2021

Good Morning ALL! I hope that you are well this morning! Also sending positive thoughts and energy out to all my friends and family. I hope that the fog is lifted, the job is secure and more orders come in, that good health is once again restored and life is less complicated. Last night we were in bed a bit later than usual, shortly after we laid down, Mr. Alvin was frantically rubbing his ear against the bed as he laid down, then he would jump up and shake his head and then lay down and lick his paws. I tried to soothe him as much as possible and after a few minutes of this, I got an idea. Off downstairs I went. In the drawer I secured one of his tramadol pills and in the fridge grabbed his wet food. In a small bowl I placed the pill inside a bite sized piece of food, put the food back in the fridge, rinse the spoon and went back upstairs. He was very happy to have more food and very easily took the pill which was hidden inside. In a little bit of time, he had calmed down and was able to sleep. He has not shook his head or rubbed his ear yet this morning. Was it possibly that his paws were bothering him so much that he did not know what was hurting. Or what? I do not know for sure. His ears look good. I was so careful when I gave him a bath not to get any water in his ears. So for today, I will monitor him and if he shows any signs of discomfort or pain, I will be calling the vet to make him an appointment. My poor boy. At this moment he is laying on his round dog bed which has a new home in my upstairs office.

Yesterday we had a nice walk at noon. It was a bit cool and windy but not bad for this time of year. After work I made another great escape by borrowing my neighbour’s car and going to both Shoppers and Save-On Foods. Both stores were surprisingly busy for that time of day. I guess most people had the same idea as I did. While in the checkout at Shoppers I noticed that they had self-serve areas and happened to say it to the Customer Service Clerk who said “Yes, they were put in back in May” and I replied “Oh I hadn’t realized it was that long since I was in the store and continued to tell her about my neighbours and daughter who for the past 18 months have been picking up my groceries. Lately I have been going myself but only once every couple of weeks. Sometimes my daughter picks me up things in between or another friend grabs me coffee from Costco or other items, if I need or on a good sale.

I was back home in less than one hour. At home first thing after parking, hauling the groceries to our porch and returning the keys to my neighbour and then placing the bags inside the door – I quickly gave Mr. Alvin his supper. He does not appreciate being late for supper. He is so funny that way. A foodie for sure.

The sunrise looks beautiful with streaks of pink and orange in between the layers of blue sky. I love this time of day ….. I especially love sunrises and sunsets. The colours bring me joy. Well on that note, I am going to sign off and head back downstairs. I hope that you have an awesome day. May your ears be clear, your hands and feed be pain free and may you be able to have a nap anytime you wish and that you sleep through the night! Be in good health.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to the DEEP FREEZE.

ARGH, cold temperatures for the next week.

On the plus side our winter has been relatively mild until this cold snap.

Should we be complaining?

Likely not.

But will we?

Likely yes.

 

My carpool decided to take today off from work.

Usually this would mean that I would be taking the bus.

Lucky for me, my neighbour is giving me a ride to work.

I am on my own going home.

One way is okay.

 

Well this has placed a damper on our walks for the next days.

Usually Alvin likes to mull around outside when he is out doing his business or just hanging out.

Not now.

He does his business and runs back to the house.

Not much coaxing which is fine by me.

No offer of a treat to come inside.

Likely best for the waistline.

So we are playing more ….. Alvin is playing more if truth be told.

 

Tonight down comes the Christmas tree and then I will spend part/most of the weekend taking down the decorations.

Thankfully I only have a couple of items outside.

The wreath on the door and a small tree on the porch.

The wreath I can quickly grab despite the cold but the tree can remain on the porch until the temperature warms up.

It will be good to get back to the normal decorations although it does seem bare in the house for a few days.

But sometimes BARE is good.

Actually I have so  much Christmas ….. it looks like a store.

The rest of the year is much more low-key.

So that is good.

 

I was thinking of something as I was going to bed and of course, did not write it down.

A topic to write about this morning.

Note to self: when a great idea comes to your mind – WRITE IT DOWN, you silly girl.

 

I am also going back and forth between glasses this morning.

I have two pair.

One is older but as my prescription did not change, I can continue to wear them.

One pair has plastic frames, and the other are wire/metal.

The metal/wire frames sometimes bother by my ears.

But they have a slightly bigger lens and I like that.

I have to decide before wearing them for more than a minute or two otherwise will have a headache.

Small decision.

Will check out in the mirror and then decide.

 

What is new with you?

Did you set out with New Year Resolutions?

I did not, really.

I just try to do better than I did the year before in all aspects of my life.

Body, mind and soul.

 

Well almost time to head off downstairs.

On poop patrol.

Now those brown packages freeze before they hit the ground.

Easy to pick up.

 

I hope that on this cold Friday that you are warm and safe.

I wish that rain would extinguish ALL of the fires in Australia without massive flooding.

I wish that there would be PEACE in the Middle East and around the world.

I hope that everyone has a good day.

Yes, everyone.

Remember to breathe.

Go to the bathroom and fake yell if you need that release.

Shake it off.

Put one foot in front of the other!

Soon you will be walking out the door or opening doors to better things.

 

Happy Friday.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 17th day of March, 2019.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to Everyone.

I love my “green” roots, er I mean heritage.

Someone might think I dyed my hair, which could have been a possibility.

The sun is slow to rise this morning but gradually the sky is clearing.

Happy Birthday to all of our friends who celebrate a birthday today.

TW, DH, BW and AD.

What a great day to have a birthday …. St. Patrick’s Day.

Today we are celebrating my daughter and Alvin’s sister’s birthday.

We are a few days late but sometimes schedules clash.

Excited to be celebrating her birthday today on St. Patrick’s Day.

I am making a fruit pizza for the party so will be getting that going in a little bit.

 

Have to relay some Alvin and Friends stories from yesterday.

Yesterday was a busy day with Alvin’s regular vet appointment, grocery shopping, laundry and cleaning around the house.

I just happened to be outside trying to chip away at some ice later in the afternoon (as had just spent two hours cleaning out my INBOX on email, argh) when I spotted Alvin’s girl friend Abi.

Abi was with her Aunt “A” and they were coming down the sidewalk out for a walk.

We chatted for a minute and then Alvin saw them from inside the house.

I asked if they would like to come in for a minute to say hi.

After a quick visit, I decided that we should just suck it up and go for a walk.

We found that walking on the other side of the street from our house; well it was not too bad.

A bit wet but very little ice.

We ended up going for a really long walk.

The first one of this length all winter.

It was great.

Alvin was so happy to see his girl friend.

Must be an age thing as he was less “engaging” as he used to be in his young.

At the vet they said he is like a 60 year old based on his years and the chart ???

Anyway they walked side by side.

Comfortable.

Just arrived home and received a call to see if it was okay for Humphrey to come now (5:15 p.m.).

Absolutely.

I took some cute photos of the boys (this time was more prepared to get those shots that don’t always come around).

Who knew ….

 

I was not quite fast enough to get Humphrey drinking out of Alvin’s water bowl.

The boys resting on the sofa.

 

Alvin, thinking well I guess he’s laying on my sofa.

Every visit they become more comfortable with each other.

Yesterday Humphrey walked up to Alvin and just lightly touched his face.

Alvin was a bit nervous but it all worked out.

All under the careful watch of the MOMMA.

Can you believe how close they were laying to each other.

Best Saturday night company ever.

Oh these boys.

Alvin and Friends.

 

Well time to get this show on the road.

I have toast and coffee to make and drink and a FRUIT PIZZA to make.

Whoops, I had better get out of these pj’s.

 

Have an awesome St. Patrick’s Day.

Special Hello to: anyone celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ……

Good Morning and Welcome to Saturday the 31st day of December, 2016.

Snowed overnight.

Guess shovelling is in my near future.

My daughter picked up Alvin for a sleep-over last night.

Sure seems quiet in the house and took me a bit to fall asleep last night.

Miss his cuddles for sure.

Oh, me Alvin.

So,

The very last day of 2016.

Let me see 2016.

Alvin and I managed to stay up until Midnight welcoming in the New Year, 2016.

It seems like every new year is born with hope for a wonderful year ahead.

I guess going into 2016 we knew that it would be less than wonderful but we held hope.

We lost our Penny mid March and life changed.

Elton had major surgery in April, the scary kind that someone older generally does not recuperate from but he beat the odds and came back to us.

He gave my kids more time; the time they needed to start to heal from the loss of Penny.

They took the time, and made the most of what would be Elton’s last remaining months with our family.

He passed away on November 22, 2016.

We miss them both very much.

Our four-legged fur babies – our family.

Baby Milo came into our family in October about one month before Elton passed.

A golden puppy who lit up the room with his bouncy baby energy.

In their short time together they bonded, and Elton once again had a “sibling.”

Just days before Christmas my kids once again found a doggie who needed love and a good home and adopted “Aspen.”

She is just over one year old, same colouring as baby Milo and such a gem, so loving despite her time before being rescued.

It always amazes me on the deplorable behaviours of some human beings.

I cannot believe but I have seen on many occasions; despite how absolutely horribly some dogs are treated; how loving and wonderful they are …..

So amidst the sorrow we found joy.

Joy is a good place to be.

We take this time to remember all of our loved ones whether two-legged or four that we have lost this year.

There were many.

You will always be in our thoughts and hearts, forever.

They have formed who we are, and we have learned so much from their time on this earth.

Our puppies took the forefront of our year, and everything else just happened.

 

Of course the everything else that happened included a record number of garage sales held between May and August.

Still selling Steeped Tea and working full-time.

Many walks with me Alvin and so many cuddles.

Spending lots of time with friends throughout the year.

Sharing stories and laughter.

Before we knew it the year was over.

The week after Christmas leading up to New Year’s Eve is filled with thinking back on the year, perhaps making resolutions for the year ahead, and making plans for bringing in the New Year.

My wish for 2017 is that you take a look over your life, and take note of what is really important.

Spending time with your family whether two-legged or four or both is so important.

If you are unable to physically see them the technology is there to video chat via SKYPE, and other formats.

Do things with your family and friends instead of buying their joy.

Go on that walk instead of watching television.

Put down that cell phone and spend TIME with them.

Have dinner together and be with your family.

Simplify your life.

Spend less on stuff.

Spend more on doing things.

Create memories that will last a lifetime.

Your children will not remember that video game in 50 years but they will remember those long walks you took together.

They will remember sledding.

They will remember roasting marshmallows around the bonfire.

They will remember the time you spent together.

Which is the best legacy you can give them.

 

Simplify your life.

 

Wishing you and your family the most wonderful New Year, 2017.

May you find joy in the little things.

May you find continued good health.

May your lives be filled with abundance.

May you continue to grow and to learn.

May you spread kindness to all creatures.

May you love and respect yourself, and all others.

Happy New Year.

 

Special Hello to:  All the creatures on this planet.  Happy New Year.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Photo Album of 2016

 

A surprise treat delivery from my friend “V” who continues to send wonderful delectable surprise to Alvin and me.

Relaxing at Grandma’s house.

Surprise gift in the mail.

Enjoying an adventure with me Alvin.

 

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 17th day of August, 2016.

I have to apologize to my friend “V” as I forgot to mention her birthday yesterday.

I knew it was on the 16th but I did not think that the date was the 16th.

One of those things.

I did wish her a Happy Birthday on FB but I wanted to acknowledge her on my blog.

She is one of those special people that deserves recognition.

We have known each other for likely 25 years or so now but really got to know each other as good friends just this past year.

Life just is full of surprises and that was an excellent one.

She has become one of my dearest friends and I am grateful for her friendship.

Happy Birthday “V.”

 

Well Alvin is going to have some company today as Elton is on his way over.

Yay, I will have a ride to work.

It is our staff barbecue today as well so that is nice.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Things are finally coming together …..

I love when that happens.

 

Well time to get this show on the road as they will be here any minute.

Just a short note today but I would leave you with this …..

You just never know what life will bring your way.

I also just in the past year or so connected with another person who happened to be a close friend many years ago and we just lost touch.

Such as life happens.

So “M” – I am grateful for you and our friendship.

I am truly blessed.

Surrounded by amazing family and friends.

 

Time to fly.

Happy Wednesday.

Special Hello to: all those great folks out there …. you are so special.

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday the 24th day of December, 2014 and Christmas Eve.

On this special eve before Christmas Day, I would like to take this opportunity …. to WISH

To wish each and everyone the most wonderful Christmas of all.

May you be surrounded by the love and laughter of family and friends.

May you be surrounded by great joy and live in good health.

May you live in abundance every single day.

May your dreams continue to come true.

May you live your life with some “wreck-less abandon.”

Remember to be kind and generous.

Remember to be grateful …. always a good place to start.

May Santa bring you that special gift that makes you giggle with joy.

That would bring a smile to my face and more warmth to my heart.

Happy Christmas.

Special Hello to: all my family and friends, near and far, we are thinking of you and wish you were here or we were there.

With Love Always, Carol and Alvin

My daughter, Alvin and I went on this photo adventure on Saturday. It was minus 30. We got some “cool” shots. Alvin thought it was a real deer….. grr

Thought for the day….

Wow, welcome to Tuesday, the 9th day of April 2013.

Are you smiling?

Are you ready to go forth and enjoy the next say eight hours?

Are you going to be kind in every situation?

Are you going to go the extra mile when presented with the opportunity?

Are you going to be happy in every moment?

Are you going to continue toward realizing your dreams?

Are you ready?

Are you feeling it?

I feel GREAT this morning ….. I am ready.

As I type these words my dog Alvin is laying in the hallway outside my office door and watching me …… I know that he wants to go downstairs and “out”…. to finish his “morning constitution.”

So I shall have to keep this short …… not fair to keep the “MR” waiting …..  I know how that feels.

So on this great clear blue skied Edmonton morning …… I hope that you have the best day of your life.

Give it your all …. be happy …. be kind ….. live your life.

Beside that is what it is all about.

Even if you are not exactly where you wish to be ….. do your best ….. make it wonderful.

Special Hello: “another message to my sister”  ….. would love to SKYPE Friday morning …. about 9:00 ??

Thank you for indulging me ..

 

Always, Carol and Alvin

Thought for the day….

Good Morning and Welcome to Tuesday, the 12th Day of March, 2013 and the 33rd Anniversary of the birth of my daughter.

FOR MY DAUGHTER

Happy Birthday my Darling …..

If ever there was a treasure ….

I found it in you….

You are the sunshine of my days …

The stars of my nights …..

The ocean that floats my ship ….

The flowers that fragrance the air….

The air that I breathe …

You are the best ….

I am so grateful for your kind soul and generous spirit ….

I am so grateful that you have always championed those who needed a voice whether two-legged or four….

I am grateful that once again we live near each other …. not too close but close enough.

I am grateful that you choose to have me in your life.

I am grateful that you a song in your heart and music in your soul.

I am grateful that you are artistic and intelligent ….

I am grateful for your love.

So on your special day ….. your little brother and me want to wish you all the best that this world has to offer.

May kindness continue to follow you all the days of your life.

May abundance and joy be plentiful.

May perfect health envelope you all the days of your life.

May your dreams continue to come true…

May riches surround and keep you.

May you always find the music …..

Continue to light the world with you.

Love Always and Forever Mom and Alvin

P.S. For us all, I wish that everyone would have a special person in their lives such as my daughter.  Truly I am blessed.  I wish everyone a fun, easy, wonderful Tuesday.

 

For You

Thought for the day…..

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Wow, Monday morning already …… I hope that you had a great weekend.

Are you dressing up for Halloween today?

I made my own costume as I do most years.

I spent $1.50 plus tax on my costume.

I am a LadyBug …… (just had to purchase the wings, was going to buy construction paper and make them until I happened upon them at the Dollar Store for $1.50).

How great is that!

I took a sturdy hair band and added black pipe cleaners and pom-poms for the antennae…..

Added some Halloween stickers for good measure.

I had a black long sleeved top and black exercise pants.

Add some Halloween socks and red shoes.

A red fluffy scarf.

Drew some dots on my cheeks and added extra makeup ….

Oh, and with the wings came a wand …. so I am a magical LadyBug.

With super powers …. perhaps I will be a LadyBug that grants WISHES.

Oh and the final BIG item …. I cut the bottom off an old red t-shirt that was from the University of Nevada …

They are the REBELS….. so I glued REBEL onto the bum of the skirt and some little flowers to the front …

Cut it down the side so that I could tie it on the side ….. (actually I had hole punched a few spots and was going to lace through some string and tie it but that did not work just the best, so I am just tying the material).

It works.

So I resemble a LadyBug.

So from our house ….. Alvin and I want to WISH YOU ALL – A HAPPY HALLOWEEN.

Have a great time out trick and treating (I hope that you will just get lots of treats and skip the tricking part).

Stay safe and have fun.

Special Halloween Hello to: Azlin (my old Halloween partner, I miss you buddy), Zane and Baby E, Lea, Mahee-Lee and David (miss your smiley faces), SELENA (miss you Princess), Hayleigh, Tanner and P ….(I remember trick or treating with your Mom) good times….

Have a great day guys….

Always, Carol

P.S. wishes that I would have downloaded my photos of the decorations I put up for Halloween …… 🙂