The New Year 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this morning? Alvin and I are doing great. I had a wonderful Mother’s Day yesterday. My daughter picked me up in the late morning so that we could arrive at Creekside Nursery & Garden when it opened. Wow, did it ever get busy fast. Initially we both thought that we would just look and pick up maybe the odd flower as it is too early to plant. Well that did not last long. By the time we got to the check-out our cart was filled to the brim, no room left for even the smallest container. I also picked up a cream coloured ceramic flower pot, three bags of potting soil, gardening gloves, fertilizer, and some plants which included tomatoes, greek oregano ( I did not know there was such a thing), begonias, violas, pansies and impatiens and lavender.

The photos are all from home except for the first two and the stock photo.

Photo by George Dolgikh @ Giftpundits.com on Pexels.com

My kitchen looks amazing. I will keep the plants inside until it is warmer to plant them. What a gorgeous workspace. My happy place. I apologize for the slightly blurry photos as they looked clear when I snapped them.

I hope that your Mother’s Day was awesome.

Well it is almost time to head downstairs. Get this Monday started.

Alvin and I had a quiet Mother’s Day evening which suited me fine.

The sun is shining this morning, there is a breeze, buds on the trees and even small small leaves on some of the trees.

Feels like almost summer now that I have my flowers.

Happy Days ahead.

Have a fantastic day.

Happy Monday.

I am so grateful for such a great Mother’s Day with my daughter, grateful for all the beautiful plants I was able to purchase, grateful to be alive, grateful for my darling Alvin and my son-in-law and my grandpups. Thank you for this great life.

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

Always, Carol & AL

The New YEAR 2022

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Sunday morning? Alvin and I are doing great. We had a good sleep including an early start, but that is okay. The sky is that glorious hue of blue and the sun is casting its’ beams off any objects it touches. What a beautiful morning. Al and I have had a glorious weekend despite the rather late start to the day yesterday. I only had one load of laundry to do as I had done laundry on my last day of vacation. Bonus points. After coffee and breakfast and the laundry was washed and dried, Mr. Alvin and I headed out for a walk. I only needed a sweater as it was so beautiful and I took Alvin’s water bottle/dish as well. It was so nice. We saw friends Norbert and Irene out giving some TLC to their lawn and stopped to have a little visit. Alvin loves their yard. While we were visiting another person and her pup walked by, we said hello. Sunny, her pup immediately rolled about on the freshly mowed grass. He was covered in dry grass but looked so happy. His Mom just smiled. There was also a brief conversation with a couple of men, who were having a conversation out front of a house on our way to the park. Everyone was outside and everyone was happy to chat and say hello.

We took our time as we continued walking to the park and once inside, I just let Alvin take the lead and allowed him time to sniff to his heart’s content. I just breathed in the fresh air which actually spelled like spring. We continued on our walk until we spotted a friend out in her yard raking the grass. She noticed us and walked toward us remaining in her yard as we walked to her. We had a long conversation over the fence. I had not seen her for awhile. I always love speaking to Lucy. Alvin sat on the grass and watched other people and their dogs going by, he didn’t flinch, just sat like the good boy that he is. Lucy and I spoke about so many things. Work, her homeland China, the environment, pollution, weather, gardening, people, and more. We had been chatting for likely well over thirty minutes when I happened to turn my head to see another friend out for a walk. I was surprised to see her. It was time for us to keep walking so I said good-bye to Lucy and joined my friend Gillian on her walk. Alvin really had a long walk but I figured with the break in walking he should be okay. We had a good chat on our walk and Gillian walked us home and then was going to head out for another lap. When I got home I saw that we had been gone for almost two hours. WOW. I felt like a million dollars. Refreshed and energized. What a time we had! Once home, I did a few things which included sweeping the floor, moving the IKEA shelves to a different angle in the kitchen, watered plants, finished a necklace that I had been working on, almost finished it anyway. At supper instead of cooking a pasta dish I decided to just have pizza again with a bunch of raw veggies. In between it all I gave Mr. Alvin his supper. What a great day even though we had such a late start. I think being outside was just what the Doctor ordered. After supper I watched an interview on NETFLIX with Oprah and Viola Davis. I was surprised and enthralled by her story. There were several things that we have in common and not her Tony or Academy award wins. She has a beautiful smile and I was sad to hear that people had told her that she was ugly. She is not. It was a great interview. Perfect timing. Then I decided to rent a movie from TELUS ON DEMAND. I couldn’t decide which one and then saw a new movie with Liam Neeson. I love him and decided that from the preview it looked good, so I paid the $7.00 and continued. The movie was called “BLACKLIGHT” and it was really good. A good story. Aidan Quinn was also in the movie and I have also liked him. A good night.

Now for today. My friend Gillian will be here in about one hour for coffee and instructions for looking after Mr. Alvin as I have to go to the office on Tuesday. This afternoon my daughter is coming for a visit. So much company and visiting this weekend and clearly just what was needed. I will be making the pasta dish for supper tonight and setting up my workspace in the kitchen after supper cleanup.

I hope that you have a great Sunday. If you have the opportunity or perhaps make the time to GO OUTSIDE. Say hello to people. Enjoy the sunshine. I hope that the sun is shining wherever you are and that you are well.

I am grateful for the sunshine, warm temperatures and family and friends and for good health and for Mr. Alvin. Grateful for life and for spring. Renewal.

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

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. life is good!

2021

Good Morning ALL! How are you this Saturday. We are happy that today is Saturday and the weekend. We had a good sleep last night and in less than two hours we are going to have company for coffee/tea on the deck. I am so excited to spend precious wonderful time with two of my dear friends. Today is supposed to be 18+ celsius so hopefully by the time they arrive the temperature is warm enough to sit on the deck. It should be as it was a few weeks back on a sunny winter/early spring day we say outside on the deck in the morning sipping on our coffee and even had to take off our coats. The sun is not shining but appears to be slightly overcast. There was no mention of rain in the forecast. The sun will be shining by 10:00 a.m. – yes it will. Positive thinking. Thoughts become things.

Yesterday as you know my daughter was picking me up to take me to the office for the day. While it was great to see the handful of folks that were working on the floor – in the area where I was stationed; I truly missed the comfort of my home. My beautiful plants that line my workspace. I missed Mr. Alvin. I missed our walk at lunchtime. Our workspaces are small with barely enough room to turn around so having my space at home is wonderful. I am grateful that I am able to work remotely from home and am wishing with my whole heart that I am able to continue this. Alvin was more than excited to see me and although our neighbour had come over and spent time with him, took him out for a pee and gave him some treats – he still had to spend time alone. He is 12 years old now, a senior. Well I am so relieved that I had someone able to come in and look after him for a bit. I do have the absolute best neighbours. My daughter brought me home with a quick stop at the grocery store. Thankfully we were home by 4:30 p.m. First thing I did was to let Mr. Alvin outside after his quick hello and mad dash to the back door. We had a visit with my daughter before she left for home. As I had already fed the boy after my daughter left for home, we got ready to head out for a walk. OH my gosh, it was so lovely. The sun was shining down on our neighborhood so gloriously. I had changed into some capri type sweats, tank top and light sweater pushing up the sleeves and some light shoes with no socks, harness on Alvin (after spending a few moments trying to catch up to him as he ran back and forth under the table before he finally ran to the back door, where I was able to put on the harness) and then we were on our way. Yes, I had some poop bags in my pocket, along with the house keys and I put on my sunglass clips. We decided to walk around the ponds by our house. Life is beginning to stir around the ponds. I noticed a few days ago that two geese are strutting around the grassy area by the ponds (park area). Likely Mr. and Mrs. and perhaps they have already laid their eggs. I cannot wait for the goslings to be born. Soon there will be buds and leaves on the trees. The grass is beginning to turn green in spots. We walked by our friend Pauline’s house but she was not outside. I love our visits in her backyard or over the fence when we are out for walks. We continued on our way until we were coming up on Alvin’s BF’s house; at the neighbours they were having some roof work done (fixing and replacing shingles) and there was a huge truck parked partway in the street and covering the sidewalk so we had to cross the street before Teddy’s house. Alvin kept pulling like mad as if to say “why are we going away from his house.” When it was safe to cross, he pulled with such great force, he almost pulled me over. He pulled like mad to go to Teddy’s house so we went and as it was late, I thought we would catch them in the middle of supper. I was fully prepared and when Teddy’s Mom answered the door, the first words out of my mouth were “I am sorry, Alvin just had to come in.” We both giggled as Iris said “I had just called you to see if you guys were up for a walk.” I then said Alvin must have extra good intuition. So we went for a walk. Three pups and two humans. Alvin and I made up for missing our lunchtime walk. It was nice to catch up with her. Once back home, I made my supper and by this time it was after 6:00 p.m. so needless to say it was late when I had supper. But by just after 9:00 p.m., I was ready for bed. Pooped, one may say! What a busy day.

Well the time is passing and the girls will be here in just over one hour and I need to hit the shower. I found after being in the office and surrounded by paper (as I was doing a massive mail out), I just felt grungy. Fresh hair will feel good.

The other night when I was cleaning out one of my pantries, I found a box of bulbs that Teddy’s Mom gave me in the winter time or maybe it was last fall. Anyway they should have been planted by now so will plant them and hopefully they will grow and bloom, even if it is late.

Wishing you a great Saturday.

Remembering to live with kindness, respect, compassion and patience. It is easy to “fall off the truck” so to speak as we are human but what makes us better is that we get right back up and do better. When you have a moment like I do, like we all do. Own it, say it and just get back to living with kindness, respect, compassion and patience.

Always, Love Carol & Alvin

Future flowers – once plant bulbs

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  Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

2021

Good Morning ALL. How are you doing today? Alvin and I are well. He has a regular Vet appointment this afternoon. He is waiting patiently outside the office for me to finish ( I just started ). I should not “say” that he is patient as his patience is much less than mine most days. So Tuesday morning. At one point yesterday I made a comment in our TEAMS CHAT that would make one think that yesterday was further in the week, not a great way to start. Oh well, the phones were busy for the first hour or so and then lessened so I was able to get some mail done which was great. The mail is “stacking” up so to speak. Our walk at noon was great. Another gorgeous day. We have been so lucky. One thing though we do not have much snow left. The deck is getting more and more bare.

I was wondering if the African Violet originated from Africa? The blooms are ever so delicate and the leaves remind me of a rounded spade in shape. So pretty. Actually I have determined in the last almost year that I have been working from home that I may actually have a green thumb due in large part to most of my plants having a home in a south facing window. I have a bay window in the kitchen and the plants are thriving there. This is near my workspace and it has been great being close to beautiful plants as I work. Some of my Geraniums have beautiful pink flowers at this time, the red leaves of the Poinsettias are gorgeous and I have several other plants including a Spider plant which I moved just recently to the dividing half way between the kitchen and the living room. I hope that it will have enough light in that spot. I have so many plants that they are getting kind of crowded. I enjoy having a “green” workspace.

Well I am at a loss as what to share this more. Writer’s block, perhaps.

I hope that you are doing well, that you are in good health and remembering to take some time for yourself. Self care is very important and something to remember especially at this time.

With that, I remain living my life with kindness, respect and compassion.

Take Care.

Always, Carol & Alvin

P.S. I am planning Mr. Alvin’s 12th Birthday party for Sunday, January 24th, 2020.

Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Evening,

I know folks have wondered what happened to us the past couple of days as I have not posted my daily post.

Mr. Alvin as you know has been suffering from some health problems as of late.

He was not himself over the weekend.

At lunchtime today I was able to get him into see his vet.

My daughter drove from her home in Spruce Grove to take us.

I appreciate all of her help and support.

She found that he had a pulled muscle in his neck.

Well that would account for many of his actions over the few days.

To add insult to injury we had the hottest day in over a year.

Tomorrow is to be hot as well.

One of the medications that his vet prescribed was Robaxin (if I got the spelling correct).

For some reason not very many pharmacies keep it in stock.

That makes me wonder.

It is a specific dosage and perhaps that is why.

Anyway as I drip from the heat of the day and with a slight reprieve from the coolness of the night air.

Definitely cooler outside now than in the house.

Wished we could sleep on the deck.

 

Anyway back to his pills.

A pharmacy down the way from his Vet is going to order them in and hopefully should have tomorrow.

That will totally help his neck muscles.

 

As he has to limit climbing and actually he has not been climbing the stairs, I have been carrying him up and down when necessary…

I have decided and have already moved my workspace down to the kitchen table.

Seems odd but it actually works quite well.

Only for this week as I am on vacation after Friday.

 

One of my favourite entertainers … talk show host ….. Regis Philbin passed away over the weekend.

He was 88 only and only a month away from 89.

Regis was one of a kind and there are not many of those truly good people left.

The ones that you never heard a bad word about ….

A true legend and beloved man.

Rest in Peace, Sir.

 

Alvin is not doing well with the added heat so I have to cut this short.

For this week, I will be posting my blogs at night before bed.

 

I hope that you are keeping cool and dry.

There is such extreme weather everywhere.

Take care.

 

My son-in-law had been in the neighbourhood late this afternoon having his teeth cleaned.

I was happily surprised when I saw him pull up in front of the house.

He came to the door with something in his hand.

He stopped at Dairy Queen and picked up my favourite frozen treat.

Buster Bars ….. with peanuts and chocolate and ice cream.

What a sweetheart.

I am truly blessed to have the most thoughtful kids on the planet.

 

With kindness and respect,

I/We, shall remain

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday, May 1st, 2020.

A bright and sunny one with a bit of a breeze happening.

 

Did you ever think in a million years that you would be working from home?

Did you ever think in a million years that you would be laid off from your job because of a VIRUS?

Did you ever think in a million years that your children that school would be cancelled for basically six months?

Did you ever think in a million years that one VIRUS could basically shut down the planet?

Did you ever think in a million years that the skies would be more clear?

Did you ever think that major car manufacturers would shut down?

Did you ever think and this is a big one that we would be told to “stay at home.”

Well there are likely a lot more questions that are floating through our minds at this time.

I never thought with my job that I would be working from home.

Surprisingly the majority of my job can be done from home.

I wonder as result of this virus how many offices will give their employees the choice to work from home?

Perhaps some will return for only one or two days a week and the rest of the time work from home.

For some employers this may cut down on their overhead and be more profitable.

Not everyone can easily work from home.

Now if you have small children at this time it is difficult.

Or any children as they are all at home now.

For some parents they are trying to both work and teach school to their children.

Online schooling only works for those who have computers.

Unfortunately as much as we would like to think that everyone has one, everyone does not.

Most folks no matter their lot in life – has a cell phone.

You see that all of the time.

 

So on the first day of May, this all has me thinking.

For me, this has turned out to be a blessing in many ways.

No commute and this saves me anywhere from  1.25 hour to 2.5 hours.

That was all dependant on whether I was carpooling or catching the bus.

So much more time at home.

I can start my evenings at 4:00 instead of 4:45 (car) or 5:30 (bus).

That has been wonderful.

The most important blessing is that I have so much more time with Alvin.

His waistline does not think so.

We have been walking twice daily.

With Alvin getting older I really appreciate this time with him.

He has my new schedule down pat and when I am running late he just stands in the doorway and stares at me.

Telling me, you are done ….. shut off the computer or get off the phone.

It is my time now.

Despite the many blessings the downfall has been not seeing family and friends more regularly and going out.

I have not left my immediate neighbourhood except for walking since the early part of March.

No shopping have I done.

We are figuring out how to visit with keeping within the social distancing parameters.

Last Sunday was our first coffee date.  Me and my two young girl friends.

That was amazing.

We will have to do that again very soon.

My daughter came over on Wednesday and we worked through that visit as well.

Now that our friend P is out working in her garden, we can stop for a visit on our walk.

So it is getting easier with this warmer weather.

 

Well time to grab coffee and pick up the poop.

I have so  much work to do and need to get a bit of an early start.

Grateful for a nice bright sunny morning.

 

I wish you a wonderful Friday, May 1st.

May you be surrounded by love and support.

May you spread the kindness and respect to all.

 

Happy Friday.

 

I/We Remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

I cannot get enough of this photo.

Taken only a few weeks ago, I think.

Days running together.

He looks like a puppy not an 11 year old.

Love Me Alvin ……

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Tuesday morning,

Sky is overcast

No sign of a beautiful sunrise.

Unsure of what the temperature is this morning.

Alvin is resting on his little bed beside in between my home and work stations.

I propped up my laptop more than previously with hopes that I will be closer to being ergonomic.

I am also going to use a foot stool to prop up my legs.

I have been suffering with lower back pain as a result of not having a very proper set up.

There is a nice desk and chair but with the laptop sitting on the desk I am looking down up not at eye level.

So hopefully this will help.

By the end of four days at home, my back feels better.

I tried to ensure that I was sitting properly and getting exercise.

 

One of my friends dropped me by another Easter dinner this one has ham and scalloped potatoes (tonight’s supper).

We chatted ensuring that we were keeping the proper social distance.

She had found this exercise for lower back pain from sitting improperly at desk.

My friend also mentioned that she has been doing this for a few days and thought it was helping.

So you lay flat on your back on a yoga mat or on the carpet.

Place a rolled up towel in the small of your back (not a big towel).

Then raise your arms on the floor but above your head with your palms down so that your pink fingers could touch (if you can).

Then your legs out front on the floor stretching your big toes toward each foot.

Do this stretching for five minutes whenever possible.

Maybe at a coffee break if you are working from home.

 

Well I slept in this morning …… so time to run and grab the coffee before starting the work laptop.

I hope that you were able to get some rest whether you are working or not.

Take care.

Be safe.

 

Walking today ….. yes we are.

 

Be kind and respectful.

I/We remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

It is a NEW YEAR.

Good Morning, 2020 has certainly turned into a year that no one unexpected.

Alvin had me up every couple of hours last night so I am feeling tired and grumpy.

Trying to turn those feelings into energy and positivity.

We were at the VET yesterday for his regular nail trim and anal gland expressing (gross, I know).

Our Vet is closing on Saturdays now as she is down from a handful of staff to two.

They hope to remain open Monday through Friday but if they get run down or become sick that all changes.

Or even a member of their household.

That scares me more than anything not having Alvin’s Doctor available.

 

Thursday was my first full day of working from home and it was productive and good.

Friday was not.

Too much information.

Too many emails with updates from government.

A video from our CEO.

Information for our clients.

Emails regarding our workspace from home.

What to do with this and what to do with that.

So much too read and then work on top of it all.

I think all of that was too much for me yesterday.

 

Yes, I am feeling that I am not a computer person so that does not help.

I have a MAC and we are working on a WINDOWS based laptop.

 

We did go for a walk yesterday at lunchtime so that was nice.

Also walked to the vet after work.

Alvin’s friend Teddy came for a unplanned visit.

 

Now Alvin is resting on his blanket beside me, argh.

What a guy.

 

Well enough of blah, blah, blah.

We are all in this together.

I am just going to do what I can do.

 

I hope that you are well.

That you are not having too many overwhelming feelings.

Please reach out to others when you are able to.

I am so grateful to my family and friends for taking such great care of me and Alvin.

Walking is a good thing.

If you are able ….. get out out of the house.

Go for a walk.

Do the “social distancing.”

A new phrase for me and for most, I suspect.

Remember Kindness and Respect.

If you are overwhelmed at time, like me.

Sit down, close your eyes and visualize your happy place or someone that brings joy to your heart.

Stay away from SOCIAL MEDIA for a day.

Watch a movie no NEWS for a day.

We will get through this in time.

I know we will.

Be safe and in good health.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Well it is Friday, end of the first week back in our old newly renovated office space.

I must say I really like my workspace.

The noise level can sometimes be a major distraction but perhaps in time they will add some paintings or something to the walls to help absorb the sound.

Otherwise so far so good.

Last night we went for a walk but only as far as the park and Alvin turned back (there was no changing his mind).

I found a bit of bile on the main floor; so he definitely had an upset tummy and gas.

I noticed he has had gas for the past couple of days.

So back to only his food, his biscuits from the vet and only small amount of banana and perhaps carrots in the evenings.

No other treats.

I think sometimes it can be too much for the “old” guy.

But this morning all seems well.

I think that excess gas is an age thing.

I will admit that I suffer from “gas attacks” from time to time, okay more often than that.

LOL.

What can I say?

Alvin is resting on his blue blanket beside my computer chair.

He is always in a hurry to lay down on his blanket.

We have a routine.

That routine will be disrupted this weekend as tomorrow the Teddy and his little sister Kobi arrive.

They will be with us until next Saturday when their Aunt J arrives home from Mexico.

I am excited to visit with Aunt J and catch up.

We always have good visits and suppers together.

Tonight my daughter is picking me up from work.

I always cherish our time together.

 

Post from January 25, 2011.

How long is winter?

I had been asking myself that very question up until the past few days.

It feels like spring outside.

The sun is shining …… I can see and hear the snow melting from the roof …… hip hip hooray !!!

It has been so great that Alvin and I have been going out for walks everyday.

Life is always …. BETTER ….. MORE GREAT – when the sun shines and the snow is melting…..

Have a blessed day….

Always, Carol

In January of 2011, I was still a “retired” individual.

Home with Alvin.

A few months later our lives would change again when I went back to work.

For several years I worked two jobs.

Now just one.

 

I was going to post a random day from years ago and found just a short little post with my logo.

Strange how today the weather is similar, almost ten years later.

**********************************

 

Well almost time to head on downstairs.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

Happy Friday.

Be Kind and Respectful to yourself and spread that to all you meet (all).

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning and it is Monday, the 23rd day of December 2019.

Can you believe it?

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve.

The house is quiet this morning with only Mr. Alvin sighing and Humphrey resting downstairs.

Quite the change from yesterday about this time.

We had a great day yesterday and both Alvin and I were ready for bed last night early.

Humphrey went home earlier last night than I had planned as he was at the front door, clearly wanting to go home.

I went over and picked him up already, looked after Cynder, shovelled the front walks including some of the neighbours.

I threw my coat over top of my pj’s went I went to pick up Humphrey and feed Cynder.

It was kind of freeing to be outside in my pj’s covered by my coat.

Anyway.

I hear Mr. Humphrey came upstairs to join us.

I wanted to share some photos ….. let us try this once again.

Then I need some breakfast and COFFEE.

Then charging ahead with this day.

PHOTOS:

First ones were of the puppies and Humphrey taken yesterday.

Thankfully it was mild out so we went into the backyard often.

Teddy found himself a getaway spot on top of the sofa.

GIFTS all wrapped for all of our fur babies:  Alvin, Aspen, Milo, Humphrey, Teddy and Kobi.

The office shots were from our tour of our newly renovated office.

That will be my workspace.

Yup, just a table.

Desks are a thing of the past.

Where do I put my coat?

I did not see anywhere for our coats.

Next was the highly anticipated parcel from our friend in Regina.

Alvin “did not keep his paws off till Christmas”

He even tried to open my gift and since then it is on the table until time for opening.

The baking was also in the parcel and the bag of pretzels, nuts and other goodies was made by one of my coworkers and since I loved it so much, she brought me my

very own bag.

Well the guys are getting restless and I am hungry after my workout shovelling.

Time for breakfast and start some more laundry.

Perhaps I should think about getting dressed soon.

but then not I think not.

Well another casualty …. Humphrey was playing with a hanging that I had on the closet door.

He pulled so hard it came off the door and broke.

ARGH.

Time to go now.

I hope that you all have an awesome Monday.

Almost Christmas now.

 

Happy Monday.

Always, Carol, Alvin and Humphrey