not a puppy and although he seems to like the snow, he was not quite as thrilled with the white event as Jack. Eddie likes to go where Eddie likes to go! I shall leave it at that. Most of our walk has me following Eddie in a fast trot. I do enjoy the walks with this special family.
I guess there is not much new and that is a good thing. Last weekend I was able to strike a bunch of things off my TO DO LIST which is definitely a “good thing.” Next week on Tuesday will be Halloween and I am ready on that front. Outside is done and now the winter aspect begins with shovelled etc. I decided not to shovel the deck or put out the garbage/food waste bins and recycling for today’s pickup as honestly they are not full. Not being lazy – just waiting. I may shovel the deck tonight. Wonder if it will melt? I hope that we have some more plus temps before the thick of winter begins. Oh, please! If anyone is listening that can actually change the weather. Mother Nature are you out there?
Not this coming Sunday but the following one, we will be turning back our clocks. Oh, how I dread the thought! I really could be a bear and hibernate. One thing I just thought of and will need to research is: we all know that bears eat extra in the fall to store the fat for winter. But what happens to the waste? Do they pee? What about poop? Even people in a coma need to expel waste? Okay, perhaps not a great conversation piece for this early in the day but sorry this is where my “sad brain” went. Moving on!
As I look around this room, my office, I see that my Geraniums are fitting in nicely. There are blooms on one of them and I look forward to seeing a massive amount of colour on them soon.
Well I suppose time to head downstairs and put on the coffee and have breakfast. Another day to get started. Oh, it has been started. The bed has been made and I have a shower, so smelling fresh as well. That never hurts. Showering every day or every other day that is a whole other debate!
Have an awesome Tuesday. Be safe and keep warm.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
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.
Good Morning! I hope that this finds you well. Life is going on at a fast pace and I find myself caught somewhere in between. I will always miss my little buddy Alvin and that goes without saying. He played a very important role in my life and me in his. Oh, Alvin I sure wish that you were here laying on the carpet outside the office door as I write my morning posts.
Today is another day at the office and then Thursday at home and Friday at the office. Countdown to being at our new site on Monday. The renovations are not as yet completed so not sure if our time at the site will be short initially. When do renovations ever go according to plan? Anyway, it will happen soon enough.
It seems so dark outside at 6:33 a.m. but by 7:00 it is light already. Perhaps the sky is overcast. I think that our time changes this weekend, we go ahead one hour. Spring forward. I hope that spring is close.
The words usually fall onto the keyboard but not this morning, so this will be short. I am sorry. Life. I guess my brain is just plain tired. Too many things going on to keep me jumping all over the place. Life.
I hope that you have a good day. Take care and be safe, always.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Of all the above, I believe that forgiveness is the most difficult to do.
Good Morning. Another brisk winter’s morning. I hope that spring comes soon. Nice to have it light outside at 7:00 a.m. though. I feel like I need to see my boy’s face so if you would please indulge me as I share some previous shown photos of my buddy, my handsome, my beloved Alvin. Such cuteness. I miss this guy more than words can say. I feel his loss everywhere in our home.
A proper GentlemanJust chillingAlvinWhat a cute boyWalking with MomOn the deckTop of stairs, body?Alvin at home…..Enjoying a sunny winter’s day!Alvin ……Ah, Mama’s boy…….isn’t he cute!!!Alvin in the snow…..Posting this just because “ALVIN” is so cute here….I know that I am cute.Alvin, one of my babies
More pleaseAlvinLoving BroccoliAlvin & a chewyNew sweaterAlvin
He was such a good boy and I will miss him always. I just love seeing his face and going through photos to transfer to the external hard drive has brought back even more memories. When I get this technology all figured out, I will share some new photos that for now are in between the external hard drive and the old computer.
I am grateful to be working from home today. I can be closer to him.
I hope that you have a good day, be safe and take care.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning! I guess we have winter back for awhile. A blanket of the white stuff covers the sidewalks and rooftops once again. Some shovelling for me before I head out to the office today for the second last time. Next week we move to the new “office.”
Why is it so hard to say goodbye to someone? I so miss my Alvin. The nights and mornings are the most difficult. I miss his snuggles and his way. He was the best and I wish that we would have had more time together. One more summer adventure. One more road trip. One more walk around the park. One more visit for him with his best friend Teddy. One more visit with family. So much more I wish for us, for him.
Yesterday I was kept busy with most of the day spent moving photos from my old computer to the external hard drive. I also went through all 42,537 photos and picked out some of Alvin so that I can do some special “In Memoriam” cards for the special ones in his/our lives and also to do a photo book. Did you know that Costco is now working with Shutterfly. That is quite the match. I love Shutterfly.
Later in the afternoon our friends Alyaa and her pup Cookie came over for a visit. Cookie is so busy but she is a good distraction. We had a great visit. Alyaa watched over Alvin when I had to return to the office three days each week. He really loved her and I so appreciate her friendship.
Then I had supper and cleaned up and watched a bit of tv before going to bed. Last night was hard as I felt his loss even more and the guilt creeping back into my mind and soul. Oh my buddy, I miss you so much. He was the best little guy.
Well I have shovelling to do and a few things downstairs so better head down.
I hope that you have a wonderful day. Be safe and take care.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities, coffee and forgiveness.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am great, today is Friday and the weekend is ahead of us. We had another choppy but yet not to bad sleep. I always figure if I can get anywhere between 3-4 hours of continuous sleep, I am doing great. So I am pretty great. Earlier we walked outside to a snow rain mix. They were showing on the news (just happened to be on that channel, I normally do not watch the news this early in the day) that the outside cameras were icing up. Do not think that is a great thing but I am hoping that the roads are good this morning.
I have been thinking as of late as I reread THE SECRET that I should just put this out to the world. Thoughts become Things after all! Okay, I am going to say it. Deep breath! Here it is:
I am retiring. This is the goal. When you write something down for others and yourself to see, it makes it feel much more real. So I have done this. My thoughts become things. I am retiring with more than enough money and no mortgage. How about we all do this? Whatever you are dreaming about? Say it aloud or put it in writing for yourself and the Universe to hear and see. Then go in that direction. I will say that is what I did when I retired the first time and moved to Alberta. I kept saying that I was going to buy my own house in Edmonton close to my daughter and son-in-law and I did just that. So it is possible. Everyday and every chance – get those thoughts out there.
Mr. Alvin is quietly waiting for me downstairs so I am going to say goodbye for this Friday. I hope that you have a wonderful day. Be safe. Dream.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I am okay. Alvin and I both had a pretty fair sleep. He is having good poops and that is all so important. I am very grateful for that news.
Today is Mr. Alvin’s 14th Birthday. He is waiting patiently downstairs on the sofa for me to finish getting ready (done) and writing this post. It is too much to carry him upstairs and then back down in a few minutes. He is not really fond of the “over the shoulder” act that we do in the morning and at night.
Happy Birthday to the Bestest Friend a Gal could ever have. Wishing you a great day even though I have to go to the office today, I am keeping you in my heart and thoughts all the day long. Just wanted to share some photos of the little guy from over the last 14 years.
Wishing Alvin a very Happy Birthday and may the days, months and years to come be filled with great joy, good health (number one) and lots of love and playing and walking.
Mr. AlvinNew sweaterAlvin Xmas 2020Alvin’s new winter coatCutenessFilters cutenessA proper GentlemanAt Pauline’sAlvin’s BF HumphreyMe and my AlvinGift form ValTreat time.Me and Alvin Oct 2013Top of stairs, body?
Time to head downstairs. I want to spend some time with him before I have to leave for the office.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this winter morning? It was snowing outside earlier. So nice to have these warmer temperatures but with them comes moisture, meaning freezing rain or SNOW! Well this has been a trying morning thus far. It took me 40 minutes to get likely about 1/2 of Alvin’s medication into him and the rest landed on the sofa or in his fur. So always cleanup after the medicine. This was the least amount that he has ever taken. What a guy! Not sure what else I can do? Thankfully he does not have much left to take. Hopefully there is enough to at least coat his stomach. I don’t know. He will be eating breakfast in a few minutes which is 30 minutes after he had the medication. I am praying to whomever may listen to please make him well. Between the demands to go into the office and Alvin’s health, I am super frustrated. Not the best way to start the work week. Okay, I have vented time too “let it go.” Best line ever and from an animated movie, no less. I know the words were from the song in the movie “Frozen.”
On this Monday, I am grateful to be working from home. I am grateful that we have good food to eat. I am grateful to be surrounded by supportive family and friends. I am grateful to be employed. I am grateful to be living this life.
Is my life perfect? Well, no. Is it pretty great for the most part, well YES! So I will get over these moments this morning and get on with the day. Alvin needs to have breakfast. I will need to finish this post first. I will work and do the best job that I can. I will be a good human being. The best that I can be in any given moment.
This will be short. We did have a great weekend in between the medication episodes. I wonder what he is doing downstairs as I left him. Just needed to put some space and time between him. Yesterday, my friend Signe came for coffee & visit in the morning. It was nice to see her – feels like a long time.
Take a deep breath and have a great day. That is what I am doing.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Looking forward to the coffee this morning.
Always, Carol & Alvin
P.S. even though we have our moments, I love Alvin with all my heart. Always trying to do the best for him. Just in case you had other thoughts!
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Did you sleep well? I had a pretty decent sleep. Since Alvin’s departure to this sister’s house, I find myself taking longer to actually fall asleep. I suppose when the body next to you is clearly relaxed and “lightly snoring” – it cues you to do the same. I miss the little guy so much but on the other hand it has been great being “single.” I have made that reference a few times in the last couple of days because being alone feels like being single again. He kept me in a routine of sorts, his but still a routine. Tomorrow is one week since he went to stay with his sister and in two weeks he will be back home. My daughter shared that the night before last he slept through the night. No middle of the night getting up to go outside. Wow, he almost never does that. I am happy that he is settling in with them and is comfortable and not anxiety ridden as I felt/feel guilty enough with him not being at home.
I am glad that today marks the end of the week. We are having a Secret Santa and little Christmas party with our group which takes in three small departments totalling 17 staff including a Manager and Supervisor. It will be a nice break on a Friday. I made up individual packages for each person of chocolate chip cookies. That way everyone can just take a package and we do not have to put our fingers on them. With all of the “bugs” going around – better to be safe than sorry.
Countdown to Christmas Eve: with today being December 9th there are only 15 sleeps remaining.
I love the photos that come up on my computer screen each morning. What a wonderful reminder of where I have been and where I am now with thoughts of where I may be in the future. I absolutely love the photos of me and my siblings. They seem to rotate a lot so I take that as a reminder from the Universe that I should reach out to them. It can be a simple text or a phone call or even an email. Just reaching out. They are the ones outside of your parents that know you the longest and usually the best. Siblings. There are only four of us now – we started out with five. We have an angel watching over us each and everyday. I can feel him around him. He was so charming and loveable. I just spoke to my youngest brother a few days ago which reminds me to reach out to my other brother and my darling sister. Oh, when I see those photos, I think of way back then. A simpler time not always easier. To my sister, if you are reading this, I love you and miss you so much. To my brothers, well I love you both very much and miss you as much. Family.
Well looks like the clock is counting down and I still have to pack the Secret Santa gift, a small gift for my Manager (and friend) and the big container of cookies.
Have an awesome day, it is Friday. YAY.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
Always, Carol & Alvin
PS: Grateful for the reprieve from winter temperatures.
Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? I hope that you are well. Both Alvin and I are doing great. Another day at the office. We did not get out for a walk after work. The sidewalks on our side of the street are icy and although I have ice picks on my boots, Alvin slips and slides about and I cannot take the chance that he may slip and hurt himself. So we just spent extra time outside on the deck. Not the same but at least some fresh air. We had a quiet evening. We just had supper, cleaned up and then watched some television.
I do like those evenings that are uneventful and quiet. Just snuggling on the sofa with Alvin.
Today is Thursday, November 24, 2022. One month till Christmas Eve. WOW.
Happy Thanksgiving to neighbours to the south. Thanksgiving is bigger than Christmas in the United States. Lots of people travelling over the past few days. I hope that everyone has a great day and is safe.
Someone is giving me that look, so perhaps he has to go poop. I guess this will be really short. Have yourself a wonderful Thursday. When the boss gives you that look – you have to move.
Continuing to live this life with kindness, respect, compassion, patience, love, laughter, understanding, gratitude, focus, possibilities and coffee.
My New Life @ 51 