Second Half of the NEW YEAR.

Good Morning All,

We just arrived home from a nice walk a little while ago.

There is ever so slight of a breeze as the temperature is already begin to climb.

Supposed to be +26 degrees celsius today.

Which is warm considering the temperatures that we have been experiencing this summer.

In the some of our Canadian provinces east of Alberta the temperatures have been ugly hot.

With the humidex it has been almost too much.

I cannot imagine being a dog or cat or any animal including human in +40 temperatures.

Not for me.

While out and about we bumped into Humphrey and his Mom.

They were also out for some fresh air and sniffing.

Mom for the fresh air and Humphrey for the sniffing.

He likes to go into everyone’s front yard and sniff the trees and plants.

In a little bit after a late breakfast for me and a cup of coffee, I have decided to move up Mr. Alvin’s haircut.

Might as well get it cut before the heat of the day.

 

Last night after work Humphrey visited.

After supper and clean up I went over and picked up Bogart to introduce him to Alvin.

Alvin wanted to say hi but was a bit reluctant but the kitten just hissed and did a baby kind of growl.

We did go into the backyard and I placed the kitten down at one point but he was scared so I picked him up.

We spent a few hours just chilling on the sofa.

The kitten draped loosely around my neck, Humphrey dozing on Alvin’s doggie bed and Alvin stretched out on the sofa beside us.

By the time that I took the boys home, Bogart was hissing a bit less.

Alvin was panting so he clearly had some anxiety over the whole thing although he wanted to get close to the kitten.

I don’t think he has seen a kitten before in his life.

Not so easy taking photos with a kitten in your arms.

I snapped these photos earlier in the day from my office window.

The deck was still wet from that wicked storm the night before …

I love my backyard.

Flowers have survived.

 

Gotta love a little kitten.

Well time to fly if I want to get Alvin’s hair cut down today.

I hope that you all have a wonderful Saturday.

Enjoy the day.

Each moment.

Living my life with kindness and respect.

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It is a NEW YEAR.

Oh what a beautiful morning,

Oh what a beautiful day.

It is sunny with a full on powder blue sky and there is a breeze wafting in through the office window.

Making this the most perfect Saturday morning.

Today June 20, 2020.

Hey 20, 20 20.

Cool.

Just realized that ….. okay slow to the party!

What can I say?

Added bonus I can hear the music of birds drifting in the breeze through my window.

 

Well we had a great Friday.

In the morning one of our neighbours and friends stopped by with Starbuck coffee for a little visit.

Alvin and I went for a walk at noon.

After work I cooked my first of three new meals from Good Food.

It was yummy.

After supper we walked over to our friends down the street.

We spent just over three glorious hours swinging on their patio swing.

Alvin sat in between us here and there.

He ran around the back yard not as much as previous year.

He was more content to just walk around sniffing.

Somehow in this immaculate yard he managed to find a bone of some sort tucked into the bed of river rocks under their deck.

The deck is off their dining room so it is raised and you take stairs up from the backyard.

Anyway, he found that darn bone.

We managed to get it away from him, not an easy task once he has his jaws secured.

In the beginning it was just me, Alvin and Irene.

A few minutes later her husband and our friend Norbert came down and joined in the conversation.

We had a great time.

Alvin loves them.

Norbert tried getting him to run after a ball he found in their shed but he was not really interested.

The train has left the station in that regard or at least most days.

It was so nice to sit outside in a private backyard enjoying great company on a Friday night.

They have the most lush and most delectable colour of green lawn that I have ever seen.

 

In 2020, the June solstice occurs on Saturday, June 20, marking the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

So what that means for us, is the longest day of the year.

Perhaps it might be close to 11 p.m. before the sun actually goes completely “to bed” and darkness befalls us.

 

Well on this longest day of the year.

It will be the usual suspects …. laundry, putz in the yard and garden, bit of cleaning.

RELAXING.

I see that on my calendar.

A walk sooner or later.

Likely later.

Supposed to be a warm one today.

 

Time to go and put on the coffee pot.

Get this party going.

Okay perhaps not quite anyone’s idea of a party but let’s get this going …..

 

Have an awesome day.

Remember to laugh and relax.

So some chores.

Perhaps help someone outside your household with a task or chore.

Living with kindness and respect.

 

As we continue our day living with kindness and respect,

I almost forgot to mention this good news.

Just as we were leaving last night to go out …. Humphrey’s Mom announced the newest member to their family.

A baby kitten name BOGART.

Welcome to our family and neighbourhood “little one.”

I see visits in our future for sure.

 

Happy Days.

 

I/We shall remain,

As Always, Carol & Alvin

 

Oh, no another photo subject !!!

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Good Morning,

Another beautiful double digit day on the way.

Yesterday was gorgeous at  +15 degrees celsius.

Bright sunshine – just perfect.

 

After work once Alvin was done outside and with supper; we went for a walk.

I took my equipment with me and by that I mean a large black garbage bag and disposable gloves.

A couple of days ago or three now there was a bag of garbage strewn over a small area just inside our park; close to the trees by the water.

For two days we walked by and it was there each time.

This time I was not going to be one of the ones to go by and either think “who would do that” or just totally ignore the trash.

Not me, cannot do that.

It meant taking and using a big garbage bag and a pair of disposable gloves but my neighbourhood is important to me.

Not only did we clean that up but I filled to the brim two of Alvin’s poopy bags with small trash.

I will never understand how people can walk by and not pick it up.

Anyway, happy to report that once again the park is clean.

I noticed a few pieces of trash alongside the sidewalk closer to my house but I had run out of bags by the time I got home.

Does that not figure?

Anyway another job for this evening’s walk.

I am going to start carrying a plastic grocery bag (if I have any as I use recycled bags).

Life in the fast lane.

We thoroughly enjoyed our walk.

I was so proud of my little rockstar as he stayed out of the garbage as I was picking it up.

You see I was holding him on his leash with one hand and picking up and holding the garbage bag with the other.

I managed.

After I raked all of the leaves on the weekend and cleaned the inbetween part with the stones; everyone else’s leaves had blown all over the yard.

So last night for the third time the front lawn was raked.

Humphrey was over (had picked him up after our walk) and the boys watched me through the living room window.

I also submitted some NORWEX orders.

It was a busy night but felt good to get some chores done.

The one thing that I didn’t do was the exercises …

I have been doing some stretching exercises for the past couple of days.

Makes a difference.

Will be doing them tonight.

 

Oh, we met Rosie’s Dad last night.

In the early morning I met Rosie and her Mom while waiting for my ride to arrive.

I must say that Rosie is a lucky pup.

They both think the world of her, too.

Another successful RESCUE story.

I hope to hear many more.

 

Oh, our Humphrey boy.

He is just so cute.

Well time to fly here.

I hope that you all have an awesome day.

 

 

Remember to fill your life with kindness and respect.

One small act of kindness can change someone’s life.

I guarantee it will change yours as well.

 

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

What a windy, rainy Thursday morning.

The rain appears to have set in for some time.

There is absolutely no sign of Mr. Sunshine anywhere.

No crack, no peep, no nothing.

Only grey ….. only grey….. as far as one can see.

It feels like a day when one should be curled up on the sofa under one’s most favourite blanket next to one’s favourite four-legged buddy.

Mr. Alvin, in my case.

Perhaps sipping on a mug of coffee or hot chocolate.

Maybe reading a nice book.

An actual book.

Just relaxing, enjoying life.

JOLT …. shaking head ….. blinking quickly ….. ARGH ….

 

Reality sits in and now I am dressed for work ….

No coffee, no blanket, no curling up with me Alvin.

Just doing the things that I always do on those mornings where I go to work.

Which seems like always.

Oh well ….

Ride will be here in a few minutes.

 

So grateful that we managed to get our walk in last night before the storm.

 

I am grateful to have a job – do not get me wrong.

The job …. the getting up in the morning …. allows me the luxury of having this house.

Our beautiful home.

Next to family and friends including all of our four-legged family and friends …. my house brings me so much joy.

I am most grateful…..

Even cleaning three bathrooms ….. is wonderful.

 

Well almost time to head downstairs one last time for this morning.

See if Mr. would like to go outside one last time before I leave.

It is raining …. so likely not.

Note to self …. fill Alvin’s water dish with fresh water (downstairs one).

 

I love my life.

My family

My friends.

My grand-pups, all of our fur friends.

Me Alvin.

My home.

My yard.

My life.

My job.

I am so blessed.

Thank you.

 

Kindness and Respect are always the way to go.

Sometimes I know you may think being kind and respectful is too much work or not worth it.

But trust me …

Always better to kind with respect.

Always.

Yes, Always.

 

Happy, Happy Thursday.

I guess I will be going out in the rain, too.

So grateful to have a ride and from work.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

 

Living … One day at a time.

Hello,

Overcast but warm morning.

Last night on our walk after work we just enveloped all that the world had in store for us; not rushing.

We found one of our neighbours who is also a good friend outside in her front yard.

Honestly they have the most wonderful yard …. the grass is the RICHEST of GREENS.

She planted her flowers and the colour gives an extra vibrancy to the space.

Absolutely gorgeous.

We chatted for several minutes.

Alvin just enjoyed the time.

He rolled about in the grass and then sat nicely.

Which is odd.

But appreciated.

After a time we continued on our walk.

As we approached the pond/park we kept our eyes focused for the baby geese; the goslings.

None of the family were to be seen.

Perhaps they were in the tall grass out of sight and interruption from humans and animals alike.

The dandelions are slowly taking over the grass in the park with their brilliant yellow flowers.

I personally like them when they are in flower.

Oh well.

We continued on our way until we reached P’s house.

Her husband called out from the upper deck where he was tending to the grill.

Our friend was down below and came out to meet us.

We went into the yard where I was again taken to another place by another beautiful garden.

P has the most exquisite flowers.

She has a green green thumb.

There were flowers blooming all over her yard.

We chatted and caught on the latest news in our lives.

She is our walking buddy.

Not every night but most.

Well I slept in and it is getting close to time to leave.

I hope that you all have a wonderful day.

Oh, almost forgot we have a family of birds living / nesting in our birdhouse in the back yard.

So excited.

I took photos with my new cell phone but have to figure out how to get them to my computer.

I am certain that it is easy.

Another story for another time.

Keep well.

Enjoying life one day at a time.

 

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Thursday the 18th day of April, 2019.

WOW, another gorgeous sky this morning.

The sunrise is a pale orange on the horizon reaching up to fluffy darker orange clouds filling in the dark blue sky above.

So beautiful.

How do you describe it?

Breathtaking.

No wind the trees are still.

 

Just as I was going to open the back door for Mr. Alvin a few minutes ago I happen to glance out of the kitchen window and saw a dark figure on top of the fence.

My heart fell for a moment.

As I swallowed hard trying to catch a better look at this uninvited guest.

I realized that it was a big grey and white cat (huge).

I know that Alvin and Humphrey get along but that is not always the case.

Did not want to see fur flying or blood at this time of the day (or at any time, really).

I grabbed my phone and there was static on the other end (another reason that I really do need to buy new phone or get a mobile phone) so I was unable to call my neighbour.

When Alvin and I went outside I noticed that her back door was open so I yelled to her as I knew that Humphrey would be in the back yard.

You never know how they will react to each other.

S came outside just after Humphrey let out this cry.

He was just claiming his territory.

All ended well with Humphrey chasing the stranger around the yard and into the tree and then he left.

Alvin in all of this just wanted to see the action.

He just heard what was going on.

Anyway, note to self, “Always check the backyard before Alvin goes out.”

So that was our excitement for this morning.

 

Well almost time to go and I do believe that Mr. Alvin did not “poop” in all of the excitement.

So we had better head downstairs so he can go.

Would be a long day if you had to hold it.

I could not do it.

 

I hope that you enjoy your Thursday before the long weekend.

I booked Tuesday off as well so that I will have an extra long weekend.

Oh, our all day off-site staff meeting was most enjoyable.

We had an on-staff Consultant lead a session by Sally Hogshead on how to be your best self in the workplace (there was a specific title but it eludes me at this point but that describes what it was all

about).

I quite enjoyed it.

But as always is a long time to sit in one spot and the chairs were not comfortable.

 

Time to fly.

Alvin is already up off his blanket.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter …. Hello my darling.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 20th day of March, 2019.

OFFICIAL first day of Spring.

YAY, we have spring.

Yesterday in Edmonton the temperature rose to plus 15 degrees celsius.

Like a summer day.

We are happy, happy.

Last night after work I received a phone call from our friend “P” who has the beautiful yard and garden.

My English (from England) friend.

They were just back from Hawaii last week.

She wanted to know if we wanted to walk with her and of course, I said “yes.”

We walked to the big lake and around it.

At one point we were about to cross the street and I stepped onto the snow patch and my foot was totally emerged in water.

What a great way to begin a walk with one wet foot.

Runner, sock and the foot WET.

It was so nice out, I shrugged it off and we continued.

Poor Mr. Alvin’s belly was so dirty …. and he was so wet.

We had a great chat as we walked.

She told me of the beautiful scenery on the island.

They also took in some high waves.

Apparently they were experience hurricane strength winds and the waves were incredible.

At a distance.

What a great way to begin the night.

AND then there was Humphrey.

He joined us …. I went and picked him up.

The boys are so cute.

Alvin wanted to play last night and brought out one of his toys.

So we had a bit of tug of war happening.

Humphrey likes his scratching board and lays on it.

They make me smile.

The ALOHA book was a gift from my friend P …. she thought I would like the flowers and it is something that I can use.

One quick story about the boys.

Humphrey had been outside.

I went to check and see if he wanted to come into the house.

Alvin decided to go back out.

They stood nose to nose.

Then Alvin turned around and faced me with his backside to Humphrey.

All of a sudden Humphrey gave him a gently nudge with his head.

Oh, if only I had a video ….

Cutest thing ever.

The boys then came into the house.

Happy Wednesday.

 

Special Hello to: all of my friends travelling …. looking forward to more stories.

Always, Carol & Alvin

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Wednesday the 26th day of September, 2018.

Today is the birthday of my favourite son-in-law.

Okay, I know he is my only son-in-law but he is still my favourite.

Alvin and I want to WISH him the best day.

We are looking forward to seeing him on Saturday for a party.

YAY.

Alvin has done all of the planning and he is so proud.

So excited.

 

Last night it was absolute perfection.

I got out my capri “sweats” and wore only a long sleeved denim shirt (no JACKET) and sandals.

YAY, so nice.

The air was warm, the birds were hanging out, folks were out walking with their pups, the leaves were so happy for the warmth that they were proudly displaying their greens.

The fountain was still flowing in our neighbourhood pond/lake.

Love the sound of water, like that.

I remarked to Mr. Alvin about the colour of one of the bushes by the lake it was a delectable green with pink coloured berries.

So so pretty.

There are some yellow, orange and red leaves for sure.

It was a perfect evening.

We so enjoyed our walk.

Our friends were out in the back yard preparing for the next season.

Even in FALL their yard is beautiful …. still some flowers blooming.

We stopped and had a nice visit.

 

Well almost time to put the finishing touches on before heading out to work.

Alvin is once again tucked up by my legs  ….. he does love his Momma.

So cute.

 

Have an awesome day.

No matter what lies ahead of you.

Just take it one step, one file, one job, one chore, one thing at a time.

That is all we can do.

It sometimes can feel daunting and overwhelming but in the immortal words of a wee character from one of my favourite Christmas (animated) movies: put one foot in front of the other and soon

you’ll be walking out the door…

 

Words to live by.

Special Hello to: my son-in-law …. Happy Birthday.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day ….

Good Morning and Welcome to Sunday the 16th day of September, 2018.

Day two of snowing.

Earlier this morning about 5:00 a.m. it was raining and since about 7:00 a.m. it has turned from rain to wet snow to just snow.

The pavement and sidewalks as they hold the heat are just wet.

The rooftops, grass and my deck are starting to once again look like winter.

ARGH, it is way too early to have snow.

Seems like only yesterday that it was winter.

I do love WINTER but would prefer that it started in like December or even mid to late November, but before mid September.

Well that is just crazy.

Mother Nature must be really holding a grudge this year or perhaps it is of our own doing.

Oh perhaps a bit of both.

 

At the end of the day I am grateful that we are having a bit of snow and not the flooding from the hurricanes to the south eastern areas of the United States.

Everyday people are posting photos of animals that are stranded due to the flood waters.

I understand that sometimes you have to just grab and run but why would you leave a poor dog tied to a tree or to a post in the yard.

I would understand if you had a cat and it ran away and you could not grab it but …..

I will never understand leaving them behind, I will never understand stranding them.

Any living creatures that are in your household are your responsibility.

We have to be good beings and do the right thing.

The one photo that will haunt me forever is one of a dog tied to a tree and all you can see is his head and those eyes.

I only hope that whoever took the photo rescued that poor dog.

 

I do know that there are a great many good people out there who risk their own lives to help all others whether two-legged or four.

They will always hold a special place in my heart.

They are the folks that we should all aspire to be.

 

This morning is coffee date with my two young friends.

I always enjoy spending time with them.

It has been awhile as they were busy over August.

Lot to catch up on.

I baked chocolate chip cookies with an extra special treat SMARTIES.

We will have some strawberries and gold fish crackers.

I know kind of an odd mix but it is just something to nibble on.

 

Well time to go as there is laundry to put away.

Get the coffee ready to turn on.

Finish the dishes that are in the sink, waiting patiently for me.

 

Also, I had to take one of my beloved sunflowers out of the garden as yesterday it broke off and was laying on the ground.

So sad.

First year that I have had sunflowers.

They were so tall and were starting to have those amazing yellow flowers and heads filled with seeds.

Maybe next year.

Will get some earlier.

 

I hope that you all have a wonderful Sunday.

Oh, I rented from my cable company “BOOK CLUB” and watched last night after supper.

IT was so FUNNY.  Almost peed my pants, funny.

OH and I made the most delectable supper with quinoa, roasted chicken, homemade peanut sauce and chopped green onions, celery, carrots, and broccoli.

So good.

 

Okay, I am going now …… sometimes I just babble.

I know.

 

Special Hello to: my friend “V” who made this crazy beautiful birthday cake for her Mom’s special day.  It was amazing.  She is so talented.

Always, Carol & Alvin

 

 

Thought for the day …..

Good Morning and Welcome to Friday the 27th day of July, 2018.

We made it through another week and a lovely weekend ahead.

The sky is overcast with that hazy pink smoky grey and on the other side of my house you can see the sun shining.

Funny how a direction can change things.

My carpool is not running again today as she had to make another trip to the hospital with her son.

Keeping them in thoughts and prayers.

 

Alvin decided for some reason unknown to me to get up at 3:00 p.m.

Perhaps it was due to his over eating last night.

After work and after Alvin was looked after, I checked my messages on FB.

I found one from the Momma of Master Teddy inviting us over for supper.

So I sent a message back stating we would love to come if it was not too late.

I called her as well but no answer.

A little while later the phone rang … it was our friend and she had been out for a walk with Teddy.

So supper was a go.

After completing a few small tasks we went on our walk and as they live on our route we stopped there for a visit and supper.

We had a great time.

She has a beautiful home and yard.

The evening zipped by and it was after 8:00 p.m. when we left … continuing our walk home.

Alvin got into Teddy’s food as Teddy’s food dish is always out and he just eats as he is hungry.

I could never do that with me Alvin – he would just eat it all at one time.

It was a great Thursday night.

I do not often go out during the week and seldom for supper.

It was a great treat and most appreciated.

Always so nice when someone else cooks.

She is a great cook.

We had salmon (it was so good).

 

Well my friends …. that was our evening.

I am so grateful to be surrounded by wonderful people.

I know sometimes work drives me crazy but I can come home to me Alvin, who even when he gets me up in the middle of the night, he is my light.

Tonight my daughter is picking me up after work and we are making a run to COSTCO.

Need a few things before the company arrives next week.

 

I wish you a wonderful Friday and that you are surrounded by love and light.

Happy Friday.

 

Special Hello to: my daughter, thank you for being you and for helping your Momma….

Always, Carol & Alvin