It was the day before New Year's Eve - time to plan. And off we went to the city. There was banking to be done, a return to be made and Costco to pillage. All unfolded as hoped. Unfortunately when Our Ken opened the Christmas present box he had given Lee in preparation to position it before her return from Ontario, he found a broken shell of what should have been a lovely piece of furniture. Fortunately, having come from Costco it was an easy if somewhat wait-y return. It is a great company to deal with and testament to that is the line stretching from the counter out the door. Ken waited in line while Lee made a preliminary foray - finding the one remaining counterpart to the broken piece, put together and standing in pristine loneliness at the back of the store. Onto a cart it went - much to the relief of Our Ken who by that time was almost to the front of the line and might have had to speak to a stranger at the counter had Lee not surfaced - oh, and he was happy that there was a replacement for the gift, too. Added to the furniture were food items to create a progressive meal for New Year's Eve, two dog beds (on sale at Costco), a good supply of fruit and a crown roast of pork for New Year's day. Likely there were batteries as well but if Our Ken managed to get them into the basket, Lee didn't notice. After all, what is a trip to Costco without batteries!
The kennel is emptying with the visitors returning home for their New Year's celebrations. Waving good bye were Jake and Barbaro and Poe. Bailey is packing and certain that there cannot be fireworks in the city without her. The boyz remain to keep an eye on the Welsh and Norwich next door. Ruari can now bark like a Welsh - Heather, we apologize and will give you the phone number of the owners so you are able to speak to them about compensation. Wee Margaret is mighty impressed though and is giving some consideration to inviting him home for a sleep over. Roddi, conversely is quite taken with the Norwich. Crockett's leadership in the vocals appeals to him and he urges him on to even greater heights. Ruff has decided to stay to hold the side for the big dogs and is as equable as ever as he goes about his routine. There will be a couple of short term additions to the facility just to keep things going into the new year.
The house dogs are happy and well. Patti was delighted to see the addition of the new beds to the den floor and has managed, at her best moment, to spread herself over two beds with her head on a third, challenging all comers to reconsider their positioning. She does love new beds. Charlotte, though, came into the house, spied the new couch-style bed and that was all she wrote. She may have taken two long strides to get to it or she may have been airborne but she landed and it took all we could do to lure her out for her last in and out of the night. The beds were a hit. Added to the two at Christmas, there has been a good turn over. The day was a bit cooler so less mud is in evidence and there is actually a snow/rough ice cover on the drive that will make humans miserable for the winter but is preferable to mud in a winter sort of way.
Dinner was a change up. Our Ken is a bit tired of the bird so there were Italian sausages and mac and cheese (Patti's preference for future meals and one that Dover approves). A green salad and the end of the apple pie rounded things out nicely. And we are on to New Year's Eve day.
Regalridge Kennel
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Boxing Day week continues with warm weather
Well, the Eastern Seaboard has lots of snow, Virginia is covered in white and Regalridge remains green. There was a hint of weather to come overnight and then the rains came down. Under the farmhouse is a cistern and a spring - those with small boats are welcome to come for a row. The wells are full and we are ready for winter with a very high water table. That is the good news during this mud season. Marilla enjoys the digging and the rest demur. Lee began yet another battle of the paper. As always, the paper won but it was a valiant struggle and progress was made. Our Ken tried out his new waders (birthday gift while in Virginia) and pronounced them highly effective.
The kennel is running smoothly. Tom was in for a short while but had found high ground that needed plowing so was off with his truck and a smile. Gemini departed with a wave and guarantee of return next year. The weather was so wet and windy that the ins and outs were quick and purposeful. Everyone is eating well with no hanging back. Roddie is eating his potion with alacrity and Ruari is feeling hard done by - he managed to work a piece of turkey from Our Ken as compensation. The Welsh and Norwich contingent are thriving with Crockett taking the lead in the complaint department. Outperforming the Welsh is a feat, particularly since Wee Margaret and Shillelagh have discovered Nemo, have determined that he is Bevan come back and are bonding with him as they plan his escape for the trip to the airport and on to Halifax. They are sure there is a space for him and that Margaret won't even notice. We concur. Jake and Barbaro are fit and happy. Barbaro is not impressed by the water falling from the sky and stands under the shelter in the big yard while Jake explores. Barbaro has developed a smile and offers it up at bedtime for his milk bone. What a great fellow he is. Poe is Poe. Naomi and Moses. are fine. They love the big yard regardless of weather. Moses in managerial fashion takes over the entire property as his territory so reviews all areas as he moves about. A four star general in the making is our Moses. Old Bailey is great. She loves company and spent this day with Nemo, Sarah the Airedale and the Cirneco. That suits Bailey who finds a plethora of games open to her with this crowd. Ruff and Maxifer are great pals and played Golden games although neither likes rain - good sporting dogs but a bit sensitive perhaps!
By late afternoon, Crocodile Dundee appeared on the television and everyone took a break. As little May settled on Lee's knee, Piper experienced a moment of green eyed monster and crawled up as well. Two hours of an Airedale in your lap is an interesting experience. Ken tried not to watch. Dover has agreed to eat biscuits if they are moistened, enjoys her prime rib and turkey as well as the occasional piece of tortière and even some Caesar. She is acclimating. Nick is patrolling the kitchen - hope springs eternal. Patti is thriving and all is well with the rest.
Dinner was turkey revisited and went well. And we are on to another day - Lee is off to Ontario for a quick trip to judge some dogs so the blog will be silent for a day or so.
The kennel is running smoothly. Tom was in for a short while but had found high ground that needed plowing so was off with his truck and a smile. Gemini departed with a wave and guarantee of return next year. The weather was so wet and windy that the ins and outs were quick and purposeful. Everyone is eating well with no hanging back. Roddie is eating his potion with alacrity and Ruari is feeling hard done by - he managed to work a piece of turkey from Our Ken as compensation. The Welsh and Norwich contingent are thriving with Crockett taking the lead in the complaint department. Outperforming the Welsh is a feat, particularly since Wee Margaret and Shillelagh have discovered Nemo, have determined that he is Bevan come back and are bonding with him as they plan his escape for the trip to the airport and on to Halifax. They are sure there is a space for him and that Margaret won't even notice. We concur. Jake and Barbaro are fit and happy. Barbaro is not impressed by the water falling from the sky and stands under the shelter in the big yard while Jake explores. Barbaro has developed a smile and offers it up at bedtime for his milk bone. What a great fellow he is. Poe is Poe. Naomi and Moses. are fine. They love the big yard regardless of weather. Moses in managerial fashion takes over the entire property as his territory so reviews all areas as he moves about. A four star general in the making is our Moses. Old Bailey is great. She loves company and spent this day with Nemo, Sarah the Airedale and the Cirneco. That suits Bailey who finds a plethora of games open to her with this crowd. Ruff and Maxifer are great pals and played Golden games although neither likes rain - good sporting dogs but a bit sensitive perhaps!
By late afternoon, Crocodile Dundee appeared on the television and everyone took a break. As little May settled on Lee's knee, Piper experienced a moment of green eyed monster and crawled up as well. Two hours of an Airedale in your lap is an interesting experience. Ken tried not to watch. Dover has agreed to eat biscuits if they are moistened, enjoys her prime rib and turkey as well as the occasional piece of tortière and even some Caesar. She is acclimating. Nick is patrolling the kitchen - hope springs eternal. Patti is thriving and all is well with the rest.
Dinner was turkey revisited and went well. And we are on to another day - Lee is off to Ontario for a quick trip to judge some dogs so the blog will be silent for a day or so.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Boxing Day was restful by Regalridge standards
Boxing Day is now behind us. With the perennially cloudy days and warm temperatures, the area is readying for another mild winter. The Nor'easter coming up the Eastern seaboard will bring us yet more rain and winds - albeit less windy than last week's hurricane force gales. Other areas of the Maritimes are not so fortunate and the seas have been a force to contend with - storm surges and erosion are the order of the day in many areas of the Northumberland Strait. The continent's weather has started to mess about with the return of the owners of the visitors. Faye had the option of leaving Alaska for an extended visit (lay over) in Seattle where coffee is good but not that good. She opted for a later flight that might not take three days. The Rodds sis manage to leave in time t o collect the little one and Prince Darby, making their way home to PEI before the storm. Annie's abilities vis-a-vis The Messiah were a surprise so with luck she will share her talents when she gets home. There were blizzard pictures sent from Virginia with a snowman featured prominently. The South appears to have received coal in its' stocking again this year. And again is blaming poor old Texas for all of its woes. Fortunately Linda has an all wheel drive vehicle and a snow shovel. She is likely the best prepared of all true Southerners.
The kennel continues to rock. Bailey and Gemini are managing to keep a lid on the activity levels, tempering Maxifer the enthusiasm of the younger crew. It was a pleasant day to be outside so all were out for long and active plays. Bailey befriended Sarah the Airedale and put up with Nemo trailing behind her and Trebia sailing past at speed. Barbaro had a play with his heroine as well so it was another busy day for Bailey. Barbaro has also discovered Scooter with her ball tricks and Welsh intensity. He visits with her on each trip in and out and may be taking lessons for practice at home. Jake watches this disloyalty with a bemused expression. Maxifer and Gemini bonded and had a good day exploring their yard. The Schenk dogs continue to entertain Roddie and Ruari - the boyz consider them the perfect Christmas present and send their thanks to Warren and Heather. They are practising hard to perfect the pitch of the Welsh while maintaining the constancy of the Norwich vocals. In case any are hoarse prior to leaving, we are making Christmas Cd's for both families. Moses is still in charge - of what we aren't quite certain - but he is secure in his belief that all is well only because he is in residence. Naomi shakes her head.
The house dogs are well and happy. Dover is eating our meals and going in and out happily. She is learning the area in the kitchen and confines her wanders between the water dish and the Norwich bed with occasional forays outside to see if her Mother has returned. So far, there are no sightings. Patti is happy, moving easily and eating well. She too, of course, eats only what is proffered from the kitchen taking the potion as dessert at the end of each meal. How do they manage to train us so well! The Sound Of Music was on offer last night and seasonal tradition requires that it be watched. the dogs were thrilled. With hours of commercials between snippets of show, CBC managed to draw the musical out for the entire evening. Paula and the Norwich had laps, Atlas slept next to Lee with his feet in the air, Nick had the big bed, Patti had the green orthopaedic one but managed to stretch her neck to keep it on the bolster bed as well. Piper had claimed the bolster and put up with Patti's over bearing presence. Marilla had the new brown fur bed and Lori managed to take the new animal print. Charlotte was late to the party. She spent her evening walking in and out of the room, staring at each sleeping dog in turn and turning to march to an adjoining walkway and fluff up the floor for several minutes in Charlotte-like frustration. By late evening, Piper found the heat of the stove too much and moved to the head of the parade route, freeing up Charlotte's favourite bed. It was quickly taken. And Lori had missed the parade on Christmas night. She was hard on Piper's heels this night and made it through the door with Lee for the passing out of the Denta Stix.
There was a haddock and bacon chowder made for lunch much to Our Ken's approbation. That had followed a breakfast of French Toast so Ken was happily fueled until a late dinner appeared. The end of the prime rib seemed right for Boxing Day so appeared with lovely roasted potatoes done with Brady Street coating and the ubiquitous frozen peas that Our Ken so enjoys with this particular meal. There were Christmas cookies throughout the day and apple pie also was on offer. Life unfolded nicely at the table.
The kennel continues to rock. Bailey and Gemini are managing to keep a lid on the activity levels, tempering Maxifer the enthusiasm of the younger crew. It was a pleasant day to be outside so all were out for long and active plays. Bailey befriended Sarah the Airedale and put up with Nemo trailing behind her and Trebia sailing past at speed. Barbaro had a play with his heroine as well so it was another busy day for Bailey. Barbaro has also discovered Scooter with her ball tricks and Welsh intensity. He visits with her on each trip in and out and may be taking lessons for practice at home. Jake watches this disloyalty with a bemused expression. Maxifer and Gemini bonded and had a good day exploring their yard. The Schenk dogs continue to entertain Roddie and Ruari - the boyz consider them the perfect Christmas present and send their thanks to Warren and Heather. They are practising hard to perfect the pitch of the Welsh while maintaining the constancy of the Norwich vocals. In case any are hoarse prior to leaving, we are making Christmas Cd's for both families. Moses is still in charge - of what we aren't quite certain - but he is secure in his belief that all is well only because he is in residence. Naomi shakes her head.
The house dogs are well and happy. Dover is eating our meals and going in and out happily. She is learning the area in the kitchen and confines her wanders between the water dish and the Norwich bed with occasional forays outside to see if her Mother has returned. So far, there are no sightings. Patti is happy, moving easily and eating well. She too, of course, eats only what is proffered from the kitchen taking the potion as dessert at the end of each meal. How do they manage to train us so well! The Sound Of Music was on offer last night and seasonal tradition requires that it be watched. the dogs were thrilled. With hours of commercials between snippets of show, CBC managed to draw the musical out for the entire evening. Paula and the Norwich had laps, Atlas slept next to Lee with his feet in the air, Nick had the big bed, Patti had the green orthopaedic one but managed to stretch her neck to keep it on the bolster bed as well. Piper had claimed the bolster and put up with Patti's over bearing presence. Marilla had the new brown fur bed and Lori managed to take the new animal print. Charlotte was late to the party. She spent her evening walking in and out of the room, staring at each sleeping dog in turn and turning to march to an adjoining walkway and fluff up the floor for several minutes in Charlotte-like frustration. By late evening, Piper found the heat of the stove too much and moved to the head of the parade route, freeing up Charlotte's favourite bed. It was quickly taken. And Lori had missed the parade on Christmas night. She was hard on Piper's heels this night and made it through the door with Lee for the passing out of the Denta Stix.
There was a haddock and bacon chowder made for lunch much to Our Ken's approbation. That had followed a breakfast of French Toast so Ken was happily fueled until a late dinner appeared. The end of the prime rib seemed right for Boxing Day so appeared with lovely roasted potatoes done with Brady Street coating and the ubiquitous frozen peas that Our Ken so enjoys with this particular meal. There were Christmas cookies throughout the day and apple pie also was on offer. Life unfolded nicely at the table.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Christmas was a good day
Christmas arrived - a lovely day at Regalridge with cloudy skies but no precipitation. We did momentarily envy Linda as she regaled us with the stories of the copious amounts of snow in Richmond - but in the spirit of the season, we got past that emotion quite speedily. The day unfolded as planned - always a plus on a property where change is the bellwether. There were great numbers in our bird community with the feeders at maximum capacity all day. It appears that the sack of unshelled peanuts Our Ken bought as a gift to the feathered pals was a success and cousins from all over the County joined in the extravagance. Phil has surfaced for another season to join the gaggle of Philomenas under the chestnut tree. And Chantelle found a wonderful canvas of three Phil pheasants for Ken for Christmas. That was well received. Other high points of the day included our great conversations with friends and family, early glasses of champagne and cranberry juice and pretty decent grub.
The kennel is full but uinder control. The majority are large dogs and they are a great crew. Barbaro, Jake and Bailey enjoyed a good play, gave four paws up for the food and treats and had a good day. Old Gemini and Nemo bonded and shared a run with Trebia who has requested a visit from Barrett as her gift. She finds the geratric yard less than fulfilling. Naomi and Moses had a good day, sorted out the locals and returned to their beds to rest for another round. Darby is happy in his run and is enjoying Sarah's company. Bailey moved from Barbaro's adoring gaze to also bond with Maxifer the latest Golden arrival. Maxifer settles quickly and is enjoying the kennel's offerings. The little crowd is having a whale of a time. Roddi and Ruari are eating well, happy to go out and Ruari and Sarah chat about the Welsh and Norwich arrivals. Shillelagh adn Wee Margaret are well and enjoying the bounce back as they voice their approval of the country, only surpassed by Crockett's strident tones. Zeus is the calm and level member of the crowd. Dover continues in the house with the other Norwich and has managed to settle in to her upstairs suite. Turkey was on her menu of course and was well received. Annie has talents. As Lee prepared dinner, the Messiah was being played out on television. Annie joined in with bravado and continued through the entire piece. It gives a totally different enjoyment level to the performance.
The house dogs are delighted with Christmas. There were treats on offer, really, really large milkbones to be had and new beds appeared. Patti was so tickled with the day that she decided to go upstairs to the bedroom at lights out. Piper was not amused by that addition since Patti prefers Pipers bed - and takes it. Einstein was so overwhelmed by the choice of boxes and bags to sleep in that he forgot to come to bed and will be out of sorts for days.
Meals on Christmas day seem to be large and frequent. Starting with fruit and biscotti (to Ken's query of the provenance and advanced age of 'these cookies'), brunch followed. With Our Ken's favourite sausages from the market across the road, eggs with truffle accompaniment and lovely bread, not to mention the ever-present champagne, food and drink was well received. Dinner was in the Regalridge tradition - turkey with traditional accompaniments and plum pudding with both sauces. Christmas cookies came and went through the day as did sweet breads an a lovely assortment of cheeses and fig crackers. We look forward to Boxing day.
The kennel is full but uinder control. The majority are large dogs and they are a great crew. Barbaro, Jake and Bailey enjoyed a good play, gave four paws up for the food and treats and had a good day. Old Gemini and Nemo bonded and shared a run with Trebia who has requested a visit from Barrett as her gift. She finds the geratric yard less than fulfilling. Naomi and Moses had a good day, sorted out the locals and returned to their beds to rest for another round. Darby is happy in his run and is enjoying Sarah's company. Bailey moved from Barbaro's adoring gaze to also bond with Maxifer the latest Golden arrival. Maxifer settles quickly and is enjoying the kennel's offerings. The little crowd is having a whale of a time. Roddi and Ruari are eating well, happy to go out and Ruari and Sarah chat about the Welsh and Norwich arrivals. Shillelagh adn Wee Margaret are well and enjoying the bounce back as they voice their approval of the country, only surpassed by Crockett's strident tones. Zeus is the calm and level member of the crowd. Dover continues in the house with the other Norwich and has managed to settle in to her upstairs suite. Turkey was on her menu of course and was well received. Annie has talents. As Lee prepared dinner, the Messiah was being played out on television. Annie joined in with bravado and continued through the entire piece. It gives a totally different enjoyment level to the performance.
The house dogs are delighted with Christmas. There were treats on offer, really, really large milkbones to be had and new beds appeared. Patti was so tickled with the day that she decided to go upstairs to the bedroom at lights out. Piper was not amused by that addition since Patti prefers Pipers bed - and takes it. Einstein was so overwhelmed by the choice of boxes and bags to sleep in that he forgot to come to bed and will be out of sorts for days.
Meals on Christmas day seem to be large and frequent. Starting with fruit and biscotti (to Ken's query of the provenance and advanced age of 'these cookies'), brunch followed. With Our Ken's favourite sausages from the market across the road, eggs with truffle accompaniment and lovely bread, not to mention the ever-present champagne, food and drink was well received. Dinner was in the Regalridge tradition - turkey with traditional accompaniments and plum pudding with both sauces. Christmas cookies came and went through the day as did sweet breads an a lovely assortment of cheeses and fig crackers. We look forward to Boxing day.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Christmas Eve is not a bad day
It was a day to prepare leading up to the big day. The last minute kitchen activity brought us to a new level. There was dressing to be made, dinner for Christmas Eve and last minute details including sauces for the plum pudding. Bread was on order for lunch as well as dinner so boules were rising as sauces were stirred. Somehow it all came together. Our Ken braved the stores not once but twice but only in the village and with specific quests. Apparently the activity level was at an all time high and there were traffic snarls - in Elmsdale! Remember, we have only two streets.
Little Annie and Darby arrived for a short visit. And in honour of the season, we gave Darby the present of a break from Annie. The little one came to the house to hang out with her sister Lily. She is a great little character and the two are having a wonderful playtime. Watching them we have decided to send Ralph and Don another youngster to keep Crispin happy - that is just what they need. Annie is tickled with all that life brings and couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the size of the Christmas Eve treats. She mentioned a serious talk with her owners on the drive home. Ken is smitten with Darby commenting each time he comes in on the handsome Airedale that he has become with his stately sit and carriage. Barbaro and Jake continue to thrive and we continue to be impressed by the pair. They too were tickled with the huge treats at bedtime and are waiting patiently for the upgrade that must surely come with Christmas day. Roddie and Ruari are well and happy in their advanced years. They have determined that the Welsh and Norwich were imported just for their entertainment and are enjoying that crew in all of their activity and joyful barking. No one appears to have shared with Roddi and Ruari or with Crockett and Wee Marged that they are no longer teen agers. Naomi is a bit more settled than is Moses who must be in charge of all things kennel. He takes his role so seriously. Barbaro is amazed by his devotion to the job and is giving some thought to being a manager-in-training but his enthusiasm for play overcomes that thought in about two minutes. Poe is being Poe. Barbaro notes that he needs a chill pill. Gemini and Bailey are well. Barbaro had his play with the Golden and is turning into a fine sporting dog - in all his Bordeaux outfits. Nemo notes that surely Lucy must be here somewhere?
The house dogs are well. Nick had a drive and came home shaking his head about traffic and parking lots. Piper managed Lee, of course. Marilla is wound up and ready for Christmas. She spent the day marching in Marilla-mode with a toy in her mouth and a gleam in her eye. The Norwich are enjoying Dover and have included her on the Norwich bed behind the flour container in the kitchen. That pleases Dover who is deigning to eat squash and tortière from her special dish. No dog food has yet passed her lips as far as we can tell.
Dinner was NS Christmas Eve. There was the homemade bread in the form of a sourdough boule, a salad of greens with strawberries, candied cashews and blue cheese dressing and a lobster newburg followed by Christmas cookies, washed down by champagne and followed by Christmas cookies while watching It's A Wonderful Life. Tradition reigns.
Little Annie and Darby arrived for a short visit. And in honour of the season, we gave Darby the present of a break from Annie. The little one came to the house to hang out with her sister Lily. She is a great little character and the two are having a wonderful playtime. Watching them we have decided to send Ralph and Don another youngster to keep Crispin happy - that is just what they need. Annie is tickled with all that life brings and couldn't believe her eyes when she saw the size of the Christmas Eve treats. She mentioned a serious talk with her owners on the drive home. Ken is smitten with Darby commenting each time he comes in on the handsome Airedale that he has become with his stately sit and carriage. Barbaro and Jake continue to thrive and we continue to be impressed by the pair. They too were tickled with the huge treats at bedtime and are waiting patiently for the upgrade that must surely come with Christmas day. Roddie and Ruari are well and happy in their advanced years. They have determined that the Welsh and Norwich were imported just for their entertainment and are enjoying that crew in all of their activity and joyful barking. No one appears to have shared with Roddi and Ruari or with Crockett and Wee Marged that they are no longer teen agers. Naomi is a bit more settled than is Moses who must be in charge of all things kennel. He takes his role so seriously. Barbaro is amazed by his devotion to the job and is giving some thought to being a manager-in-training but his enthusiasm for play overcomes that thought in about two minutes. Poe is being Poe. Barbaro notes that he needs a chill pill. Gemini and Bailey are well. Barbaro had his play with the Golden and is turning into a fine sporting dog - in all his Bordeaux outfits. Nemo notes that surely Lucy must be here somewhere?
The house dogs are well. Nick had a drive and came home shaking his head about traffic and parking lots. Piper managed Lee, of course. Marilla is wound up and ready for Christmas. She spent the day marching in Marilla-mode with a toy in her mouth and a gleam in her eye. The Norwich are enjoying Dover and have included her on the Norwich bed behind the flour container in the kitchen. That pleases Dover who is deigning to eat squash and tortière from her special dish. No dog food has yet passed her lips as far as we can tell.
Dinner was NS Christmas Eve. There was the homemade bread in the form of a sourdough boule, a salad of greens with strawberries, candied cashews and blue cheese dressing and a lobster newburg followed by Christmas cookies, washed down by champagne and followed by Christmas cookies while watching It's A Wonderful Life. Tradition reigns.
Friday, December 24, 2010
It is almost Christmas Eve
The count down continues. It was a day of connecting. After sorting through the house, the van was readied, Chantelle's gifts toted and we were off to Kennetcook. There more gifts were taken to the van, Chantelle's car was filled with her critters and we were off to Kentville where we met the Marshalls for lunch and to fill their vehicle with the van load of gaily wrapped boxes and bags. Paul and Linda happened to be in the same spot so we had a bonus visit with them, then were off to reclaim Regalridge.
The kennel is almost filled to the rafters. Poe arrived as did Ruff. Brunswick departed amid waving paws and that center of enthusiasm is returned to his home for the big day. And there is news. Barbaro has a new friend. He has had his eye on old Bailey for a few days now and this was the big day - Bailey joined him and Jake of course and Barbaro was in his element. He is crazy about the old Golden and she humoured him with a good spin around the yard and a half hour of play. Bailey will likely sleep until Boxing Day. Gemini was content to wander with Nemo and Naomi and Moses the Manager were in charge of yard three. With the wet weather and winds, the outdoors did not have its usual allure so it was more trips with shorter durations. Margot and Margaret's crew prefer a roof over their heads and barking company so are thrilled to have Roddi and Ruari in residence. There are many contests and each family feels it is the successful candidate. The boyz are eating well - you need fuel to voice your complaints as well as to compete with the Welsh and Norwich. Dover deigned to partake of the evening meal with Ken and Lee. We see how this is going to work. Now, there was also the long distance putting up of the Victoria-based Airedale ears. Part two will occur at a future date - perhaps.
The house dogs are fine - Patti is eating well and happy with better mobility in spite of the wet weather. The little Norwich are delighted to have Dover for back up and Dover is a compliant third albeit somewhat bewildered by her changed circumstances. There is increased interest in sleeping in the bedroom, but that appears to occur in hopes of a deviation into the living room for a spin around the tree and a sniff of the gifts. Einstein is happy with the entire season - there are boxes and bags everywhere that suit the cat-in-residence and the lights on the tree are mesmerizing, particularly when you can spread yourself over several boxes at the same time. Evenings offer up laps with people checking for Christmas specials on the television. All is well in the Regalridge dog world.
Dinner was a pre-Christmas special - Tortière with Ken's mother's chow, roasted potatoes and apple pie. Dover enjoyed it very much. We missed Margot and Margaret and Catherine and her family, our usual recitation of the Night Before Christmas (which would have been an evening premature but still . . . and think about Ken the Deliberate offering up a recitation of the Night Before Christmas without benefit of the book and doing it in tandem with Lee the Speedy). We hope for a great Christmas Eve day.
The kennel is almost filled to the rafters. Poe arrived as did Ruff. Brunswick departed amid waving paws and that center of enthusiasm is returned to his home for the big day. And there is news. Barbaro has a new friend. He has had his eye on old Bailey for a few days now and this was the big day - Bailey joined him and Jake of course and Barbaro was in his element. He is crazy about the old Golden and she humoured him with a good spin around the yard and a half hour of play. Bailey will likely sleep until Boxing Day. Gemini was content to wander with Nemo and Naomi and Moses the Manager were in charge of yard three. With the wet weather and winds, the outdoors did not have its usual allure so it was more trips with shorter durations. Margot and Margaret's crew prefer a roof over their heads and barking company so are thrilled to have Roddi and Ruari in residence. There are many contests and each family feels it is the successful candidate. The boyz are eating well - you need fuel to voice your complaints as well as to compete with the Welsh and Norwich. Dover deigned to partake of the evening meal with Ken and Lee. We see how this is going to work. Now, there was also the long distance putting up of the Victoria-based Airedale ears. Part two will occur at a future date - perhaps.
The house dogs are fine - Patti is eating well and happy with better mobility in spite of the wet weather. The little Norwich are delighted to have Dover for back up and Dover is a compliant third albeit somewhat bewildered by her changed circumstances. There is increased interest in sleeping in the bedroom, but that appears to occur in hopes of a deviation into the living room for a spin around the tree and a sniff of the gifts. Einstein is happy with the entire season - there are boxes and bags everywhere that suit the cat-in-residence and the lights on the tree are mesmerizing, particularly when you can spread yourself over several boxes at the same time. Evenings offer up laps with people checking for Christmas specials on the television. All is well in the Regalridge dog world.
Dinner was a pre-Christmas special - Tortière with Ken's mother's chow, roasted potatoes and apple pie. Dover enjoyed it very much. We missed Margot and Margaret and Catherine and her family, our usual recitation of the Night Before Christmas (which would have been an evening premature but still . . . and think about Ken the Deliberate offering up a recitation of the Night Before Christmas without benefit of the book and doing it in tandem with Lee the Speedy). We hope for a great Christmas Eve day.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Work happens to fill the time available
Our Ken spent yet another day wearing out shoes in his quest for inspiration, after a breakfast of Kendra's raisin bread and marmalade made in a bread machine. Lee, conversely, finished her wrapping (which includes all of Our Ken's wrapping with the exception of her own gifts which appear not to be presenting a huge workload). As the day unfolded, Kendra's Swedish Tea Cakes materialized as did a lovely sheet of orange cranberry biscotti (the recipe called for Grand Marnier so how could it not happen). Then it was on to dinner - Dawn and Jim were coming for a visit and Patti could hardly wait. The weather continues to be unseasonable - the winds are atrocious, the rain makes floors a mud pile as the dogs trail the outside in and the rosemary (a Mediterranean herb, remember) continues to thrive outside the kitchen window on the deck. Margot and Margaret suffered through a bump up to Business Class flight and were some of the first Canadians to land at Heathrow after its major 10 cm debacle. We are proud of their fortitude and even more impressed that they were able to find their way to the connecting flight and have made it to Catherine and Duncan in Scotland.
The kennel is rocking. Moses is a tough manager and offers orders not even couched as advice to all who will listen - and to many who won't. Naomi simply shakes her head. The two continue to enjoy their big exercise yard. Jake the Leader and Barbaro the Enthusiast are true favourites. Their joy in the big exercise yard, the view of the busy fruit and meat market and the birds overhead is second only to bedtime bones. Gemini and Old Bailey are holding up their end in number four yard. Roddi and Ruari are thriving and busy, carefully watching the outside conditions. Ruari is taking over more than his share of the bed - Roddi has requested a new brother. The boyz were happy to see Crockett and Zeus arrive - endless barking opportunities await. Sarah had a good view of the two miscreants as well and wagged her tail in greeting - she appears to like the little ones a lot. The Welsh - well, their barkers are yet to have broken but they are no worse than Crockett. Brunswick is carefully watching Moses - he aspires to the white hat but has much to learn before that happens.
The house dogs are tickled with constant commotion in the kitchen and are fascinated with the addition of old Dover to the mix. Dover is not amused but has begun to eat, albeit with great care. By dinnertime, she was interested enough in food to choke down prime rib and squash. We can see where this is going. Piper is tracking Lee to ensure forward momentum continues. Nick went shopping - which is telling in determining how hopeful Our Ken was of filling the vehicle with gifts. Marilla is the lead mudder and is carrying far more than her share of dirt and debris into the house, with a Marilla-laugh and gleam in her eye. Lori is a bit more settled as the winds diminish. The high point of Patti's day was Jimmy's arrival. She ran to the hall door and smiled - the first burst of speed and first smile we have seen in many weeks. She adores Jimmy.
Dinner was a pre-Christmas meal of prime rib with crusty roasted potatoes, squash and fiddle heads followed by an apple pie made from local Cortlands, cheese and cookies. There was Chex Mix of course at the beginning and lovely fig crackers to carry the cheese and olive spread that is John's favourite. No one left the table hungry. There also was impetus to fall into the Christmas container pile and unearth the dishes and centerpieces as well as the old world Santas. Let's hope that will be the end.
The kennel is rocking. Moses is a tough manager and offers orders not even couched as advice to all who will listen - and to many who won't. Naomi simply shakes her head. The two continue to enjoy their big exercise yard. Jake the Leader and Barbaro the Enthusiast are true favourites. Their joy in the big exercise yard, the view of the busy fruit and meat market and the birds overhead is second only to bedtime bones. Gemini and Old Bailey are holding up their end in number four yard. Roddi and Ruari are thriving and busy, carefully watching the outside conditions. Ruari is taking over more than his share of the bed - Roddi has requested a new brother. The boyz were happy to see Crockett and Zeus arrive - endless barking opportunities await. Sarah had a good view of the two miscreants as well and wagged her tail in greeting - she appears to like the little ones a lot. The Welsh - well, their barkers are yet to have broken but they are no worse than Crockett. Brunswick is carefully watching Moses - he aspires to the white hat but has much to learn before that happens.
The house dogs are tickled with constant commotion in the kitchen and are fascinated with the addition of old Dover to the mix. Dover is not amused but has begun to eat, albeit with great care. By dinnertime, she was interested enough in food to choke down prime rib and squash. We can see where this is going. Piper is tracking Lee to ensure forward momentum continues. Nick went shopping - which is telling in determining how hopeful Our Ken was of filling the vehicle with gifts. Marilla is the lead mudder and is carrying far more than her share of dirt and debris into the house, with a Marilla-laugh and gleam in her eye. Lori is a bit more settled as the winds diminish. The high point of Patti's day was Jimmy's arrival. She ran to the hall door and smiled - the first burst of speed and first smile we have seen in many weeks. She adores Jimmy.
Dinner was a pre-Christmas meal of prime rib with crusty roasted potatoes, squash and fiddle heads followed by an apple pie made from local Cortlands, cheese and cookies. There was Chex Mix of course at the beginning and lovely fig crackers to carry the cheese and olive spread that is John's favourite. No one left the table hungry. There also was impetus to fall into the Christmas container pile and unearth the dishes and centerpieces as well as the old world Santas. Let's hope that will be the end.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Progress is made - but more to come
Time marches on normally so why at Christmas does it have to be at a dead run? Every minute is now being used and from the tales of the stores told by Our Ken, we aren't alone. He has joined the hordes of men trolling the stores hoping for inspiration, the perfect stream of consciousness or even the glimmer of an idea. Pitiful, isn't it. Conversely, Lee had finished shopping, spent the day baking, wrapping, got the tree trimmed (well, trimmed enough that it can be deemed ) and ushering the various delivery and repair people in and out of the property. It was the day to clean the furnace, have oil delivered, have dog food delivered and on it went. Had there been any requirement for concentration or a period of unbroken activity, all would have been lost. The weather was dreadful - continued high winds and rain. The up side is that it is warm. Mud is the order of the season and even our mud-loving Airedales are becoming less enamoured of the conditions. Only Marilla is still airing out her ears and digging in the lovely soft earth. We assure the rest that this too will pass. We are advised on our nightly calls from Virginia that the south has indeed and once again made off with our weather. Thievery is alive and well below the Mason Dixon line. They have our snow and our cold and have the nerve to fuss about it. A hi-light of the day was a good chat with Ralph and Don in Victoria. Life is busy and Simon is assisting with the management of the new addition. Ears to be glued long distance are and interesting Christmas project that Ralph appears to be looking forward to. If anyone knows a source of Jiffy Sew or Tear Mender in Victoria, we would be happy to take suggestions. Apparently their Wal Mart is not as well stocked as are those on the East Coast - points are awarded for braving Wal Mart but no gold star since the trek did not result in any success (there is some suspicion that the parking lot may have been as far as they got but who can confirm?)
The kennel continues to fill. Margot's dogs arrived - three Norwich and two Welsh now ensconced in various spots including the house. Dover is not amused and would like a letter written to Santa ensuring coal is prominent and conspicuous in appropriate stockings. Crockett concurs. We are somewhat suspicious considering that they are Heathrow bound that this is simply a break from the dogs . . . Naomi and Moses are happy. Naomi loves the exercise yards and Moses is tickled to be in charge of the kennel - he takes the role seriously and works with gay abandon at the task. Bailey and Gemini are now best friends - the blind leading the blind as far as we can tell but they are delighted with each others' company. Nemo is helping them along and may be the most sentient of that triumvirate. Jake and Barbaro have decided that the end of the day is a favourite time with the doling out of the bedtime treats. They both wait expectantly as we wend our way down the hall and take their treats with a gleam in their eyes and great enjoyment. Roddi and Ruari would like to speak to someone who cares about them with respect to the weather. Rauri is running Our Ken a merry chase - refuses to come in his door and grins like mad when Ken has to go out and carry him in. It is even better when Our Ken forgets that the trap door is still open and Ruari scoots back outside to play the game yet again. Both are eating well and have set their routines, welcoming new arrivals with alacrity.
The Regalridge crew are well. Patti had a great day, with good mobility and a good appetite. Today it was grilled burgers with squash followed by chicken with potatoes. Lee is well trained. Lori detests the high winds and attendant noises. She is determined that bad things are happening and the only hope for salvation is to tear dog beds apart and hide in the fluff. Paula simply wants Lee to sit down - anywhere will do - so that she and the puppies in her belly can park on Lee's lap. That seems to be her greatest source of comfort. Nick's only consolation is watching the vehicle leave the driveway with Ken in control is that there is so much coming and going that he must stay and manage Lee's ability to keep things going.
Dinner included Lee's Christmas addition to the house of Chex Mix (remember, she grew up with one foot in the US and this is an integral part of any well adjusted Christmas celebration), panko crusted fresh haddock, potatoes and corn with the newest Christmas cookies (chocolate-ginger with crystallized ginger and Rocky Mountain chocolate rolled in icing sugar). There has to be one new cookie a year. It is generally not repeated because the basic cookies require that only one addition is possible - basics include Lee's Mom's Christmas collection - Peanut butter balls, Swedish Tea Cakes (think shortbread, walnut coating and blackberry jelly), Cherry flips (almond shortbread, cherry and frosting), Mocha Cakes (pound cake, icing and ground peanuts) and Scotch Cakes so the Chocolate-gingerbread is a nice and different addition for 2010. Add the Christmas Plum Puddings, two sauces and the Marmalade pudding and there you have it. Of course there are also the tea breads, homemade bread and biscotti.
The kennel continues to fill. Margot's dogs arrived - three Norwich and two Welsh now ensconced in various spots including the house. Dover is not amused and would like a letter written to Santa ensuring coal is prominent and conspicuous in appropriate stockings. Crockett concurs. We are somewhat suspicious considering that they are Heathrow bound that this is simply a break from the dogs . . . Naomi and Moses are happy. Naomi loves the exercise yards and Moses is tickled to be in charge of the kennel - he takes the role seriously and works with gay abandon at the task. Bailey and Gemini are now best friends - the blind leading the blind as far as we can tell but they are delighted with each others' company. Nemo is helping them along and may be the most sentient of that triumvirate. Jake and Barbaro have decided that the end of the day is a favourite time with the doling out of the bedtime treats. They both wait expectantly as we wend our way down the hall and take their treats with a gleam in their eyes and great enjoyment. Roddi and Ruari would like to speak to someone who cares about them with respect to the weather. Rauri is running Our Ken a merry chase - refuses to come in his door and grins like mad when Ken has to go out and carry him in. It is even better when Our Ken forgets that the trap door is still open and Ruari scoots back outside to play the game yet again. Both are eating well and have set their routines, welcoming new arrivals with alacrity.
The Regalridge crew are well. Patti had a great day, with good mobility and a good appetite. Today it was grilled burgers with squash followed by chicken with potatoes. Lee is well trained. Lori detests the high winds and attendant noises. She is determined that bad things are happening and the only hope for salvation is to tear dog beds apart and hide in the fluff. Paula simply wants Lee to sit down - anywhere will do - so that she and the puppies in her belly can park on Lee's lap. That seems to be her greatest source of comfort. Nick's only consolation is watching the vehicle leave the driveway with Ken in control is that there is so much coming and going that he must stay and manage Lee's ability to keep things going.
Dinner included Lee's Christmas addition to the house of Chex Mix (remember, she grew up with one foot in the US and this is an integral part of any well adjusted Christmas celebration), panko crusted fresh haddock, potatoes and corn with the newest Christmas cookies (chocolate-ginger with crystallized ginger and Rocky Mountain chocolate rolled in icing sugar). There has to be one new cookie a year. It is generally not repeated because the basic cookies require that only one addition is possible - basics include Lee's Mom's Christmas collection - Peanut butter balls, Swedish Tea Cakes (think shortbread, walnut coating and blackberry jelly), Cherry flips (almond shortbread, cherry and frosting), Mocha Cakes (pound cake, icing and ground peanuts) and Scotch Cakes so the Chocolate-gingerbread is a nice and different addition for 2010. Add the Christmas Plum Puddings, two sauces and the Marmalade pudding and there you have it. Of course there are also the tea breads, homemade bread and biscotti.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Christmas progress is made - at least by Lee
Shopping has come and gone - thank goodness. There were precious few parking spaces available but the stores seemed not too bad, all things considered. Do you suppose it had anything to do with the 'focused' expression? It was a multi-car all out blitz. Chantelle and Lee joined forces at Costco while Ken flew solo. The little Toyota was lower to the ground as it wended its way home to Regalridge at dinnertime. Chantelle's vehicle was in a similar state. Ken wore out another pair of shoes but Betsy wasn't terribly encumbered. Ken is at the 'what am I going to do, what am I going to do' stage. One high point at Costco was a little corner behind a large display. There, on the floor, were five boxes that had been a much larger display last month. In these boxes were blown glass Christmas trees. The price was 1/10 of the original. And this year's ornament is arrived. The weather forecast for the day was dreadful. Snow followed by high winds and heavy rain. By dinnertime, all was still quiet, albeit threatening.
The kennel continues to move forward and to fill. Brunswick the Poodle-mix is here and bouncing as Brunswick does. Enthusiasm is his stock in trade. Jake and Barbaro are the stars of the show. They have developed a routine, love the big yards, go out from their outside doors without leads to the exercise areas and play until called back in when the short parade recurs and the two stand outside their run doors until we catch up. We are pretty sure Barbaro's owners will be happy to leave him here indefinitely . . . The team of Bailey and Gemini is a good one. The old retrievers are managing number four yard with Nemo occasionally in tow. He misses Lucy and her strong managerial talents but considers the big girls at least some compensation. Their speed parallels his and that works for him. Moses and Naomi are doing well. Naomi is exercising her lungs but perhaps a little less frequently than in the past. Moses is managing his side of the kennel with Moses intensity (Barbaro thinks he is an odd duck). Both love the big exercise space and are kicking up their heels.
The house dogs are well. Patti has moved from chicken stew to grilled hamburgers with potatoes and squash with potion on the side. She is happy and her mobility is improved this week. Nick was not amused that all of the cars departed and he wasn't in any of them. That needs to be remedied, he thinks. The Norwich are delighted with the ramped up activity level in the house and the people in the den through the evening as the Christmas specials manage to catch enough attention to have humans light on couches and chairs. Paula in her pregnant state is living in Lee's lap as often as is possible. Piper has requested that Lee stay home the rest of the week and Lee may well comply. Wrapping and baking are significant challenges that need to be wrestled.
Dinner was the remains of a chicken pot pie, biscuits and Christmas cookies. And we are on to yet another wind storm.
The kennel continues to move forward and to fill. Brunswick the Poodle-mix is here and bouncing as Brunswick does. Enthusiasm is his stock in trade. Jake and Barbaro are the stars of the show. They have developed a routine, love the big yards, go out from their outside doors without leads to the exercise areas and play until called back in when the short parade recurs and the two stand outside their run doors until we catch up. We are pretty sure Barbaro's owners will be happy to leave him here indefinitely . . . The team of Bailey and Gemini is a good one. The old retrievers are managing number four yard with Nemo occasionally in tow. He misses Lucy and her strong managerial talents but considers the big girls at least some compensation. Their speed parallels his and that works for him. Moses and Naomi are doing well. Naomi is exercising her lungs but perhaps a little less frequently than in the past. Moses is managing his side of the kennel with Moses intensity (Barbaro thinks he is an odd duck). Both love the big exercise space and are kicking up their heels.
The house dogs are well. Patti has moved from chicken stew to grilled hamburgers with potatoes and squash with potion on the side. She is happy and her mobility is improved this week. Nick was not amused that all of the cars departed and he wasn't in any of them. That needs to be remedied, he thinks. The Norwich are delighted with the ramped up activity level in the house and the people in the den through the evening as the Christmas specials manage to catch enough attention to have humans light on couches and chairs. Paula in her pregnant state is living in Lee's lap as often as is possible. Piper has requested that Lee stay home the rest of the week and Lee may well comply. Wrapping and baking are significant challenges that need to be wrestled.
Dinner was the remains of a chicken pot pie, biscuits and Christmas cookies. And we are on to yet another wind storm.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Less than a week left - how could that be
The days continue to get shorter and Christmas closer. That is just wrong. While it cannot be a regular Regalridge Christmas, there is a list that simply must happen. And it seems not to be shortening at a rate equivalent to the number of days remaining. The tree has not been trimmed although the decorations are in the living room. Shopping has to happen immediately (much is done but much remains to be done). Baking continues. Cookies are appearing on a slow schedule. The steamed puddings are now finished and sauces left to be built later in the week. One recipe of hard sauce is in hand but dates seem to require copious amounts in Our Ken's lexicon of Christmas necessities. And on it goes. The dogs are enjoying the flurry of activity and are never far from the kitchen. Lee had an afternoon meeting just to add a bit to the excitement of the season and Chantelle had a day in the grooming room with Welsh and Airedale hair flying in all directions. Our Ken held the fort on many levels. There are trees outside that are trimmed on iterative basis, sitting on the green grass, of course. No snow yet.
The kennel is filling. Naomi and Moses have arrived and settled quickly as is their wont. They know the routines, love the big yards and take charge immediately. Jake and Barbaro have made their acquaintance, not at all concerned with their new neighbours as long as they don't get in the way of their trek to the exercise yards and their ability to explore. Old Bailey is doing well and keeping to her routine. She and Gemini are pals and the two wander around the yard together as old retrievers do. Roddie and Ruari are in residence and we all know they are here. The usual tricks are being brought out - waving for food and with great expectations of us. Ruari has determined that a leash is much nicer than simply following out to the big yards and is adamant that it be used or he will not move.
The house dogs are ready for Christmas. They love the activity level at a high and encourage us to go even faster. Would that we could. The weather has been decent - warm for December, so with the exception of the mud, all is well. There is yet another wind storm forecast with some rain so that will continue our adventures this week. The little characters are doing well and have taken over the large bed in the den, much to Nick's disgust. Piper is attached to Lee and Charlotte continues to hit Lee with a front paw each time she has an opportunity - who knows why! Billy is basking in the glow of his recent road trip and knows he is vital to Our Ken's well-being. Rocky and Atlas are managing the yard with Airedale aplomb and Clint is not amused by their antics. Paula is pregnant so there are Welsh puppies in the offing for the new year. And at his advanced age, Sir Einstein has determined that residing in the bedroom much of the day suits him best. He moves from dog bed to dog bed as the sun moves around the room, just to assure the Airedales that he owns them all and offers them up at night only out of beneficence.
Dinner was prime rib steaks with potato and squash, chow and Christmas cookies. And on we go.
The kennel is filling. Naomi and Moses have arrived and settled quickly as is their wont. They know the routines, love the big yards and take charge immediately. Jake and Barbaro have made their acquaintance, not at all concerned with their new neighbours as long as they don't get in the way of their trek to the exercise yards and their ability to explore. Old Bailey is doing well and keeping to her routine. She and Gemini are pals and the two wander around the yard together as old retrievers do. Roddie and Ruari are in residence and we all know they are here. The usual tricks are being brought out - waving for food and with great expectations of us. Ruari has determined that a leash is much nicer than simply following out to the big yards and is adamant that it be used or he will not move.
The house dogs are ready for Christmas. They love the activity level at a high and encourage us to go even faster. Would that we could. The weather has been decent - warm for December, so with the exception of the mud, all is well. There is yet another wind storm forecast with some rain so that will continue our adventures this week. The little characters are doing well and have taken over the large bed in the den, much to Nick's disgust. Piper is attached to Lee and Charlotte continues to hit Lee with a front paw each time she has an opportunity - who knows why! Billy is basking in the glow of his recent road trip and knows he is vital to Our Ken's well-being. Rocky and Atlas are managing the yard with Airedale aplomb and Clint is not amused by their antics. Paula is pregnant so there are Welsh puppies in the offing for the new year. And at his advanced age, Sir Einstein has determined that residing in the bedroom much of the day suits him best. He moves from dog bed to dog bed as the sun moves around the room, just to assure the Airedales that he owns them all and offers them up at night only out of beneficence.
Dinner was prime rib steaks with potato and squash, chow and Christmas cookies. And on we go.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
the rumour is that Christmas is coming
Apparently Christmas is coming. The weather is cool but the days are short and the kennel is filling so the season must be the one of peace and joy. Well, joy at least. Of course, all preparations are yet to happen as a result of the upheavals this month. We are back from New Brunswick, having spent a day with Lee's brother, ensuring his gifts are under the tree and that at least some vestige of Christmas continues. He is now alone - the first time in his life - and that will take some acclimation. the good news is that he has wonderful friends, few people are as fortunate as Greg in those strong relationships that he has valued since his school days. Goals do need to be set because rumour has it that Christmas will occur regardless of our state of readiness. There was the continuation of baking with steamed puddings underway. The marmalade pudding is done, the Christmas puddings ready to go into their basins for steaming. The dates are steamed and stuffed with hard sauce and the cookie dough is made for cherry flips. And then there was the Christmas visit. Many who read the blog regularly will remember our great friends from Newfoundland, the Taylors of bacon-as-a-hostess-gift fame. As we spend time with Karen and tony, it is becoming evident that there is a story a day. This was no exception. Their son Jonathon was flying with Porter airlines to Newfoundland. They dropped him off at the airport on the way to Regalridge. It was not without incident. Apparently Porter has a few surprises for its' guests as they check in. In the spirit of Christmas, they advise that they have instituted a one bag limit free and that even though the two small bags Jonathon has to check are under the weight limit for one bag, there will be a $25 charge. Tony found that logic baffling but unhappily agreed to pay. Once the funds were given over to the counter person, the other shoe dropped. They were politely asked "and which bag is it that you want to accompany the passenger"? Now, this was more than our Tony could swallow. He had just handed over money to have an underweight, under size bag go to Newfoundland and was being asked "Does your son want to take his clothes or the Christmas presents"? And the light bulb went on. tony went into 'Tony-mode' and Karen was left to placate the rest of the passengers waiting in line as well as her alarmed son. We suspect that there were people falling like bowling pins as Tony marched to - Clearwater! Not what you expected to read given that there are two luggage stores in the airport? For those not local, Clearwater is the lobster seller at the airport. There Tony finagled a free roll of packing tape - no sane individual would have refused this crazed Newfoundlander much of anything at that stage - and back he went. The two suitcases were wrapped thoroughly with packing tape, to the amazement of all by standers, and Tony went toe to toe with the counter staff. He now had one suitcase and God bless us every one. (the $25 was refunded).
The kennel is filling. Old Bailey has us quite well trained, finds her way to her chosen yard and marches back to her run when she determines all has been secured properly. Barbaro and Jake are great boarders. They have adopted Bailey's routine, love number 3 yard and return to stand outside their outdoor run doors to return to their private suites. Both like attention but Barbaro is tickled to have people with him all day. He wags from his tail to his impressive head and is a delightful fellow. Old Gemini the Lab is trying to figure out the trip back from the exercise yard to her run. She gets to the yard easily but is not yet quite certain of the outside door to her room. Roddi and Ruari are here for their Christmas vacation. Ruari is playing games with Our Ken - going out and refusing to return but we do have them back on the potion. Apparently their owner is not as good a cook as is Our Ken.
The house dogs were happy to have a normal day at Regalridge. There was lots of kitchen activity, Ken came and went and Nick got a good car trip. There was hunting and gathering so bags arrived that Airedale heads could explore. There were treats on meals and lots of kennel activity to keep up with. Patti continues in charge and Charlotte has determined that Lee requires close supervision that includes hitting her with a paw on a regular basis. Paula is sure she is pregnant and that there will be little Welsh in January. Sarah is less certain that little Airedales should be in her future. Still, Christmas music is filling the house and kennel and all is well in the minds of the Regalridge crew.
Dinner was lobster . Adding a Caesar salad and a baguette made it a great meal. the new season has brought lobster to the Irving station parking lot at $6.99/pound, caught that morning and fabulous.
The kennel is filling. Old Bailey has us quite well trained, finds her way to her chosen yard and marches back to her run when she determines all has been secured properly. Barbaro and Jake are great boarders. They have adopted Bailey's routine, love number 3 yard and return to stand outside their outdoor run doors to return to their private suites. Both like attention but Barbaro is tickled to have people with him all day. He wags from his tail to his impressive head and is a delightful fellow. Old Gemini the Lab is trying to figure out the trip back from the exercise yard to her run. She gets to the yard easily but is not yet quite certain of the outside door to her room. Roddi and Ruari are here for their Christmas vacation. Ruari is playing games with Our Ken - going out and refusing to return but we do have them back on the potion. Apparently their owner is not as good a cook as is Our Ken.
The house dogs were happy to have a normal day at Regalridge. There was lots of kitchen activity, Ken came and went and Nick got a good car trip. There was hunting and gathering so bags arrived that Airedale heads could explore. There were treats on meals and lots of kennel activity to keep up with. Patti continues in charge and Charlotte has determined that Lee requires close supervision that includes hitting her with a paw on a regular basis. Paula is sure she is pregnant and that there will be little Welsh in January. Sarah is less certain that little Airedales should be in her future. Still, Christmas music is filling the house and kennel and all is well in the minds of the Regalridge crew.
Dinner was lobster . Adding a Caesar salad and a baguette made it a great meal. the new season has brought lobster to the Irving station parking lot at $6.99/pound, caught that morning and fabulous.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Aquick stay at Regalridge and Lee is off again
The season is unfolding and there are changes. Little has been done to welcome Christmas thus far. The quick trip to Woodstock for Lee turned into an odyssey. Her Dad did pass away on December 6, at home wiht Lee and her brother caring for him. She has returned to Regalrdige intermittently and will again go to NB today. We are fortunate that the weather has co-operated for the travel. Chantelle and Ken have held the fort with cameo appearances by Dawn. Piper was tickled to have Dawn in residence and Einstein reports that she is a decent bed mate and can be invited back. Chantelle also had an unexpected death in her family during the same period so Regalridge was a bit off balance. Thank goodness for wonderful friends.
The kennel is filling for the season. Old Bailey the Golden is with us while Faye is in Alaska. Bailey has her routine, developed over her 14 years of boarding and heaven help the person who gets in the middle of that. She MUST be walked on a lead to number four run - there are no indoor/outdoor doors for Miss Bailey nor will she simply walk wihtout the lead on her way out. BUT, she does not deign to have a lead in evidence at all on her return trip and MUST walk with you back to the run, preferably with Nemo behind her. You have to love a dog with her own mind. Bailey was joined by new visitors last week. There are many cute puppies in the world and most go through an awkward stage as adolescents. Then there is Barbaro. A number of purebred breeds have eyes set straight on rather than slightly to the side. These breeds tend to have a very human expression. Coupled with a solid physique and a tremendsouly outgoing personality, you have a Jakehighly impressive puppy in Mr Barbaro. He is accompanied by his old brother Jake. Jake is an ancient retriever and the leader of this pack of two. The bouncing 100 pound puppy follows with absolute delight. And more are coming. There is no more space ot be had provided all arrive. Terriers will be in the majority by Christmas day and there will be treats and music for all.
The house dogs are fine. Patti is managing and enjoying her cooked meals. From chicken stew through pot roast, all is served on a plate - she now abhors both dog food and dog bowls. It must be warmed, but not too warm, and followed by the potion for dessert. The potion must not be presented first, that is just wrong. Are you getting a sense of who is in charge on this property? Piper has decided that a 'Hail fellow well met' approach to life suits her best these days. Chantelle offered up stories of Piper in her lap when Nick tricked her off of the bed that she had claimed. And we know she loves Dawn with all her heart. Loyalty to Lee has gone by the wayside. Lori and Marilla have moved permanently into the bedroom at night and Marilla continues to 'pay' Lee to get up by sticking a favourite toy in her mouth. The Norwich are thriving and keeping all of us on our toes. They do sorely miss Chantelle's parade at night and the attendant encouragement to find the proper path. Her returns are heralded and celebrated by the little ones. Charlotte continues to march to her own drummer. Atlas and Rocky have become great pals and are looking sideways at young Clint who would love to be part of the group. Jack is well and happy and Paula is certain she is pregnant. We are less certain of Sarah.
Dinner was grilled tenderloin with roasted root veg (rosemary oil, fleur de sel and fresh rosemary). Decent wine and candles reminded us of what is 'normal' here and what we can turn to in days to come.
The kennel is filling for the season. Old Bailey the Golden is with us while Faye is in Alaska. Bailey has her routine, developed over her 14 years of boarding and heaven help the person who gets in the middle of that. She MUST be walked on a lead to number four run - there are no indoor/outdoor doors for Miss Bailey nor will she simply walk wihtout the lead on her way out. BUT, she does not deign to have a lead in evidence at all on her return trip and MUST walk with you back to the run, preferably with Nemo behind her. You have to love a dog with her own mind. Bailey was joined by new visitors last week. There are many cute puppies in the world and most go through an awkward stage as adolescents. Then there is Barbaro. A number of purebred breeds have eyes set straight on rather than slightly to the side. These breeds tend to have a very human expression. Coupled with a solid physique and a tremendsouly outgoing personality, you have a Jakehighly impressive puppy in Mr Barbaro. He is accompanied by his old brother Jake. Jake is an ancient retriever and the leader of this pack of two. The bouncing 100 pound puppy follows with absolute delight. And more are coming. There is no more space ot be had provided all arrive. Terriers will be in the majority by Christmas day and there will be treats and music for all.
The house dogs are fine. Patti is managing and enjoying her cooked meals. From chicken stew through pot roast, all is served on a plate - she now abhors both dog food and dog bowls. It must be warmed, but not too warm, and followed by the potion for dessert. The potion must not be presented first, that is just wrong. Are you getting a sense of who is in charge on this property? Piper has decided that a 'Hail fellow well met' approach to life suits her best these days. Chantelle offered up stories of Piper in her lap when Nick tricked her off of the bed that she had claimed. And we know she loves Dawn with all her heart. Loyalty to Lee has gone by the wayside. Lori and Marilla have moved permanently into the bedroom at night and Marilla continues to 'pay' Lee to get up by sticking a favourite toy in her mouth. The Norwich are thriving and keeping all of us on our toes. They do sorely miss Chantelle's parade at night and the attendant encouragement to find the proper path. Her returns are heralded and celebrated by the little ones. Charlotte continues to march to her own drummer. Atlas and Rocky have become great pals and are looking sideways at young Clint who would love to be part of the group. Jack is well and happy and Paula is certain she is pregnant. We are less certain of Sarah.
Dinner was grilled tenderloin with roasted root veg (rosemary oil, fleur de sel and fresh rosemary). Decent wine and candles reminded us of what is 'normal' here and what we can turn to in days to come.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Grey Cup Sunday has come and gone
Christmas is coming. Some of the stockings are wrapped and now the baking has begun. Breads were the order of the day and tradition reigns. Out came the Woodstock recipes and Lemon, Orange-Cranberry and Cherry-Walnut tea breads were born. They are made in pairs since Lee the baking for the younger generation as well. Deliveries will have to occur tomorrow since the Regalridge freezers are filled to the top with the garden plunder. There were also gifts to be opened (November is birthday month at Regalridge) so an E-Reader has been installed and there are smiles all around. There were also jewelled pie servers and napkin rings and various and sundry other items that made everyone smile. Ken worked away at the garage, delivered snow tires to Kendra and Richard and had a visit. There is small improvement and a specialist appointment scheduled soon but we have reason to hope that there is recovery in the offing. Then it was on to the Grey Cup. It was a cold day but sunny, making the cold wind a surprise each time anyone went out the door. And the bird population at the feeders is increasing. The large woodpecker has returned and approves the suet from Virginia.
The kennel is ticking along with Barrett keeping Trebia exercised and Trebia keeping Barrett smiling. He adores that skinny little hound. There's no accounting for taste. Lucy Airedale is managing happily. She is taking her meds, managing her yard, eats well and expresses her views freely.
The house dogs are doing reasonably well. Patti is slowing but eating selectively and is bright. Jack, who gave us a scare earlier in the fall, is thriving at his advanced age. Piper is managing Lee. Billy is on top of Ken and Nick is not amuse that the tires took his pride of place in the car. Abigail noticed that May is missing - it took her a week to pick that up. Little May is in season in the kennel and is looking to be repatriated asap. Charlotte is leading the outdoor games but is having some difficulty since Patti has taken all of the toys to her lair under the trees. Nobody goes near that lair, inhabited or not.
Dinner was planned to be eaten in the den a la Grey cup viewing. So homemade bread, a Caesar with lots of anchovies and garlic and chicken wings with homemade blue cheese dipping sauce worked just fine. Dessert was fresh fruit and all were happy - perhaps except with the outcome of the game.
The kennel is ticking along with Barrett keeping Trebia exercised and Trebia keeping Barrett smiling. He adores that skinny little hound. There's no accounting for taste. Lucy Airedale is managing happily. She is taking her meds, managing her yard, eats well and expresses her views freely.
The house dogs are doing reasonably well. Patti is slowing but eating selectively and is bright. Jack, who gave us a scare earlier in the fall, is thriving at his advanced age. Piper is managing Lee. Billy is on top of Ken and Nick is not amuse that the tires took his pride of place in the car. Abigail noticed that May is missing - it took her a week to pick that up. Little May is in season in the kennel and is looking to be repatriated asap. Charlotte is leading the outdoor games but is having some difficulty since Patti has taken all of the toys to her lair under the trees. Nobody goes near that lair, inhabited or not.
Dinner was planned to be eaten in the den a la Grey cup viewing. So homemade bread, a Caesar with lots of anchovies and garlic and chicken wings with homemade blue cheese dipping sauce worked just fine. Dessert was fresh fruit and all were happy - perhaps except with the outcome of the game.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
The end of November is in sight
It was a Saturday after American Thanksgiving and you know what that means - Christmas season is officially here. so the Christmas music went on, the wrapping paper came out and wrapping has begun. Shopping is almost complete. Decorating has not even begun but that will be remedied and baking always seems to manage to happen during available moments. Weather is turning toward winter as well. Our Dove population has grown to several dozen, looking like ornaments on the bare branches. The blue jays add colour and the woodpeckers are the bright spots in the crowd. the squirrels are finally outnumbered enough to take the occasional back seat as Our Ken feeds.
The kennel is well settled. Trebia and Barrett are partying in anticipation of something or celebration of something else - we aren't quite sure which. Either way it requires heels kicking, speedy runs and both seeming certain that they are the winner - a key to that solid friendship. Lucy the Airedale is happy to be in the country, has her own big yard and is stretching her legs happily. With Paula repatriated old Nemo is managing her side of the kennel on his own but perseveres. His stuffed toys seem to keep him motivated. Marguerite had a break and found her way up to the house for the day. That tickled her. She is a great house dog and that is a bit of a surprise.
The house dogs had a good day. The weather was cool and crisp so chase games were the order of the day. With new toys in the yard, that was motivation enough for a gaggle of Airedales to streak through the yard, at speed, Charlotte leading and Atlas and Clint jostling for second. They are such an impressive breed and to have the privilege of watching them during these periods is truly fortunate.
Dinner was a party. With friends, we were at Margot's for a fabulous meal, some singing and the odd candle. As always, it was great fun with some old stories and some new, generous hospitality and much laughter - and isn't that what holds us all together.
The kennel is well settled. Trebia and Barrett are partying in anticipation of something or celebration of something else - we aren't quite sure which. Either way it requires heels kicking, speedy runs and both seeming certain that they are the winner - a key to that solid friendship. Lucy the Airedale is happy to be in the country, has her own big yard and is stretching her legs happily. With Paula repatriated old Nemo is managing her side of the kennel on his own but perseveres. His stuffed toys seem to keep him motivated. Marguerite had a break and found her way up to the house for the day. That tickled her. She is a great house dog and that is a bit of a surprise.
The house dogs had a good day. The weather was cool and crisp so chase games were the order of the day. With new toys in the yard, that was motivation enough for a gaggle of Airedales to streak through the yard, at speed, Charlotte leading and Atlas and Clint jostling for second. They are such an impressive breed and to have the privilege of watching them during these periods is truly fortunate.
Dinner was a party. With friends, we were at Margot's for a fabulous meal, some singing and the odd candle. As always, it was great fun with some old stories and some new, generous hospitality and much laughter - and isn't that what holds us all together.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Normal is a relativ e term but we seem to be there at the moment
It has been a week of holding the fort. Lee was asked to go to Woodstock quickly on Sunday. Things weren't going well and Saint Greg needed some back up. Our Ken managed Regalridge with Chantelle's support at the end of the week. Missions were accomplished in spite of being short handed. Gardens were put to bed, leaves were leafed, dogs were managed and the garage was organized yet again. Einstein went on strike - he hates the kidney diet food and rebelled so is back to 'Real CAT Food' with dry kidney diet. At fifteen, he has his preferences after all. Kendra is slowly progressing - a long road still lies ahead. Lee managed to add enough interest to the week that her Dad began eating again. Things are not good and a return trip will occur on Tuesday. Dad's birthday is Wednesday so we will see how that goes. He did enjoy a salmon steak - the highlight of the week for him. Chantelle had her very successful Windsor Christmas market (that she ably began years ago and has managed every year since) so Our Ken dog sat. The more the merrier. Clem was terribly worried that Chantelle was lost, lost, lost. Scout appeared to think the change was fine and Jessie was just plain annoyed. Today Our Ken did the city run, found Costco and the Vet on his own, saw his friend the Doctor who pronounced him hale and hearty and took Reg to lunch.
The kennel is doing just fine. Trebia is thrilled that Barrett is here. He arrived and found his girlfriend, emitting his 'Wooooo Wooooo Wooooo Woooo' in enthusiastic greeting. They are such great pals. Lucy the Airedale arrived with her pharmacy. She is happy as can be and loves her visits to the country. Her owner noted that she gets so excited on kennel days that it is a joy to watch.
The house dogs are fine. Patti is slowing in her interest in food but still managing reasonably well. All got new collars because Christmas is coming (as good a reason as any) with the exception of Nick whose Picasso collar is the best in the world and Billy who is very fond of his rolled leather braid. Piper maintained her Southwest look even though a lovely light in the dark red was on offer. Toys from the Virginia trip appeared and were approved.
Dinner was in support of Ken's missing Lee's cooking. Roast chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, snap peas and squash filled the bill. Chantelle was in residence for dinner after closing her market and approved the fare. And we are on to the week end.
The kennel is doing just fine. Trebia is thrilled that Barrett is here. He arrived and found his girlfriend, emitting his 'Wooooo Wooooo Wooooo Woooo' in enthusiastic greeting. They are such great pals. Lucy the Airedale arrived with her pharmacy. She is happy as can be and loves her visits to the country. Her owner noted that she gets so excited on kennel days that it is a joy to watch.
The house dogs are fine. Patti is slowing in her interest in food but still managing reasonably well. All got new collars because Christmas is coming (as good a reason as any) with the exception of Nick whose Picasso collar is the best in the world and Billy who is very fond of his rolled leather braid. Piper maintained her Southwest look even though a lovely light in the dark red was on offer. Toys from the Virginia trip appeared and were approved.
Dinner was in support of Ken's missing Lee's cooking. Roast chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy, snap peas and squash filled the bill. Chantelle was in residence for dinner after closing her market and approved the fare. And we are on to the week end.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
The first snow heralds the first Christmas party
There was coming and going at Regalridge on this cool November Saturday. A great couple came to visit. with the Airedales - Piper was very taken with them and showed them her absolute best digging skills - dirt was flying everywhere and her grin approximated that of the Cheshire cat. Then Lily the puppy showed her best running profile - tucking your tail makes you more aerodynamic and you can go much, much faster. Nick, the 9 year old proud and regal male,, spent the time pulling every part of Lee's clothing that he could get his teeth on - for what reason we have no idea. Sometimes you have to wonder. In between outings, Lee managed to make bread and focaccia, feed everyone on a regular basis and sandwich in a little CKC work. Our Ken worked inside and out, did a little necessary repair here and there and popped in and out to see what everyone else was up to. Chantelle surfaced after her Agility class, downed copious amounts of coffee and took on the grooming room full force. Two very well groomed dogs departed before evening. And there was a Christmas party offered by the Dartmouth Kennel Club. It was our first of the season at Erin and Elliott's and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Then it was home to the end of the football followed by the hockey game.
The kennel had a busy day. With Chantelle in residence, the dogs were delighted. Mars and Orion enjoyed a new person and explained to Chantelle that they should be able to run free because their parents let them do that. 'Yeah right - and which turnip truck did you see me fall off' responded Chantelle. Charley had a hair cut and departed late afternoon. Little Megan had a haircut and visit with Chantelle and departed early evening. Sarah visited with the folks who came to meet Airedales and was happy to meet new folks who told her she was lovely - Sarah agrees with that sentiment. Trebia barked.
The house dogs were fascinated by the snow that arrived mid-afternoon. It was the first for baby Lily and she clapped her Airedale paws in appreciation. The others may have been a bit less enthusiastic. Nick accompanied Lee and Ken to the party - longingly keeping the focaccia company in the back seat. He is thoroughly trustworthy in any vehicle and has never touched food in that venue, preferring apparently to keep car privileges. Charlotte has a new green collar and thinks she looks splendid. Patti continues to thrive.
Meals came and went with regularity. There were yogourt based pancakes and sausage from across the road. There was lovely homemade bread and a piece or two of focaccia with fresh rosemary and herb sea salt. There was a chicken pie and lovely fresh raspberries and clementines. It is a nice time of year. And we are on to another day
The kennel had a busy day. With Chantelle in residence, the dogs were delighted. Mars and Orion enjoyed a new person and explained to Chantelle that they should be able to run free because their parents let them do that. 'Yeah right - and which turnip truck did you see me fall off' responded Chantelle. Charley had a hair cut and departed late afternoon. Little Megan had a haircut and visit with Chantelle and departed early evening. Sarah visited with the folks who came to meet Airedales and was happy to meet new folks who told her she was lovely - Sarah agrees with that sentiment. Trebia barked.
The house dogs were fascinated by the snow that arrived mid-afternoon. It was the first for baby Lily and she clapped her Airedale paws in appreciation. The others may have been a bit less enthusiastic. Nick accompanied Lee and Ken to the party - longingly keeping the focaccia company in the back seat. He is thoroughly trustworthy in any vehicle and has never touched food in that venue, preferring apparently to keep car privileges. Charlotte has a new green collar and thinks she looks splendid. Patti continues to thrive.
Meals came and went with regularity. There were yogourt based pancakes and sausage from across the road. There was lovely homemade bread and a piece or two of focaccia with fresh rosemary and herb sea salt. There was a chicken pie and lovely fresh raspberries and clementines. It is a nice time of year. And we are on to another day
Saturday, November 20, 2010
The internet saves Our Ken
Fridays at Regalridge are interesting. The plan had been to go to the city - in tandem - to review Lee's birthday list (of one item). This year it is electronic and it has undone Our Ken. The search in Virginia was unsuccessful. What would Halifax cough up that Virginia could not? Well - a little on line sleuthing brought Best Buy's shipping service and national inventory. Lo and behold, a slightly different moniker but the real deal. Now, this is told quickly but took far far more time in front of the computer. And time will tell as to whether or not the apparent success will be realized but the computer is feeling hopeful and that is a good thing - we think? With that great coup under our belts, it was on to a search for new draperies for the den and blinds for the feed room. The upshot of that quest - we really don't recommend attempting this without either a computer that is unnecessary to your future or a double scotch.
The kennel ticks along. Sarah has met Airedale friends and is happy about that. Mars and Orion are in inspection mode - high minded, they are quite certain that there should be potential for a quick departure over the high fencing if they could only sort out a toe hold five feet up. Still, they are happy, eating well and playing with all of us. Great dogs but certainly focused on their departure mission.
The house dogs had a good day. It was chilly by times - getting colder through the day. The fire in the den was welcome by late afternoon. And by early evening, there were wall to wall Airedales on their beds. One leaving a spot made room for another who had been lined up waiting. There is a circulation from bed, to bed, to kitchen (to cool off) to open door crate and finally back to another bed. Charlotte is the ring master and disabuses all of any notion that it is her turn to move. Atlas stays close to Lee's chair, happy to be close and disinterested in the machinations. The Norwich park on top of Our Ken and smirk in their certainty that they have pride of place.
Meals were not labour intensive. There was squash and apple bisque at lunch followed by the beef borguignon at dinner (with baby red potatoes and peas) then the cranberry banana walnut bread and fruit. Saturday looms
The kennel ticks along. Sarah has met Airedale friends and is happy about that. Mars and Orion are in inspection mode - high minded, they are quite certain that there should be potential for a quick departure over the high fencing if they could only sort out a toe hold five feet up. Still, they are happy, eating well and playing with all of us. Great dogs but certainly focused on their departure mission.
The house dogs had a good day. It was chilly by times - getting colder through the day. The fire in the den was welcome by late afternoon. And by early evening, there were wall to wall Airedales on their beds. One leaving a spot made room for another who had been lined up waiting. There is a circulation from bed, to bed, to kitchen (to cool off) to open door crate and finally back to another bed. Charlotte is the ring master and disabuses all of any notion that it is her turn to move. Atlas stays close to Lee's chair, happy to be close and disinterested in the machinations. The Norwich park on top of Our Ken and smirk in their certainty that they have pride of place.
Meals were not labour intensive. There was squash and apple bisque at lunch followed by the beef borguignon at dinner (with baby red potatoes and peas) then the cranberry banana walnut bread and fruit. Saturday looms
Friday, November 19, 2010
New cook book brings a great offering
Plans for Thursday managed to be carried through for the most part and all is well. There was a bit of an extended period in the kitchen a la new cookbook with particular (and occasionally peculiar) wonts and needs. Still, the eternal battle of the paper resulted in a successful skirmish on Lee's part and Our Ken made it back and forth to the city (forth and back actually) to visit with his favourite eye specialist. There was a conference call successfully executed and other CKC follow up taking up the lion's share of the day.
The kennel is ticking along. Mars and Orion are taking their responsibilities seriously, have settled in to a routine that they find more than acceptable and are happy Sibes. A requirement has been established for large milk bones (small are for sissies apparently) and their spins around the perimeter are mandatory forays to ensure all is well surrounding Regalridge. Little Megan is settled and happy with her comrades keeping her company. Paula says being a comrade is not all it's cracked up to be and is looking to repatriation asap.
The house dogs had a good day. The weather was great - bright and sunny with endless potential for games. Atlas spent the day with a large orange ball in his mouth, trolling for action. Patti was hard pressed to come in for potion breaks or meals - there was much to be managed in the yard. Marguerite found her way into the house on several occasions - and was shown the door by Miss Piper. Who knows why. The Norwich managed to keep things in constant commotion and Rocky continues to live in the house under his own guidelines. On this day, it was a mandatory period in the kitchen, giving Lee little nudges if she seemed to be a bit slower than he thought practical.
Meals were seemingly constant. A banana-cranberry-walnut tea bread rose from the oven by late morning. Tomato basil soup supported Our Ken's need for lunch (with an egg salad sandwich). Dinner was an impressive herb butter baked chicken with a Dijon-honey-mustard glaze. Baked at high heat, it was absolutely perfect. Accompanied by a baked potato and a maple baked squash from the garden, Our Ken cleaned his plate - and how often does that happen! Several phone calls later, we are on to another day.
The kennel is ticking along. Mars and Orion are taking their responsibilities seriously, have settled in to a routine that they find more than acceptable and are happy Sibes. A requirement has been established for large milk bones (small are for sissies apparently) and their spins around the perimeter are mandatory forays to ensure all is well surrounding Regalridge. Little Megan is settled and happy with her comrades keeping her company. Paula says being a comrade is not all it's cracked up to be and is looking to repatriation asap.
The house dogs had a good day. The weather was great - bright and sunny with endless potential for games. Atlas spent the day with a large orange ball in his mouth, trolling for action. Patti was hard pressed to come in for potion breaks or meals - there was much to be managed in the yard. Marguerite found her way into the house on several occasions - and was shown the door by Miss Piper. Who knows why. The Norwich managed to keep things in constant commotion and Rocky continues to live in the house under his own guidelines. On this day, it was a mandatory period in the kitchen, giving Lee little nudges if she seemed to be a bit slower than he thought practical.
Meals were seemingly constant. A banana-cranberry-walnut tea bread rose from the oven by late morning. Tomato basil soup supported Our Ken's need for lunch (with an egg salad sandwich). Dinner was an impressive herb butter baked chicken with a Dijon-honey-mustard glaze. Baked at high heat, it was absolutely perfect. Accompanied by a baked potato and a maple baked squash from the garden, Our Ken cleaned his plate - and how often does that happen! Several phone calls later, we are on to another day.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Fruits and Vegetables have filled the coffers on a weather-filled day
Mid-week brought a trip to the city with the usual hunting and gathering - in speed mode. We had arranged visit with Kendra and added a visit with brother Reg. That occasioned a trip to Costco for produce plunder and the ubiquitous bird seed. Reg enjoyed the crowds and gourmet fare offered at our favourite green grocer and we enjoyed the visit with Kendra. She is unable to be on her own and is certainly compromised but is able to sit for short periods and that is progress. And the rains came down. Starting out, it was foggy. At Costco the fog gave way to the eternal winds of that particular area. By the time we departed Costco, the heavens had opened. We almost drowned getting to the car. The return to Regalridge brought us to some wet and less than impressed Airedales. Tony and Karen arrived early evening to have a review of little Avalon and her ears put up. She has progressed beautifully and is full of beans.
The kennel is doing well. Orion and Mars are in charge and now are enjoying a spin inside up and down their hallway. That tickles them although the plotting continues, we're sure. Little Megan the Welsh arrived yesterday for a short stay and her November trimming by Chantelle. She is a wonderful little dog and seems to manage her Regalridge vacations with equanimity.
The house dogs are fine. Patti is in true form - her regular bossy self. Piper is looking after Lee - a full time job. The Norwich are nuisances extraordinaire and enjoying every minute - although missing Chantelle and the parade. Jack is back to normal and enjoying his new space on the East deck - marching to the beat of the resident squirrel. Paula will soon be back to join him. Rocky has reluctantly reclaimed his crate next to Nick's as a sleeping area and Marilla has repatriated herself to the bedroom where the resident toys are again in peril. Life is normal.
Food was abundant. Kendra had requested some soup to Lee made a squash-apple soup for Kendra and Reg, supplemented with the homemade boule. Adding some Rugalach rounded out that meal. To give Richard a little cooking break a meal of Beef Bourguigone was also included. That meant dinner at Regalridge needed some thought and a local meal seemed to call. Fresh haddock panfried with Panko crumbs worked well with sides of fresh asparagus and a lovely rice pilau. The fruit at Costco was fabulous and will offer up many desserts this week.
The kennel is doing well. Orion and Mars are in charge and now are enjoying a spin inside up and down their hallway. That tickles them although the plotting continues, we're sure. Little Megan the Welsh arrived yesterday for a short stay and her November trimming by Chantelle. She is a wonderful little dog and seems to manage her Regalridge vacations with equanimity.
The house dogs are fine. Patti is in true form - her regular bossy self. Piper is looking after Lee - a full time job. The Norwich are nuisances extraordinaire and enjoying every minute - although missing Chantelle and the parade. Jack is back to normal and enjoying his new space on the East deck - marching to the beat of the resident squirrel. Paula will soon be back to join him. Rocky has reluctantly reclaimed his crate next to Nick's as a sleeping area and Marilla has repatriated herself to the bedroom where the resident toys are again in peril. Life is normal.
Food was abundant. Kendra had requested some soup to Lee made a squash-apple soup for Kendra and Reg, supplemented with the homemade boule. Adding some Rugalach rounded out that meal. To give Richard a little cooking break a meal of Beef Bourguigone was also included. That meant dinner at Regalridge needed some thought and a local meal seemed to call. Fresh haddock panfried with Panko crumbs worked well with sides of fresh asparagus and a lovely rice pilau. The fruit at Costco was fabulous and will offer up many desserts this week.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday was a good day at Regalridge .
It is Our Ken's week of meetings. Monday started with two Committee meetings followed by the Health board meeting today. Between times, the yard called with sprints from the back garden to the house during the intermittent showers (put your coffee down and picture Our Ken sprinting). Bulbs are coming out of the ground by the hundred, shrubs are being put to bed for the winter, leaves are collected and the house is banked. The vegetable garden is tilled. And more will be done. Unpacking continues and sorting is of paramount iimportance to facilitate Christmas wrapping. As we take the treasures out of the extra valises, it is like shopping revisited. It was a day to go to the grocery store to replenish the pantry. As far as we can tell, Chantelle didn't eat - but we did need to restock the liquor! Still, there was meat to be added to the house and additions forr the sake of additions that managed to more than fill a grocery cart. And as Our Ken went to his meetings, Lee managed the kennel as well as the house and a dinner. Her management of the kennel is an interesting process - unique to say the least.
The kennel is quiet. Orion and Mars have been given additional freedom under strict supervision. These two are schemers and keeping ahead of that analysis of escape routes is a true necessity. But they are unfailingly pleasant as they go about their planning for the 'great escape'. It isn't going to happen but we aren't going to ruin their fun by apprising them of that fact. In the interim, they are eating well to ensure there is lots of energy available to answer the call of freedom. Sarah is a great girl and was bred yet again. Dawn has been a tremendous resource in assisting with the breedings and coming back and forth - adding that commute to her busy schedule. Trebia of course continues to thrive.
The house dogs are fine. Patti is in great form and managing her world with Patti-style. She is eating the Pro Plan shredded blend and enjoys it - with added treats, of course, taking her potion and her Glyco Flex. It is now over a year since her cancer diagnosis and we are mightily pleased with the year and her enjoyment of it. There was lots of assistance in the kitchen. A new kitchen padded mat was added and little May the Norwich is certain it was purchased for her enjoyment - so enjoy it she does whether or not it is being used by Lee.
Dinner was getting back to normal. Darrell's Moose Bourguinone had Ken thinking that he needed the same. Moose is in shorter supply here than in NF so beef had to come to the fore. Julia's recipe was pulled out and many hours later Boeuf Bourguinone was added to the table with a lovely homemade boule. It worked and we are on to another day.
The kennel is quiet. Orion and Mars have been given additional freedom under strict supervision. These two are schemers and keeping ahead of that analysis of escape routes is a true necessity. But they are unfailingly pleasant as they go about their planning for the 'great escape'. It isn't going to happen but we aren't going to ruin their fun by apprising them of that fact. In the interim, they are eating well to ensure there is lots of energy available to answer the call of freedom. Sarah is a great girl and was bred yet again. Dawn has been a tremendous resource in assisting with the breedings and coming back and forth - adding that commute to her busy schedule. Trebia of course continues to thrive.
The house dogs are fine. Patti is in great form and managing her world with Patti-style. She is eating the Pro Plan shredded blend and enjoys it - with added treats, of course, taking her potion and her Glyco Flex. It is now over a year since her cancer diagnosis and we are mightily pleased with the year and her enjoyment of it. There was lots of assistance in the kitchen. A new kitchen padded mat was added and little May the Norwich is certain it was purchased for her enjoyment - so enjoy it she does whether or not it is being used by Lee.
Dinner was getting back to normal. Darrell's Moose Bourguinone had Ken thinking that he needed the same. Moose is in shorter supply here than in NF so beef had to come to the fore. Julia's recipe was pulled out and many hours later Boeuf Bourguinone was added to the table with a lovely homemade boule. It worked and we are on to another day.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
We're back, Chantelle did her usual great job and life unfolds
There has been a blog-hiatus that seems to have concerned some. Life is back to normal at Regalridge after a survey of the Canadian Rockies, our annual pilgrimage to the US and Lee's quick trip to Newfoundland. We are pleased to report that the /Rockies are unmoved, Virginia still resides between Washington and North Carolina and according to Rogers Telecom, when travelling from NS to St John's, you are to be "welcomed abroad". Updating the family situation, Kendra is home from yet another surgery and is looking at a long road to recovery. Lee's Dad is having up and down days but is at least somewhat stable this week. While in Newfoundland, Lee had an opportunity to visit with Darrell and Joanna, spend some time with their Henry and with little Vasco. Added to that was wonderful hospitality, much hilarity and great fare - if you are ever in the neighbourhood, drop by and ensure Darrell pulls out the moose bourguignon.
The kennel has been busy with a hiatus now as we prepare for Christmas boarders. The Schenk crowd departed yesterday among a flurry of waves. We anticipate Crockett's usual care of the street may be somewhat compromised since his voice box has had quite a work out. The two Sibes-in-residence (Orion and Mars) are great dogs. They love people, haven't missed a meal and are taking their vacation in stride. Very well socialized dogs, they are a pleasure to work with and have applied for kennel manager positions. Sarah the Airedale is here from a great distance and has approved her husband. She is bred now so from this point we hope all will be well. Paula has also been bred so there may well be Welsh puppies.
The house dogs are well. Patti continues to have her potion, is happy in her leather chair in front of the fire and manages the property in usual Patti-style. Piper is glad to have Lee home but did migrate quite willingly to Chantelle during her house-sitting period. Nick tried hard to show a cold shoulder, having noticed that Billy made yet another trip to Virginia while he stayed home but he was so tickled to have all of his people back that the shoulder warmed up in short order. Rocky suggested that another trip should soon be in order - he prefers Chantelle's house management whereby he is free to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants and sets Rocky-rules on a daily basis. The Welsh have no idea that Lee and Ken were away. The Norwich are delighted to have Lee back since she takes direction far better than does Chantelle.
It will take some time to get meals back in order. The rhythm of the days on the road did not always lead to structure. There were fabulous meals followed by less than impressive fast food moments and everything in between. So, it was grilled burgers, Greek oven fried potatoes and raspberry-walnut rugala as we move into the holiday season. Unpacking continues as does the sorting of the American plunder - to be wrapped gaily and offered up to family and friends over the next few weeks. Scheduling must happen, paperwork revisited and trimming begun - time to get busy.
The kennel has been busy with a hiatus now as we prepare for Christmas boarders. The Schenk crowd departed yesterday among a flurry of waves. We anticipate Crockett's usual care of the street may be somewhat compromised since his voice box has had quite a work out. The two Sibes-in-residence (Orion and Mars) are great dogs. They love people, haven't missed a meal and are taking their vacation in stride. Very well socialized dogs, they are a pleasure to work with and have applied for kennel manager positions. Sarah the Airedale is here from a great distance and has approved her husband. She is bred now so from this point we hope all will be well. Paula has also been bred so there may well be Welsh puppies.
The house dogs are well. Patti continues to have her potion, is happy in her leather chair in front of the fire and manages the property in usual Patti-style. Piper is glad to have Lee home but did migrate quite willingly to Chantelle during her house-sitting period. Nick tried hard to show a cold shoulder, having noticed that Billy made yet another trip to Virginia while he stayed home but he was so tickled to have all of his people back that the shoulder warmed up in short order. Rocky suggested that another trip should soon be in order - he prefers Chantelle's house management whereby he is free to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants and sets Rocky-rules on a daily basis. The Welsh have no idea that Lee and Ken were away. The Norwich are delighted to have Lee back since she takes direction far better than does Chantelle.
It will take some time to get meals back in order. The rhythm of the days on the road did not always lead to structure. There were fabulous meals followed by less than impressive fast food moments and everything in between. So, it was grilled burgers, Greek oven fried potatoes and raspberry-walnut rugala as we move into the holiday season. Unpacking continues as does the sorting of the American plunder - to be wrapped gaily and offered up to family and friends over the next few weeks. Scheduling must happen, paperwork revisited and trimming begun - time to get busy.
Friday, October 22, 2010
The question of the day - how did Scout do at Agility?!
Thursday was the last day for planning, we hope. There were incidents. Starting with losses of paperwork that required a couple of hours of searching followed by an 'aha' moment of the 'I can't believe I did that variety', Lee enjoyed a trip to Truro to take the correct papers and the two sets of keys to the van we turned in. The dealership was relieved since they had had a similar morning searching for those keys. Gotta love Our Ken and his penchant for a pocket full of keys - anybody's keys will do. Then it was home to load dog and cat and off to Eric for a vaccination and some blood work. Einstein passed his test and was as good as only Einstein can be in the car. Billy on the other hand found the up close and personal trip with his nemesis fraught. And since there is the rule of Regalridge that you cannot go to the Vet without going to Costco, it was back to Costco for yet more dog food, dog bones, 'a good mat' (Ken also cannot pass by mats, batteries or light bulbs) and a chicken pot pie to accompany us to Woodstock. Home again home again with a detour to collect Pharmasave offerings and we discovered our company who were coming for dinner already in the driveway. Hmmm Had a quick take on the dog, put up ears on Tony - no wait, maybe it was Tony's puppy - and we were on to a meal. A full day and the lists weren't complete. We missed a trip to Chantelle's and are sorry for that. The tv swap has begun but did not get finalized.
The kennel is ticking along nicely. Lucy continues to manage Nemo who continues to live his life in her thrall. Lucky continues to explain the errors of our ways. Poe is managing nicely and waved good bye to the Tippy-pretender. And the suite is ready for the arrival of Keegan and Kelsey.
The house dogs are well. Billy had a good going over by Eric, finding it a bit personal but otherwise not a big deal. Einstein purred his way through his exam and agreed to the blood work. His 15 year old cat blood was quite good with some indication that kidney values might be a bit off. A lower protein diet was ordered and we will see how that suits His cat-iness..
Dinner was late but acceptable. A green salad with Ken's little yellow tomatoes and Ken's green pepper was followed by spaghetti a la Lee, garlic bread and finally pumpking pie. There were no complaints. And we are on to Friday and packing
The kennel is ticking along nicely. Lucy continues to manage Nemo who continues to live his life in her thrall. Lucky continues to explain the errors of our ways. Poe is managing nicely and waved good bye to the Tippy-pretender. And the suite is ready for the arrival of Keegan and Kelsey.
The house dogs are well. Billy had a good going over by Eric, finding it a bit personal but otherwise not a big deal. Einstein purred his way through his exam and agreed to the blood work. His 15 year old cat blood was quite good with some indication that kidney values might be a bit off. A lower protein diet was ordered and we will see how that suits His cat-iness..
Dinner was late but acceptable. A green salad with Ken's little yellow tomatoes and Ken's green pepper was followed by spaghetti a la Lee, garlic bread and finally pumpking pie. There were no complaints. And we are on to Friday and packing
Thursday, October 21, 2010
The yard is being decorated for the season - the new vehicle is red
Days are busy at Regalridge as we sort through the 'must do' list prior to leaving for Virginia. Included in the list was the television replacement (so Chantelle could thoroughly scare herself to death watching bad movies|) and the new van. All was accomplished. There may be a vehicle on earth with more bells and whistles than this van but if so, it has a name on its side denoting it as a royal passenger ship! The light cream interior has Lee a bit unsettled and the new technology will take some time to sort through but it sure is pretty sitting in the yard. Ken continues to garden and tomatoes are still abundant - amazing for the end of October.
The kennel is quite busy as well. Lucy is managing Nemo until the end of the week. He really must find life without her ministrations quite different. With her care and concern, he doesn't have a moment where he must think for himself. Lucky is settled and eating well. He is a big Lab with many thoughts on life in general and kennel management in particular - those thoughts are freely shared. Poe is relaxed and in charge of his own space. People are allowed and even encouraged to share it with him - dogs are another story. Poe's rules are inviolate. Tippy has been kidnapped by aliens and a different dog has replaced him - looks like Tippy, is ambivalent about food like Tippy, enjoys his bed like Tippy but is benign. We are hoping that the real Tippy will be back for the owners' return. In the interim, we will enjoy the replacement.
The house dogs are fine, are enjoying the clement weather and are underwhelmed, as always, by hunting season. The banging in the woods is unsettling and seems to be far too close, although there are no woods in our vicinity. A rumour has been heard, though, that Chantelle who lives in a more wooded area has a new pet. Scout is bonding with a resident porcupine. Chantelle is a bit non-plused about it all. It was baseball night and with the new television the game was literally in the den. By mid-evening the dogs are ready to enjoy life at a slow pace so with six very large dog beds strategically arranged, it was a period of musical beds for all. The Norwich, of course, had the largest. The Welsh, of course, had the favourite (with a permanently curled lip at the ready for anyone who dared look at her). That left the remainder for Our Charlotte, Patti (Lee was in her chair much to Patti's disgust), Marilla and Nick. Nick, always the gentleman, shared with Piper, who lights only for a moment in fear that she could be missing something occurring elsewhere, with Lori who gets too warm in front of the stove and has to go elsewhere to cool off and with Lori who claims her territory and then won't give it back. Observing the logistics, the machinations and the posturing is a full time job.
Dinner was early - or at least we tried. It was grilled tenderloin roast with caramelized onions, new potatoes from the garden boiled quickly and then grilled with wonderful BC salt (thanks Ralph), squash from the garden and shitaake mushrooms. We did not suffer. And life is ready to unfold tomorrow.
The kennel is quite busy as well. Lucy is managing Nemo until the end of the week. He really must find life without her ministrations quite different. With her care and concern, he doesn't have a moment where he must think for himself. Lucky is settled and eating well. He is a big Lab with many thoughts on life in general and kennel management in particular - those thoughts are freely shared. Poe is relaxed and in charge of his own space. People are allowed and even encouraged to share it with him - dogs are another story. Poe's rules are inviolate. Tippy has been kidnapped by aliens and a different dog has replaced him - looks like Tippy, is ambivalent about food like Tippy, enjoys his bed like Tippy but is benign. We are hoping that the real Tippy will be back for the owners' return. In the interim, we will enjoy the replacement.
The house dogs are fine, are enjoying the clement weather and are underwhelmed, as always, by hunting season. The banging in the woods is unsettling and seems to be far too close, although there are no woods in our vicinity. A rumour has been heard, though, that Chantelle who lives in a more wooded area has a new pet. Scout is bonding with a resident porcupine. Chantelle is a bit non-plused about it all. It was baseball night and with the new television the game was literally in the den. By mid-evening the dogs are ready to enjoy life at a slow pace so with six very large dog beds strategically arranged, it was a period of musical beds for all. The Norwich, of course, had the largest. The Welsh, of course, had the favourite (with a permanently curled lip at the ready for anyone who dared look at her). That left the remainder for Our Charlotte, Patti (Lee was in her chair much to Patti's disgust), Marilla and Nick. Nick, always the gentleman, shared with Piper, who lights only for a moment in fear that she could be missing something occurring elsewhere, with Lori who gets too warm in front of the stove and has to go elsewhere to cool off and with Lori who claims her territory and then won't give it back. Observing the logistics, the machinations and the posturing is a full time job.
Dinner was early - or at least we tried. It was grilled tenderloin roast with caramelized onions, new potatoes from the garden boiled quickly and then grilled with wonderful BC salt (thanks Ralph), squash from the garden and shitaake mushrooms. We did not suffer. And life is ready to unfold tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
We have seen the West - and were impressed
Apologies for the lack of blogs over the past week. Ken and Lee were in the West - Calgary and beautiful Lake Louise. All was well at Regalridge courtesy of Chantelle's usual level of care. The Laurel puppy now has a name - Lily is a great new addition. We are enjoying her solid and thoughtful presence. She has bonded with Viola the Welsh and both are happily in charge of the fenced area between the house and kennel. Ken spent several days in Calgary with Reg, Catherine, Gillian and Tim (Brunswick and their new addition Spirit). It is an active household with dance, music and hockey punctuating school and work lives. The dogs hold everything together and are well valued members of the society. The walking trails and parks that border the area are fabulous so with great weather, we all were able to enjoy time outside with the children and Airedales, even being chased down by new residents to find out the provenance of the Airedales. The trips out and back were with Westjet - direct flights with no issues. Accompanied by lots of magazines (Walrus, the Economist. Atlantic and National Geographic) the time went by easily. There was even a shopping moment as Lee received the detailed info on the new Astec Reader from her seat mate. With an ability to hold hundreds of downloaded books, no limitations on the books it will carry and an amazing battery life, there will be new technology at Regalridge in the near future.
The kennel is doing well. Marguerite the Regalridge Airedale is in residence and not delighted but beyond that all are settled in. There is some concern, however. Something dire appears to have occurred with Sir Tippy. He is friendly! Ensconced on his bed with a Regalridge comforter added for extra softness, he allows entry to his realm, nods his head in welcome and is settled in. It would be hard to replicate Tippy but we are concerned that his owners are toying with us. Poe is here and is being Poe. He is happy at Regalridge but would prefer being the only dog - the others are a distraction that he could do without. Miss Lucy is caring for her Nemo and is working hard. She accompanies him everywhere, waits for him with her usual concern for his ability to move forward without her and shepherds him on his walks around the yards. Lucky the Lab arrived mid-afternoon and settled in with a long chat about life over the past year, updates on the family and his thoughts on the future of the world debt crisis. It appears more is to come.
The house dogs are fine. Patti has discovered a new Pro Plan food and loves it - Select Chicken is now her meal of choice. Clem was here of course so there was a line up for the potion. The puppy is thriving and all of the rest have gone to their homes. They have developed new skill sets ranging from interior design to grooming capabilities. We are mightily impressed.
Meals have been interesting. There is no recommendation that you should go to the Chateau at Lake Louise for food. Casa Regalridge is superior and that is somewhat unfortunate. We cannot compete with the view!
The kennel is doing well. Marguerite the Regalridge Airedale is in residence and not delighted but beyond that all are settled in. There is some concern, however. Something dire appears to have occurred with Sir Tippy. He is friendly! Ensconced on his bed with a Regalridge comforter added for extra softness, he allows entry to his realm, nods his head in welcome and is settled in. It would be hard to replicate Tippy but we are concerned that his owners are toying with us. Poe is here and is being Poe. He is happy at Regalridge but would prefer being the only dog - the others are a distraction that he could do without. Miss Lucy is caring for her Nemo and is working hard. She accompanies him everywhere, waits for him with her usual concern for his ability to move forward without her and shepherds him on his walks around the yards. Lucky the Lab arrived mid-afternoon and settled in with a long chat about life over the past year, updates on the family and his thoughts on the future of the world debt crisis. It appears more is to come.
The house dogs are fine. Patti has discovered a new Pro Plan food and loves it - Select Chicken is now her meal of choice. Clem was here of course so there was a line up for the potion. The puppy is thriving and all of the rest have gone to their homes. They have developed new skill sets ranging from interior design to grooming capabilities. We are mightily impressed.
Meals have been interesting. There is no recommendation that you should go to the Chateau at Lake Louise for food. Casa Regalridge is superior and that is somewhat unfortunate. We cannot compete with the view!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Tony the intrepid reporter earns an A+ and Logan wins another BIS
The week end is rolling along and every minute is filled. Adding a dog show is an interesting twist and we suspect Jo has no idea whether she is coming or going. There were lots of good Airedales at the show and we very much enjoyed the Portuguese judge's comments. He was highly impressed with the quality and condition of his Airedale entry, moved every dog several times, checked coats - both quality and trimming - put his hands where you hope a judge will put his hands and overall was thorough and knowledgeable. Clint managed a two point win going BOW and Bella managed another two point win with her impressive BOS. Lola showed very well her first time in the ring, capably piloted by Chantelle. While we did not have any expectations of her given that it was her first week end to show, we were pleased with how well she performed for Chantelle and she was given careful consideration by Sr. Oliveira. The day unfolded and we returned to Regalridge early afternoon to get the Bess the puppy ready for her trip to Pennsylvania. Tony continued to provide show reports, making all of us a bit envious that he and Karen were at Montgomery but also providing much needed updates of the wins. We were all highly appreciative.
The kennel is moving forward. Allan is happy in the country and packing his bags to finish the vacation. Pippa is equally bright and looking spiffy with her new haircut. Abbie the Lab is managing all that she sees and loves the job. Bella the Bernese is looking after her yard and is happy as a Bernese with room to roam can be. Brunswick the Poodle-mix is full of enthusiasm and strong minded. We suspect the vacation in this case is for the owners.
The house dogs are well and happy. Patti is thriving, the Norwich are in charge and Dolly looked after Jo to make her feel welcome. The Welsh puppy has departed for his new home in Cape Breton and by Tuesday mornign we will be down to one little Airedale.
Dinner was Thanksgiving revisited. There was turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy, dressing and brussel sprouts, cranberries and tomatoes with Maytag Blue followed by pumpkin pie. All is welll.
The kennel is moving forward. Allan is happy in the country and packing his bags to finish the vacation. Pippa is equally bright and looking spiffy with her new haircut. Abbie the Lab is managing all that she sees and loves the job. Bella the Bernese is looking after her yard and is happy as a Bernese with room to roam can be. Brunswick the Poodle-mix is full of enthusiasm and strong minded. We suspect the vacation in this case is for the owners.
The house dogs are well and happy. Patti is thriving, the Norwich are in charge and Dolly looked after Jo to make her feel welcome. The Welsh puppy has departed for his new home in Cape Breton and by Tuesday mornign we will be down to one little Airedale.
Dinner was Thanksgiving revisited. There was turkey and mashed potatoes with gravy, dressing and brussel sprouts, cranberries and tomatoes with Maytag Blue followed by pumpkin pie. All is welll.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Tony is a star and the dogs did well too
All is well in NS this fall day. The sun came out, it is warm and pleasant. The Truro dog show is held in a large animal exhibition building - think rutted dirt floors, no heat, birds in the rafters and the occasional bird on the floor just for comic relief. Add to that a relatively small footprint outside and a thoroughbred horse sale on the grounds and you get the sense of the day. We stayed as long as was necessary. Miss Bella managed her two point major, Logan a Group 2 and baby Viola a Group 4. Jo and Lee had an interesting afternoon. Jo realized on her way to NS that she had neglected to book passage for the puppy on her return trip. She did that on arrival but was a bit unsettled about her conversation. So, she called US Air again and discovered that the pup had been booked as carry on. That would not work. Lee called and spoke with a number of US Air call centers (most of them way offshore) to finally be told that US Air does not ship dogs as cargo - only in cabin. So,, Air Canada came to the rescue. With a pleasant Canadian call center and a great agent, Jo has a relatively reasonable ticket to a slightly less convenient destination. But it will work and Bessie can go home so all is well - if slightly pricey. Tony again managed a heroic feat - all results from Devon came in as wins were given and it was almost like being at ringside.
The kennel is well. Allan is doing fine and enjoying his vacation at Regalridge. Pippa is here for a short stay and had her spa treatment a la Chantelle tonight. Abbie the Lab is fine and managing the entire kennel. Brunswick the almost-a-Poodle is a great dog and is looking after his yard in Poodle-y fashion. Lucy the Bernese is here and settled for her week end. She is always an easy visitor. Coco the Airedale arrived late for a short stay. All are eating well and really enjoying the great weather. And that's it in the kennel.
The house dogs are fine. Patti is bouncing around. Jo has picked out her puppy and is enjoying her first female dog. Piper was glad to have everyone home early and helped organize dinner activity. Dolly shared herself around - she does love Jo. Nick was happy with the kitchen activity and the Norwich encouraged all to do more, faster, better.
Dinner was in Jo's honor - planked salmon, risotto and a walnut salad with fennel and Ken's latest tomato harvest (small yellow fellows that were fabulous). The apple pie is now a memory. And we are on to tomorrow
The kennel is well. Allan is doing fine and enjoying his vacation at Regalridge. Pippa is here for a short stay and had her spa treatment a la Chantelle tonight. Abbie the Lab is fine and managing the entire kennel. Brunswick the almost-a-Poodle is a great dog and is looking after his yard in Poodle-y fashion. Lucy the Bernese is here and settled for her week end. She is always an easy visitor. Coco the Airedale arrived late for a short stay. All are eating well and really enjoying the great weather. And that's it in the kennel.
The house dogs are fine. Patti is bouncing around. Jo has picked out her puppy and is enjoying her first female dog. Piper was glad to have everyone home early and helped organize dinner activity. Dolly shared herself around - she does love Jo. Nick was happy with the kitchen activity and the Norwich encouraged all to do more, faster, better.
Dinner was in Jo's honor - planked salmon, risotto and a walnut salad with fennel and Ken's latest tomato harvest (small yellow fellows that were fabulous). The apple pie is now a memory. And we are on to tomorrow
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Thanksgiving has arrived
Friday was the start of the Thanksgiving week end at Regalridge. Ken managed to fit a visit to see Kendra into his day - taking some of the harvest including the beautiful dahlias. Her surgery is in the offing and we pray that it will be the end of this rocky road. We began giving thanks by welcoming Jo. She was up all night to enable her to fly to NS and arrive in time to help make Thanksgiving dinner. We had earlier assessed our options and determined that Friday was our best bet. So between Tony's most excellent reports from the Hatboro Dog Show, Lee started kitchen activity in the fast lane. Our Ken had been hunting and gathering and toted us a free range organic (whatever that means) turkey. It was fabulous. Knowing we were missing Montgomery week end was tough so Tony's class by class updates were a tremendous boost. Likely it made the big dinner possible because Lee stayed focused between the laptop on the kitchen table and the cutting board. Chantelle made cameo appearances throughout the day, It took that many trips to get her mail that had backed up. Jo brought treasures from State College including almost a round of Maytag Blue. How great is that! Then there were the coffee making accessories (remember, Jo and Mary were the purveyors of the best-coffeemaker-in-the-world) and a new fancy weather station for Ken.
The kennel was busy with comings and goings. Allan is still in residence and contemplating life. Abbie the Lab is having a whale of a time, expressing herself as only our Abbie can. The very Poodle-y Doodle is happy as only a very Poodle-y Doodle can be - delighted to see everyone. Pippa has arrived for the week end and is scheduled for a spa treatment. Trebia is still running the exercise program and is tickled to be of help.
The house dogs are happy as clams with decent weather and Lee in the kitchen. It doesn't get better than that in Piper and Nick's world. The rest are taking the cues from those two and from Patti who is organizing all. Clem is happily moving between houses, finding her best spot to be in the way in each residence.
Then there was dinner. There was the wonderful turkey, Ken's squash and mashed potatoes with gravy(garden items), turkey dressing (Jo pronounced the hi-light of her meal and had seconds!) baked tomatoes with blue cheese and brussel sprouts with balsamic and bacon. There was wine, of course, and finally apple pie from the orchard apples with an old cheddar or ice cream. And tomorrow brings the dog show. . .
The kennel was busy with comings and goings. Allan is still in residence and contemplating life. Abbie the Lab is having a whale of a time, expressing herself as only our Abbie can. The very Poodle-y Doodle is happy as only a very Poodle-y Doodle can be - delighted to see everyone. Pippa has arrived for the week end and is scheduled for a spa treatment. Trebia is still running the exercise program and is tickled to be of help.
The house dogs are happy as clams with decent weather and Lee in the kitchen. It doesn't get better than that in Piper and Nick's world. The rest are taking the cues from those two and from Patti who is organizing all. Clem is happily moving between houses, finding her best spot to be in the way in each residence.
Then there was dinner. There was the wonderful turkey, Ken's squash and mashed potatoes with gravy(garden items), turkey dressing (Jo pronounced the hi-light of her meal and had seconds!) baked tomatoes with blue cheese and brussel sprouts with balsamic and bacon. There was wine, of course, and finally apple pie from the orchard apples with an old cheddar or ice cream. And tomorrow brings the dog show. . .
Thursday, October 7, 2010
A warm fall is upon us and all is right with the world
It was another lovely day in NS. Our Ken spent the day gathering the harvest. We have a dining room full of squash, potatoes in the pantry, apples from the trees and yet more tomatoes. Even the odd green pepper appeared as the crops came in. The tractor pulled the loads and the squirrels supervised as they went about their business of laying inside the bird feeders and scaring the birds away - nothing like hard working squirrels! The house is also full of flowers. At this point, it is dahlias in all sizes, shapes and colours and from Woodstock there are hydrangea. Lee organized in preparation for Jo's arrival and began preparations for Thanksgiving dinner.
The kennel is quite busy for early October. Allan is with us, contemplating life as only an older Welsh male can. Morgan, London and the Norfolk are holding the fort, quite secure in their thought that their owner should be back sometime soon. Abbie the Lab is managing her yard and has taken ownership. Brunswick the Golden-Poodle mix (heavy on the Poodle in this case) has settled in and is a great dog. He is a bright and curious youngster, loves people and enjoys his meals. He has already been introduced to the big yards and is impressed by the space available to explore, provided Ken was quite close at hand to offer back up. You never know what a fence might do if it gets riled.
The house dogs are well and happy. Potions are well taken although we are disappointed that Costco no longer carries flax oil. The Airedale puppies are well and the little Welsh has developed a great personality - confident and solid. All are well into their routine with lots of outdoor time. Nick is managing the kitchen, Piper is managing Lee and Patti is managing everything from her leather recliner in the den. There are few workers but there are lots of white hats on those Airedale heads.
Dinner was a fall classic. There were ribs and baked potatoes, fried green tomatoes and bread pudding. All is well at Regalridge.
The kennel is quite busy for early October. Allan is with us, contemplating life as only an older Welsh male can. Morgan, London and the Norfolk are holding the fort, quite secure in their thought that their owner should be back sometime soon. Abbie the Lab is managing her yard and has taken ownership. Brunswick the Golden-Poodle mix (heavy on the Poodle in this case) has settled in and is a great dog. He is a bright and curious youngster, loves people and enjoys his meals. He has already been introduced to the big yards and is impressed by the space available to explore, provided Ken was quite close at hand to offer back up. You never know what a fence might do if it gets riled.
The house dogs are well and happy. Potions are well taken although we are disappointed that Costco no longer carries flax oil. The Airedale puppies are well and the little Welsh has developed a great personality - confident and solid. All are well into their routine with lots of outdoor time. Nick is managing the kitchen, Piper is managing Lee and Patti is managing everything from her leather recliner in the den. There are few workers but there are lots of white hats on those Airedale heads.
Dinner was a fall classic. There were ribs and baked potatoes, fried green tomatoes and bread pudding. All is well at Regalridge.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Lovely weather and major hunting combine
It was a day of coming and going for Our Ken while Lee held the fort. The van is due to be replaced and the chase is on to find a suitable conveyance. Included in the search will be torture for other manufacturers' agents as Our Ken moves to find another Town and Country - the only outcome that will satisfy him. There are precious few at this time of year that are available here but there are several "in transit" and there is little doubt that one will reside at Regalridge. Lee spent the day on CKC paperwork and made some small progress. It was also a day of receiving images from owners of Regalridge puppies. Water seemed to be the theme. There were swimming Welsh, fetching Welsh and sailing Welsh - all with water as their backdrop or medium. Who knew?! As the weather continues to exceed expectations, painting continues to be the project. The miles of fencing is reverting to pristine white and sections are being replaced that the hurricane wreaked havoc upon. Tomatoes continue to ripen and find their way inside as does zucchini - right Chantelle? The parade has marched to Kennetcook for the work week - to return for a bit on the week end as we ready ourselves for the shows and Jo's visit. And rumour has it that a little Airedale in BC has both a name and an ability to exhibit forward momentum while on a leash.
The kennel is ticking along. Abbie is chortling. Trebia is racing. Allan is studying his options. The Welsh, Norwich, Norfolk trio are scratching their heads and trying to figure out where exactly their couch has gone and what has happened to their personal care-giver. London is perhaps the most forgiving. Morgan the least - look out for repercussions in spite of his happy countenance as a result of his spa treatment. He is certainly a lot more comfortable.
The house crew are settling into the normal routine. Nick has Lee's lap to wipe his face after his drinks. Dolly has Ken in his chair so her head can rest comfortably as she gazes at him (and of course at his plate). Piper is back in the bedroom at night - and glares at Chantelle's door even though she isn't in residence. The Norwich are parked on the couch with Ken every time he lights - but then, no doubt they did the same with Chantelle - any port in a storm is their motto. The Airedale puppies are thriving and spending their days on the deck playing Airedale puppy games. The Welsh puppy is growing and eating well - having moved to the big puppy playpen on the week end. He has a roly poly penguin for company and uses it as a punching bag - much to his amusement.
Dinner included tenderloin, vidalia onion, roasted squash and potatoes and tomato casserole with pesto followed by pumpkin pie. Life is back to normal.
The kennel is ticking along. Abbie is chortling. Trebia is racing. Allan is studying his options. The Welsh, Norwich, Norfolk trio are scratching their heads and trying to figure out where exactly their couch has gone and what has happened to their personal care-giver. London is perhaps the most forgiving. Morgan the least - look out for repercussions in spite of his happy countenance as a result of his spa treatment. He is certainly a lot more comfortable.
The house crew are settling into the normal routine. Nick has Lee's lap to wipe his face after his drinks. Dolly has Ken in his chair so her head can rest comfortably as she gazes at him (and of course at his plate). Piper is back in the bedroom at night - and glares at Chantelle's door even though she isn't in residence. The Norwich are parked on the couch with Ken every time he lights - but then, no doubt they did the same with Chantelle - any port in a storm is their motto. The Airedale puppies are thriving and spending their days on the deck playing Airedale puppy games. The Welsh puppy is growing and eating well - having moved to the big puppy playpen on the week end. He has a roly poly penguin for company and uses it as a punching bag - much to his amusement.
Dinner included tenderloin, vidalia onion, roasted squash and potatoes and tomato casserole with pesto followed by pumpkin pie. Life is back to normal.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Woodstock was eventful
Ken and Lee are home yet again. It was a trip to Woodstock to visit Lee's Dad and to give her brother (the Saint) a little break. It was an interesting visit. There was dinner out on Saturday on the arrival and all was well. Dad has progressed from the walker to a cane and has much more mobility than was the case three weeks ago. Still, on Sunday when we were ready for the pilgrimage to the US to stock them up on Houlton Farm Dairies milk and Caines relish, there was an event. Our return found us facing a note that Greg had taken Dad to hospital. We regrouped and drove (quickly) to the Emergency to find Dad just being interrogated by a great nurse who had taken him ahead of the rest of the waiting room. We responded to questions and Dad was quickly found a bed and his great ER doctor - the same fellow who has seen him on his three previous visits. He is a talented ER specialist, knows the history and is pro-active. We had a good chat while Dad had a CT scan, x-rays, blood work and more blood work (Dad and Lee both have a very uncommon blood type and we are suspicious it may have been in short supply!). Some hydration, an iv antibiotic and we were out of there.
The kennel turned over in the two days Lee and Ken were away. Chantelle trimmed dogs and trimmed dogs and trimmed dogs. In her downtime, she managed the kennel activities and bonded with Breton. Breton encouraged Chantelle to let her try the big yards so Saturday evening was her trial and she managed nicely with Cooper showing her the ropes. Breton then ate up a storm and decided vacations at the kennel may not be quite so bad after all - Hello Mudda, Hello Fadda . . . Abbie the Lab is in residence for a fall vacation and is exercising her vocal chords with gay abandon. Old Allan is doing well and is thriving as always. Barrett waved Trebia good bye on Monday, much to her disgust. Morgan, London and the Norfolk are settled in and content. Morgan has had his spa treatment and explained repeatedly to Chantelle that this would not have been his owner's intention.
The house dogs had a great time with Chantelle. With Billy in Woodstock, Nick decided that he too was on vacation and Atlas could be in charge. Atlas took those responsibilities seriously and hit Clint on the head with every toy he could find. We aren't quite certain the intent of that messaging but it did make Atlas happy. The jury is out on Clint's thoughts. Chantelle's dogs were in residence and the activity level was high. We are down to three Airedale puppies. One will leave for Pennsylvania with Jo, one will go to Calgary with Ken and Lee and one stays at Regalridge for the moment. The little Welsh also leaves this week so the puppy count will be down. The full parade occurred at bedtime with Ken bringing up the rear providing the percussion.
Dinner was Vito's lasagne (there was a stop at the Moncton Costco on the way home) with garlic bread. Then it was on to unpacking. And life goes on . . .
The kennel turned over in the two days Lee and Ken were away. Chantelle trimmed dogs and trimmed dogs and trimmed dogs. In her downtime, she managed the kennel activities and bonded with Breton. Breton encouraged Chantelle to let her try the big yards so Saturday evening was her trial and she managed nicely with Cooper showing her the ropes. Breton then ate up a storm and decided vacations at the kennel may not be quite so bad after all - Hello Mudda, Hello Fadda . . . Abbie the Lab is in residence for a fall vacation and is exercising her vocal chords with gay abandon. Old Allan is doing well and is thriving as always. Barrett waved Trebia good bye on Monday, much to her disgust. Morgan, London and the Norfolk are settled in and content. Morgan has had his spa treatment and explained repeatedly to Chantelle that this would not have been his owner's intention.
The house dogs had a great time with Chantelle. With Billy in Woodstock, Nick decided that he too was on vacation and Atlas could be in charge. Atlas took those responsibilities seriously and hit Clint on the head with every toy he could find. We aren't quite certain the intent of that messaging but it did make Atlas happy. The jury is out on Clint's thoughts. Chantelle's dogs were in residence and the activity level was high. We are down to three Airedale puppies. One will leave for Pennsylvania with Jo, one will go to Calgary with Ken and Lee and one stays at Regalridge for the moment. The little Welsh also leaves this week so the puppy count will be down. The full parade occurred at bedtime with Ken bringing up the rear providing the percussion.
Dinner was Vito's lasagne (there was a stop at the Moncton Costco on the way home) with garlic bread. Then it was on to unpacking. And life goes on . . .
Saturday, October 2, 2010
We bid Adieu to Ralph and 'Yeats'
Ralph left and we miss him. With him went the lovely Male puppy and a host of memories. We reckon it was a trip well spent. The puppy was wise to the idea of a cross country flight so managed to sort out all bodily functions at the Halifax airport. The good news is that he was clean as a whistle on arrival in Victoria. The day unfolded around that pending departure - few questions were left unasked and few concerns unshared. A planner is Our Ralph. The remainder of the day was catching up and sorting dogs. The remaining Airedales are madly searching for the 'lost puppy' so are getting lots of exercise. Their suspicion at the moment is that it must be the lure of the squirrels that has taken him away.
The kennel is busy. Otis the GSD has settled in and is doing well - moving easily to the big yards. Lucy the Welsh departed and Nemo is completely lost without her. We anticipate Len is just putting his Welcome to Halifax party together and will be here to collect Lucy's friend soon. Allan is settled and sharing his thoughts with the neighbourhood, enjoying the big yards and warm days. Abby the black Labrador, Cooper the Golden and Breton the Chesapeake Bay Retriever arrived and settled in. The worrier is the Chesapeake who is deciding on the potential of the food and determining next steps. Breton ate his meal through the night after his initial protest.
The house dogs are well and happy although Atlas would like to know what we did with His Ralph. Nick, ruler of the kitchen, is also missing His Friend Ralph and little Abigail notes that Her Buddy Ralph's lap seems to have disappeared. Clem enjoyed her day at Regalridge, returning to her usual spots behind Lee's feet with a smile and a toss of her head, knowing she had Lee captured and happy with her prowess. The little Welsh puppy is growing and enjoying life at Regalridge. He is completely weaned and bright as a Welsh can be. He will be a talker, with a true sense of himself and his place in the world.
Dinner was our local gourmet pizza.
The kennel is busy. Otis the GSD has settled in and is doing well - moving easily to the big yards. Lucy the Welsh departed and Nemo is completely lost without her. We anticipate Len is just putting his Welcome to Halifax party together and will be here to collect Lucy's friend soon. Allan is settled and sharing his thoughts with the neighbourhood, enjoying the big yards and warm days. Abby the black Labrador, Cooper the Golden and Breton the Chesapeake Bay Retriever arrived and settled in. The worrier is the Chesapeake who is deciding on the potential of the food and determining next steps. Breton ate his meal through the night after his initial protest.
The house dogs are well and happy although Atlas would like to know what we did with His Ralph. Nick, ruler of the kitchen, is also missing His Friend Ralph and little Abigail notes that Her Buddy Ralph's lap seems to have disappeared. Clem enjoyed her day at Regalridge, returning to her usual spots behind Lee's feet with a smile and a toss of her head, knowing she had Lee captured and happy with her prowess. The little Welsh puppy is growing and enjoying life at Regalridge. He is completely weaned and bright as a Welsh can be. He will be a talker, with a true sense of himself and his place in the world.
Dinner was our local gourmet pizza.
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