The end of January has arrived

It was a week end day and lots happening. Chantelle was off and running early with a car full of soup, cooking implements, gear and a little dog hanging on for dear life. She was helping with the ATA Match so wanted to be at Fetch at the start of the morning. That worked. Ken was going in later with more food for the canteen, more dogs and his cares and woes. He delivered little Kirby to his owners, went to the Match, provided Cathy with more cooking implements and more food and stayed for the Conformation Match. All went well and both came home after a busy day. Lee held the fort at home with lots of dogs and the well managed kitchen. ,Linda phoned late to bring us up to date on the Virginia winter - more heavy snow and as cold as it is here, not weather any Southerner would welcome. She says there is a run on shovels and she reckons she can sell hers for more than her property is worth. Her discussion of the mechanics of plowing in the South is hilarious - and left Ken scratching his head in confusion. The effort expended does not appear equal to the output achieved in any text that our engineer has read!

The kennel is quiet as is usual in late January. Sophie is looking after her yard with Lori as company. Ruff is looking after his yard and the rest are assisting as best they can. Chantelle continued her adventures in the big yards - this time a la Georgie and Clint. Going out to bring them in, she didn't notice that Georgie was picking her pocket until the subtle rattle of her 23 pounds of keys came to her attention. The keys were saved; unfortunately they were the second item on the twins agenda. Her mittens were putting on miles in the mouth of the two puppies with Chantelle chasing while they dodged and feinted. The game eventually came to an end with Chantelle feeling for a brief moment that she was victorious - until she looked at those two laughing faces and realized that they had decided the game was over for the night.

Patti and Sophie are eating well and running around like the lunatics they can be on occasion. Sohpie had meals of tenderloin, garlic cheese fingers and milkbones and pronounced Lee a great cook. Patti preferred hamburger and was rewarded with freshly cooked burger on both meals - a great day in our Patti's world. The little crew are as bad and busy as ever. London is lobbying to come back to the house, thinking she is out of season. Lori is nodding in agreement so there may be a repatriation by tomorrow.

Dinner was a winter affair with Chicken Normande and gingerbread with a maple glaze. We didn't suffer. The chicken was superb - cubed coated and sauteed, then covered by parsnips and peas followed by a brandy sauce and finally the topping of mashed apple and potato. And you can't beat gingerbread on a cold winter night. Tomorrow is February and the start of a new week. We look forward to it.