There were waving paws at the gate today

There was a celebratory breakfast of maple scones with fruit salad and latte.  Then Shirley and Susan were off with a reservation in Bangor for the night.  All was well as the van turned in the correct direction out of the driveway.  Whether Ken had to point the way or Susan was under her own steam is the question.  And the timing for reaching Bangor will offer the answers of the extent of their adventures through NS and NB.  Yes, it is a straight road with only two turns from here to Bangor, one could have taken them to Cape Breton (it has been done, right Chantelle and Dawn?) and the other would carry them on to Hartland (and that has been done as well, right Susan?). 

All is well in the kennel.  Briggs and Brady are the life of the party.  Last night, it was the big bone on the bed with both dogs chewing on it.  Life is fine for them - toys, big bed and the big yard keep them happy at all times.  They keep us smiling with their good humour.  Maddie and Jasper are eating well, are enjoying their big dog beds and love their exercise yard.  They love each other and do not stoop to fraternizing with the others.  Yard four is Shadow, Raggs, Sophie and Abby.  Shadow is delighted that his herd is expanded by one.  Abby loves an addition and kisses anyone who comes near, just to let us know that she approves the OES addition.  Sophie will take any addition as long as it isn't Piper with her rules.  Raggs is braver now and is enjoying the change in circumstances, with a much brighter look in her eyes and improved posture as she moves among her new friends.  Shadow brings everyone in when the time comes for the re-entry to the kennel.  We may have to keep the old fellow - a herding Sheltie can be a very good thing and he does enjoy his job.  Heidi arrived today and went out in a yard by herself next to Darryl who was only back for an overnight.  Both like their yard time.  Darryl is so well socialized and so responsive he makes us laugh out loud.  Calling his name brings a blur of black, tan and white, running full tilt to your voice.  Ziggy was out in the big yard for a good spin and is still amazing us with his ability to adapt to a kennel routine- so unusual for a GSD.  Little Maggie is now the kennel assistant.  Her run door is opened and she runs around the perimeter with Chantelle, verifying the locking of outside run doors after all are in from the yards.   Liard is here and has his exercise up and down  the walkways.  He goes in and out the doors quickly and loves to keep Chantelle on her toes. 

The house dogs are back in a normal routine with the guests departed.  The little dogs miss the extra activity and were hoping Susan might just have made a circle and would be back for dinner.  Not to be, I'm afraid.  Clem had a good day with a little self-feeding that went on at noon - don't you love dogs that are old and still can get ahead of you?  Nick and Ken went hunting and gathering and returned home with The Tiller.  Tom continued The Project with yet another coat of something or other on the stair treads.  They must be at least an inch higher than when this whole thing started.  With luck, that is the end of that phase but Tom was muttering something about the railing as he left. 

Dinner was the start of the sorting of the refrigerators after parties and big meals.  It was prime rib that first appeared so that was the order of the day, with potatoes and peas followed by the end of the shortcake.  We will see what tomorrow will bring.