A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! Well another pretty good sleep, I would say. Alvin is waiting downstairs for me while I got dressed and writing this post. Today and tomorrow, I happily work from home and then I am on VACATION for two weeks. I do not think that I have ever taken vacation in February or in the wintertime or at least not this many days. I am looking forward to the time off. We are going to have some fun and I have some “work” to do.

When I was setting up my workstation at home last night, I had such a feeling of calm and getting up knowing that I do not have to leave my house for work today was awesome. I have appreciated working from home the past almost three years. Being with Alvin mostly everyday has been awesome and I am so grateful that I had that time with him. I am not sure what I would have done when he had his surgeries and had some illness, what I would have done. I did take some vacation days immediately after the surgery because that would have been too much but I was home and that was great. I enjoyed our walks at noon and after work and some early morning ones on those days when it was very hot. Despite there, being a global pandemic going on – our life was pretty good. It had to be said as I am very grateful for this time at home. There were times especially during the first two years where I was working many extra hours and seven days per week to keep on top off all the changes that the government made but I was home and that was so good.

The air is warm this morning and I think it is going to be plus temperatures today and tomorrow as well. Hopefully the weather will be nice for the next two weeks as well. There will be times when we have to leave the house (walks and appointments and such). Mr. Alvin needs his nails trimmed. They sure grow fast when he is not out walking every day. We went for a walk last night after work but again did not get too far, this time I was happy to go home as the sidewalks were a mess (due to large snowfall night before) with snow and ice and salt. Another friend was out walking, that was Ali and Bailey. We saw them just as we were coming home, they came inside for a visit. Always nice to visit with our friends. Bailey is getting so big. Alvin and Bailey were happy to see each other.

After supper, I had a lovely hour or so chat with my friend Pauline. Feeling blessed. Had a chat with my sister and a friend all within a few days. I need to call other friends. Nothing like hearing a friendly familiar voice to bring joy to your days.

Time to head downstairs and plug in the coffee pot. Mr. Alvin has been quiet thus far. He probably wonders what is going on.

I am also very grateful that he is doing so much better. His poop gets better with each passing day. I do think it is going to be interesting weaning him off the chicken. He loves the chicken, lol.

Have an awesome Thursday. Be safe and take some time for you. Remember no one else can!

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. GRATITUDE is the word.

A New YEAR 2023

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? We are doing okay. Up at 12:30, 5:00 and then at 6:00 and finally at 6:45. We should have stayed up at 5:00 but I was feeling it was too early and I was so sleepy. I guess the midnight hour was just as I was slipping into a deep sleep only to be awoke by my four-legged buddy who insisted upon going downstairs. So down we went. Anyway, I am not complaining as I am grateful that I can work from home this week. I can give him his medications at the proper time and monitor him and let him outside when he needs to go. It is hard for him when I am at work even with someone coming to check on him at the 5 hour mark. He will be 14 next week, I cannot believe it. We should be planning a birthday party, methinks. I must chat to his sister. His birthday came up mighty fast. He has been through a lot this last couple of years and deserves a good party. His birthday is next Thursday (checked the calendar).

This afternoon I have an appointment at the Optometrist to check the pressure in my eyes, it was a bit high at my last visit which was on the 28th of December. When they called yesterday to confirm today’s appointment, I asked if my glasses would be ready and she said they are waiting on my sunglass clips. She thought maybe they might come in today’s shipment. That would be great to get my new glasses today. Figured crossed that the pressure in my eye(s) has returned to normal.

Alvin is doing pretty good although I think he had a bit of loose poop early this morning. I did not pick it up l right away and when I went out at 5:00 it was frozen. But to be fair today is only seven days since this all started and today is the first day completely off the bland diet so I am thinking by the end of today or tomorrow there will be a major difference. Fingers crossed for my boy.

We continue to have beautiful temperatures and I only wish that we could both go for a walk. Hopefully the weather holds.

Have an awesome Tuesday.

Time to head downstairs and plug in the coffee (prepared earlier).

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

Last Half 2022 – December

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Another blast of winter this morning before starts to slowly warm up. I just hope that the weather is good and the highways for travel over the Christmas weekend and holidays. Fingers crossed. If you are travelling long distances this holiday season, please ensure that you have an emergency bag in the car filled with warm clothes and boots, waterproof blankets or even a tarp, flares, batteries, chocolate, water, first aid kit and booster cables for the vehicle. Also make sure that someone always knows which road you are taking and your projected time of arrival to your destination. If you should stray from that schedule/route, please let someone know. When living in Canada or any other country on the planet where the weather gets bitterly cold at this time of year it is always important to be prepared. Check your local weather station for updates on the weather before and during your trip. Ask questions. Do not take anything for granted. Keep your gas tank on full. Check your tires before leaving and make sure that you have a spare in the trunk along with the tools.

I am so grateful that I am able to work from home today and tomorrow. So great being able to sleep in for a little while. After work I will have time to get some things done around the house preparing for Christmas. Last night I hung up another string of Christmas cards. The house looks so Christmasy.

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS: Just t-w-o sleeps until Christmas Eve. I am so excited. Cannot wait. The pups: Alvin, Aspen and Milo will spend Christmas Eve afternoon/early evening with me while Mom & Dad go to St. Albert to see the other side of the family. They will come back later in the evening and then we will open Christmas gifts. I am looking forward to cuddling with the pups.

I hope that you have a wonderful Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I get to have perked COFFEE this morning ……….

Last Half 2022 – November

Good Morning ALL! Looks like November is off to a wintery start for us here in Alberta. We had a stormy day yesterday but we made it to the office safely. Most people elected to stay home. I spent lots of time shovelling between early morning and after work. This morning it is cool but at least the sky has cleared.

Well Mr. Alvin was throwing up at 5:00 a.m., and I listened when the vet told me not to feed him for awhile. So I have to wait and monitor him and see if it happens again. He has been peeing and pooping okay but I did not want to leave him alone especially when I could not feed him. He has not drank any water since that time so I have to see if I can get him to drink and monitor that which is more important than the food at this point. I hope it was an one off situation but who knows. So I am working from home today.

I apologize for the shortness of this post but I am running late and cannot be late for work.

Have a wonderful Thursday.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin