To the City, To the City to buy a fat - haddock?

It is the start of a week and appointments were the order of the day.  Ken started the list with the dentist, then we moved on to passport photo for Lee, Costco then the bank. The bank was an adventure with a lady at the next teller who had settled in for the day.  By the time Lee arrived, there was a small band of merry bank employees circling the general area listening supportively to a young woman explaining number by number, repeatedly, the bank statement.  There were challenges and counter-challenges.  There were points made by both sides - why did you need a sub-total for example when it didn't mean anything since the total was at the bottom of the page anyway and you didn't receive the redundant sub-total until the total arrived since it was all in the same envelope - a complete waste of time, ink and confusing . . . And why would they bother paying her interest when they were going to charge her more in bank fees than the interest amount . . .  It was a circus and at 100% volume.  Jay Leno - where are you when we need you! 

The kennel is rocking along.  Reese and Ruff (the honourary Airedale) are partying hard.  Lucy is having a great time.  She has number four run in the evenings and last night was tearing around, kicking up those heels and having a wonderful time.  She is taking her meds and is eating well.  Savannah departed much to Nemo's dismay - he had to inspect the perimeter on his own and that is nowhere near as interesting.    Barratt departed and Trebia is heartbroken.  He promised to be back soon much to her relief. 

The house dogs are doing well.  Patti is getting a bit sticky about her meals so Ken has ramped up his cooking to entice her.  If we aren't listening to Our Ken's dulcet tones encouraging Patti to "Eat Patti, Eat" he is under foot in the kitchen with an implement on every flat surface - to fry hamburger.  Now, that's bad enough if it is done between meals but when inspiration hits him at mealtime, it is downright trying.  During dinner preparation, he was caught stirring his hamburger into the dog food with the tongs being used to turn the haddock.  Needless to say, Our Ken was summarily banished, with a bruised look over his shoulder. 

Dinner was a lovely fresh haddock, green tomato chow, smashed potatoes and peas.  It was well received and we are on to another day . . .

Sunday offered good weather and happy dogs

Sundays are a little less frantic than Saturdays.  It was a day in the kennel with Airedale hair flying for Chantelle (with a Welsh added for comic relief).  It is always amazing to see the terriers move from winter clothes to their spring update.  They are beautiful dogs with their balanced outlines and clean colour patterns.  Ken dug in his garden much of the day with the occasional foray to the fruit stand to ensure things were going well and that Regalridge was still seen as their most valued customer.  The little tiller is gainfully employed as it is ferried around the property, turning n over soil and manfully taking on any chore asked of it.  Lee did 'Lee stuff', often in the office with fingers flying but occasionally in the kitchen - the preferred spot from the dogs' perspective and somewhat of a relief for everyone else.

The kennel was busy as usual with week end activity.  Barrett and Trebia are flying around their yard and should achieve lift off at any moment.  Charlie Airedale went home with her new haircut.  Ruff and Reese were sorry to see her go but Reese has determined that Ruff the Golden will do as an Airedale in a pinch.  Lucy is doing well.  She is taking her meds without difficulty and bellows her complaints when the food doesn';t follow quickly enough thereafter.  Savannah is fine with her new haircut and will reintroduce herself to Nemo in the morning. 

The house dogs are well and happy.  They supervise the coming and going in the kennel and on the property from their individual vantage points and enjoy every moment of it.  The opening of the fruit stand had offered new opportunities for a shared workload and the Airedales are up to the challenge, heralding the arrival of particular cars and encouraging shrieking children to eat more ice cream.   Clint is feeling great and is puzzled that he is still not given free reign as is his wont.  The little crew are bouncing along, enjoying life to the fullest and settling in on the couch with Ken at any opportunity.  They feel hockey is second only to Olympics in their repertoire and really enjoy the play offs. 

Dinner was a la fruit stand - prime rib steaks, potatoes, onions and mushrooms, turnip and dessert.  Life is good.  And we move on to a new week. 

Lobstah and strawberries - oh my!

It was Saturday and there was lots going on.  Lee had received a gift in the mail of many cd's of music that had been compiled especially for her.  And in between cuts, all that could be heard from the other members in the household was "Are you going deaf?"  followed by "other people in the village would like to hear their own music" - critics all.  Lee is one happy puppy.  Now, others were happy when they found out that unless Lee moved the Bose system around the house, she was likely to stay in the kitchen as long as that music was blaring, equating to better meals than might otherwise have been the case.  Ben E King heralded Anadama bread while Led Zepplin brought out a need for the dark beer based baguettes that all enjoy.  Billy Paul inspired lovely orange blueberry muffins while The Stones played to a lunchtime mac and cheese.  And then Lee was sent hunting and gathering - to the city for lobster and Sterling wine, butter and blackberries.  Dog food needed to be collected and then it was home again.  Ken worked in his gardens, the garage and finally gave a hand in the house.  Chantelle hosted Kelly in a groom-a-thon.  Kelly, according to her victim, Bob, takes too many breaks but other than that was an acceptable trainee.  Ruff arrived as did Charlie for grooming.  Lucy is doing well.  She continues to take her pills and is eating well and sharing her thoughts as a girl named Lucy can do.  Maezy is looking after her run, has relaxed after her long drive and is going home to think about having little Airedales of her own making. 

The kennel is busy as week ends can be.  Charlie was trimmed and then joined Reese in yard three with Ruff.  Those Airedale girls had a whale of a time running circles around the big Golden.  Ruff was sure he was the object of much affection and was tickled.  Barrett and Trebia raced around their yard, delighted with the speed of the other and with the games that they play on their week ends together.  Trebia occasionally goes flying but just chalks it up to having a really big pal who isn't always in control of his feet.  Savannah and Nemo are playmates.  They wait for whichever one is second to be 'sprung' and enjoy geriatric Welsh surveys of the yards. 

The house dogs always enjoy Lee's days in the kitchen.  They are available for cleaning up the floor at Piper a moment's notice.  Piper stayed close as did Nick, with the old guy having the honour of accompanying Lee in her hunting and gathering.  Clint is doing well, has recovered as only a young dog can and is bouncing back nicely. 

Dinner was for eight but Jimmy didn't make it much to Ken's dismay.  Dawn was pressed into service as was Austin (the guest) as it was explained that it was a boy's job to cut up lobster and that Jimmy was sorely missed.  Dawn substituted and we are reasonably certain Jimmy will understand that.  Dinner was outstanding lobster with clarified butter, Greek salad with blackberries rather than olives and the baguettes, fresh from the oven.  Dessert was Eton Mess - a wonderful ending to a great meal.  And we look forward to Sunday . . .

We weren't bored

Friday was yet another day in the city - banking, appointments and errands were managed in time to take a conference call and welcome folks here from the US for the week end.  Ken managed the property and continued the opening of his gardens.  He is truly looking forward to the Grand Opening of the fruit stand across the road - a blessed event in Ken's life.  Chantelle is working hard on Specialty show advertising. 

Barrett is in residence.  He landed and after dinner his outside gate was opened into his yard where his best friend Trebia awaited.  And off they went.  Company here was amazed at the multiple laps  with both dogs chasing and being chased interchangeably, tongues out and legs flying.  There may be happier dogs in the world than this Gordon Setter but I'm not sure we have met them!  Reese is here - sharing thoughts.  Savannah and Nemo have bonded - she waits for him at the gate and run the field yard together, as only old dogs can do.  Lucy is doing well - taking her meds, enjoying the yard and sharing her thoughts with Reese.  Meazy arrived a dinnertime.  She has settled quickly and would like to know why the major road trip if there is no show!

House dogs are fine.  Potions are maintaining everyone's equilibrium.  Clint continues to occupy Nick's bed but considering that Nick deigns to use it only a few minutes a day, it really isn't a huge deal.  Clem is truly hoping that Lee will stay put for a day in the kitchen and is spending her day across the aisle between the door and the hall to further that request.  Even Einstein is looking at Lee with a jaundiced eye as she grabs a coat and goes out the door rather than sitting with him in the office.  He prefers a servant at his disposal and Ken really doesn't cut the mustard.  Feeling somewhat at loose ends, in the morning he went upstairs to assist Chantelle in Scout's agility training schedule.  Ken finds Chantelle's commands somewhat unnerving as he comes downstairs to a disembodied voice commanding "Stay".  Einstein on the other hand considers himself a distraction and hearing "Stay" wanders over to look between Scout's feet to see if the treat placed there is to his liking.  Should it be of sufficient interest, he will lick it or roll it a little for added flavour as Scout vibrates above him. 

Dinner was Bitar's - Mezza, Greek pizza or curried chicken or deluxe pizza or whatever else caught people's fancy.  They do a fine job with excellent service and lots of variety.  And it is on to a busy week end. . .

Where's Lee?

It was an unusual Thursday and everyone noticed.  Chantelle was in Elmsdale so that was normal.  Ken was in the garden - that was normal.  Lee was in the city at a conference - that wasn't so normal - Ken and the dogs noticed.  It was a beautiful day so life did unfold well, if with less food on the table than is usual.

Lucy is doing fine.  Her lungs are not failing her, she is eating well and taking her meds on schedule.  Reese arrived and settled in - barked her way up the driveway and pulling on her leash to get to the kennel.  She is delighted to be here and found a friend in Chantelle, thinking that she was a great person with whom to play tag, chase and monkey in the middle - the middle of what we aren't quite sure yet.  Savannah is doing well, out with Nemo and Trebia in number four yard.  They have developed good games and are enjoying this new dynamic. 

The house dogs are perking along.  Clint is much improved, is eating well, settling into the puppy run with a quizzical but accepting nature.  May is back from the kennel and wonders why that little excursion happened.  Piper has requested that dinner be provided with a protein source that doesn't have bones.  Nick has rented his crate and bed out to Clint - for a nominal fee.  Scout graded at his Agility class and is moving on to Agility skills 2.  Chantelle is very excited (and a little relieved). 

Dinner was a lovely spring meal of bar b qued salmon and asparagus with potatoes.  It was lovely after a day in the city or digging in dirt or managing an office.  And we move on to Friday . . .

The city squared

Wednesdays are always interesting - planning days, usually and full of activity.  This week, it was off to the city to look after the end of the income tax, a Costco run and lunch with Reg.  Back home to sort dogs, feed and wave to Lee as she hopped into the other vehicle and went back to the city for a dinner.  Chantelle looked forward to the show season and managed the entries as well as supporting her band of merry Airedale owners.  Ken enjoyed his trip to the city but enjoyed his return to Regalridge even more - there he went on his little tractor toward the back 40, happy man. 

The kennel is reasonably quiet.  Liard in all of his splendour departed.  Savannah continues to bond with Nemo and is enjoying the country air.  Lucy is doing fine, enjoying her run but perhaps a bit quieter than is usual for Lucy. 

The house dogs are well.  The potions are agreeing with the old girls and Clint is eating us out of house and home.  He is doing well given the seriousness of the surgery.  The rest are fine and happy to have spring returned to them.  The days are bright, longer and warming nicely.  The flowers are blooming, grass is green and the bushes have leaves.  The trees are in bud and the birds are so noisy that there is little doubt that they have decided that spring has arrived. 

Chantelle and Ken managed the kitchen to the tune of bar b que chicken, peas and potatoes.  Dessert was the brownies that didn't make it to the vet's as a thank you for Clint.  Lee has meetings in the city tomorrow, Ken will look after Regalridge and Chantelle will be in Elmsdale at the office - the week end is closer. 

Clint is home

It was a big day.  Clint was still not feeling well so it was off to Eric's for an exam and analysis.  X-rays, tests and a chat later and Lee was sent home to bake while barium was administered.  A phone call and it was off to surgery.  Clint had eaten something and it was in the bowel and not moving.  Several anxious hours later (brownies and maple scones filled the kitchen) we heard from our great vet that he was through a major surgery, a bowel resection and was recuperating.  And then it was the waiting - can he come home ?  No  And an hour later - can he come home, now?  No  And an hour later - is he ready yet?  No  And an hour later  Is Clint ready?  No  Finally it was 'we have to leave now because you are going to be closed if we leave it any later and he has to come home tonight'.   We had worn them down by that time and with the promise of the baking that had been ordered, it worked.  Off we went with Ken grumbling that he hadn't eaten and why couldn't he have some of the scones?  With the platter of food proffered , Lee short circuited the waiting room full of folks (it was Wheaten and Doodle night) and sailed through to the back.  As the staff dove into the food, she found the youngster hooked up to 'stuff' and retreated to cajole someone with her mouth full but hands not occupied to begin the install.  Half an hour later he was free, Lee made yet another mortgage payment and Ken was going out the door with a slow but reasonably steady Clint.  Home by 9 or so, Clint made slow progress into the house but the rest of the crew were delighted to see him.  Piper had been out of sorts all day with Clint gone and seemed much relieved when he reappeared - even with his blue legs.  He had a late night and sure was not hale and hearty but he was home.  Eventually he felt strong enough to go out for a walk and get rid of some of the fluids he had been given.  Then it was sleep time in Nick's big bed.  He liked that a lot. 

The kennel is doing well.  Penny has her bags packed and can hardly wait for Cathy to collect her so she can give her all the news.  It will be a long month!  Liard is managing his area and Lucy is supporting his efforts on the north side of the kennel.  Savannah is doing well.  She has been accompanying Nemo on his rounds and enjoys his company. 

Dinner was a late reheat of the Chinese food but dessert was better with the brownies and maple scones.  Then it was back to watching young Clint and being glad he was with us. 

Rainy Mondays are good to get rid of spring snows

Mondays after a show week end are days to regroup and recover.  Ken sorted through his garage and frowned at the rain showers, wind and shivered in the cold.  Lee was tied to the office catching up with email and the endless files looking for attention.  Chantelle commented that she had to go to work to get a rest.

The kennel is moving along.  Penny is packing in readiness to go home and had her spring haircut and polish.  She looks great and is in good humour.  Savannah is marching along in her old Welsh way, enjoying the change of pace and ready for whatever adventure comes along.  Liard is settled in and managing his area as only Liard can do. 

The house dogs are ticking along, welcoming spring.  Clint is under the weather - spring complaint seems to have struck as all of that good dirt is unearthed and grass is again available.  That will likely make its' rounds before the season comes to an end.  The little crew are bouncing along, encouraging mayhem wherever they happen to light.  Piper is in good form, quickly polishing off her food then verifying that all of the rest of the crew are able to choke down what they have been given. 

Dinner was a minor attempt to return to normal with grilled chops in a mushroom brown sauce, potatoes and lovely fresh green beans.  Fruit, pecans and ice cream followed and we face another day . . .

There were rosettes and points all around

It was the week end.  Everyone went home with a ribbon or two from the shows and that is always good.  Saturday was an easy day with the drive to Trenton occurring mid-morning.  All of us were able to attend and to enjoy the dogs.   Tony and Karen's Anjin garnered the first win of the day with a Winners dog, followed by Logan's breed red, white and blue ribbon.  Then it was little Viola's turn.  She had no competition in the breed but she was adorable marching around at the end of her lead and posing for the crowds.  The Group ring was full of finished champions.  Logan walked away with two Group twos for the week end and little Viola picked up two Group fours and two Puppy groups.  It was a great start for the little Welsh and she seemed to enjoy all of the goings on.  Anjin went home two points richer and Logan is on his way again with forty points for his week end's showing.  Sunday's trip home was the challenge (although 6:00 Sunday morning was no treat either) since we drive the mountain road in sleet and the rest of the way in a wet snow mix.  April in NS is a mixed blessing.  Courtesy of Tony and Karen, a new restaurant was found in Trenton and we enjoyed a super breakfast in great company.  And true to their wonderful support, Tony and Karen stayed to the bitter end of the show to cheer little Viola on.  Shows are great but friends are what makes the week end worthwhile.

The kennel is going along.  Penny is in charge but in charge of some challenges.  Liard arrived yesterday - and Liard is Liard, on his toes and calling Chantelle with his 'here, kitty, kitty' poses.  Lucy the Airedale has arrived with her assortment of needs.  She misses Baron and that loss is apparent in her demeanor.  Savannah is doing well, is settled in and managing her surroundings as an old Welsh does.  She loves her spins in number three yard. 

The house dogs had a great day with Ken on Sunday.  Atlas has a hair cut and Ken is thinking he might make it back into the show rings - perhaps South of the 49th parallel.  Paula was groomed as Ken noted that if her little daughter is going to do some winning, the Mom has to look good too.  The rest are in various stages of spring trim but they are all looking pretty good and are ready to welcome summer. 

Dinners were post-show and put on the table by hands other than Lee's.  Swiss Chalet offered Saturday evening's fare while our great local Chinese place had a bag waiting on Sunday.  We look forward to getting back to normal as the week unfolds.

The week end is coming and so are the shows

The week end is coming but not before we manage to negotiate Friday.  That includes end of the week errands and finishing dogs for the shows.  Lee managed to be detached from the office and found her way to the village for the weekly pilgrimage to the bank, post office, grocery store and a side trip to our lawyer.  All is well in Elmsdale and, as yet, her feet are not the object of interest throughout the area.  Today she managed matching loafers.  Ken held the fort, trimmed on Clint, did some yard work and shook his head about the biting north winds.  It was cold!  Chantelle managed to finish both Viola and Clint late in the evening and did her polishing work on Darby who leaves tomorrow.  There was hair flying and the dogs look great.

The kennel is ticking along.  Rudy departed and Savannah arrived.  Savannah is getting older but the little Welsh generally carry their years well and she is no exception.  Penny and Darby had their day in the exercise yard with Penny putting her finishing touches on Darby's training.  If nothing else, he will sleep well on his return home.  Willy had turkey casserole last night for dinner and pronounced it 'fit to eat'.  He is another of Ken's projects and is having a lovely old age with management with Vetri-Disc and soon to be added Budwig protocol. 

The house dogs were happy to be inside much of the day.  With the exception of the youngsters, the fire in the den was the biggest draw.  Piper, Patti, Lori and Nick as well as the little crew hunkered down out of the wind.  Dolly was in and out as the mood caught her, joined by Billy who had to check to be certain he wasn't missing anything.  The young boys and our outdoor girl, Charlotte, were more adventurous and enjoyed the brisk temperature as they motored around the yard, tossing toys and checking on Ken and Lee's comings and goings. 

Dinner was lovely - fried haddock and vegetable risotto with Lee's pound cake and strawberries that tasted like - wait for it - strawberries!  And we look forward to tomorrow and the Pictou shows . . .

And the wheels on the bus go round and round

We are working toward the week end and the adventures are already starting  It was a busy but standard morning.  Lee was working in the office and Ken was managing dogs, thinking about gardens and working at full speed.  Then the dogs decided to kick it up a notch.  Ken ran up the hall (startling and unusual to see our Ken run) and yelled - the dogs are on the road!  He ran back through the house and Lee sprinted out the front door and down the lawn, zig zagging to miss the chestnuts that Tony had left to see if anyone would notice.  Grabbing the gate keys, she looked up to see Ken coming down the driveway with a woman (all gates were locked) and there was a school bus parked straight across the drive (that was a first).  The morning was n ot unfolding as it should.  Quick update to Lee - Ken's new woman was the bus driver, she was going past and saw the dogs escaping through the gate (another first), turned her school bus around and went after them (shades of Wally World).  She coralled Atlas and he got a bus ride home (the firsts are mounting) but there were still missing dogs.  Then along came Clint - circling the bus and trying to figure out how that alien-mobile had eaten his hero Atlas.  He asked Lee to wait a minute while he did a few more laps trying to figure out how to spring his buddy, reluctantly going to Lee when she sounded panicky just to reassure her that the aliens likely wouldn't get her as long as she stayed away from that thing.  His relief was palpable when he was ushered back through the gates and found Atlas on the other side.  That left Dolly.  The bus was moved (but not before the bus driver who had jumped the gates looked long and hard at Lee's feet with one blue and one burgundy slipper - (who expected a fashion analysis at that hour) and no doubt added that little gem to her tale to be told through the community)).  Ken went back to call Chantelle to come home to begin the ground search.  Needing little explanation beyond "dogs out" she decamped and only flattened one resident with a cane as she landed in her car and took off for home.  By that time, Lee had seen no sign of Dollyh and had returned to go in the opposite direction to find Dolly running in circles in front of the gates, bouncing off of them trying to get back in.  Lee had to get out of the car before the frantic Dolly was reassured that someone hadn't taken Lee's body and left the head (that was all she could see and it did not make her happy).  Once all of Lee was visible, Dolly relaxed and happily wagging allowed herself to be ushered through the gates, grabbed a ball in the yard and ran off happy to have access to her toys.  Only Charlotte was unhappy with the morning, too fat to be able to get through the gate opening that had been made, thus missing the great escape.  Years ago Bob Marshall had a dream of a bus full of Regalridge Airedales - we will now pay more attention to Bob's nightly musings.

The kennel is ticking along (as Ken points out, there is triple fencing on this property everywhere but at those gates and that has to change.  One break in 20 years and only our dogs in that yard but the gated community will no doubt expand).  Willie is doing well with Ken's ministrations.  He is eating steak and potatoes and is happy as a very old dog can be - he has expectations after all.  Darby and Penny are in charge of number four run.  Penny is enjoying her spring vacation and assures everyone that Darby needs a lot of instruction and that he will be a much better behaved dog when he leaves Regalridge as a result of her tutelage.  They both now come up from their exercise yard, trot into Penny's outdoor run and through the door so that Darby can be led to his own bed through the inside hall.  Marged and Shillelagh are as happy as two littlw Welsh can be - they love the country with the high activity level and all of the spring developments.  They are qutie certain that Ken's tiller is redundant - why would you need a tiller when you have Welsh?!

Dinner was the famous turkey casserole that suits everyone at Regalridge when comfort food is the order of the day.  And we move to the last day of tghe work week in preparation for the show week end . .

A weekly blog just won't cut it - we will improve

There has been a hiatus and we apologize.  Lee has been a bit occupied with CKC business and occasionally we are able to pry her away for a meal.  Beyond that, our passion for dogs has translated to a challenging time.  Chantelle is continuing the spring trim process and the dogs are spruced up and happy.  It is great to watch them post-treatment.  They are just so darned proud and each is absolutely sure that Chantelle loves them best!  And in the Regalridge tradition, Ken is tilling, trimming and planting.  Dirt is flying and the new little tiller is working its' heart out.  Flowers are early with our warm spring and the property looks great with the hundreds of crocus, tulips and daffodils.  There was a massive field of snowdrops early in March - an inherited patch that has spread over these two decades to a field of white to herald the spring. 

The kennel has been tremendously busy with a small hiatus at the moment.  Darby and Penny Airedales are a pack.  Darby is a stunning boy - full of life and with tremendous presence.  Penny keeps him in line in her firm but fair way.  She is such a funny character with a tremendous sense of herself and of how life should unfold.  Having a staff (that would be Darby) suits her so very well.  Being an only dog, she has been limited to management of her humans and has now seen nirvana.  Adding management of a young male Airedale is just the topping on the ice cream.  Every Airedale girl desperately needs a young Airedale boy to manage.  And Darby thinks life is just great and that any attention is good attention - isn't that just a male?!  Old Willie arrived today - amazing but true.  This fellow is the greatest old dog, was on his last old dog legs until we got him sorted around with Vetri-Disc and is now moving with a fair ease for a dog in his mid-teens.  He is a lovely mix of many breeds that have given him the image of a flat coat retriever.  There is little question that he will go home on the potion - and the folks who own and love him will no doubt be happy to continue that support for this wonderful old dog.  Marged and Shillelagh are delighted with life and exercising their lungs.  Their owner is in Brazil - and no doubt has heard their dulcet tones urging her to have a great vacation.  Rudy is doing fine.  For a first time visitor he is settled into the routine, is enjoying his days in the country and has no problem boarding.  He loves the space to tear around in the exercise yards and misses his buddy Jake who left earlier in the week. 

The house dogs are doing well.  Patti and Clem are enjoying the sunny and warm days as our best outdoor girls do.  Piper doesn't know it is spring since Lee has been travelling and occupied so Piper can't possible go outside in case she misses a suitcase being packed or the opportunity to supervise Lee's infrequent sorties into the normal routine.  Nick is holding the fort, goes in the vehicles at every opportunity and is enjoying his great middle age.  The little crew enjoy spring immensely - managing the decks and communing with the gaggle of birds.  Phil the pheasant landed under the chestnut tree in the afternoon with a tremendous pheasant screech.  Einstein levitated out of his bed on the desk as the dark cloud passed across his sun spot.  That bird has morphed from a scrawny male pheasant returning to Regalridge in November to a magnificent creature with brilliant plumage and regal bearing under Ken's ministrations (no doubt the new addition of the bedtime snacks he is offering his winged friends is having its' impacts). 

Dinner has been a sorry affair most nights.  Last night was a minor improvement with Lee's spaghetti sauce and Chantelle's quick trip to the store for garlic bread and dessert.  Not the norm but a step up from Costco.  Life will return to normal. 

There is lots of activity at Regalridge.  Easter week end brought dogs, friends and plenty of food.  From Good Friday's ham we worked our way through Easter meals and likely didn't miss much in the way of traditions.  There was lemon and chocolate, ham and turkey - the major food groups were well represented.  The dogs were tickled with the additions of people to their regular routines, the extra hands to pat them and the extra voices encouraging them to eat treats.  Everybody loves a holiday!  The weather was fabulous - July-like days that hovered around 26 degrees.  We truly have been blessed with wonderfully unseasonal winter and spring days.  Let's hope we don't pay dearly for that this summer.

The kennel had lots of coming and going.  Jack has become the most recent convert to the Wal-Mart greeter program.  He escorts visitors to and from their exercise yard or to and from their outdoor run with Airedale alacrity.  His only downside is that he is pretty much positive that he should join Sophie in her personal space at bedtime.  Sophie is not amused by that clever ability to find his way to her bed instead of his own.  This morning we said good by to Rascal (Jack took Rascal under his wing, showed him the Airedale routine and welcomed the great fellow from Digby back to the fold - Rascal was delighted with the greeting).  Rascal, Ellie and Daisy departed among waving paws and good wishes for a trip home filled with stops for burgers and timbits.  Allan is still in residence.  He has to have his time for an evening run in one of the big exercise yards and declines the opportunity to come inside without having had that chance to stretch his little Welsh legs.  Rudy is a new addition to the boarding family.  He is a good natured mixed breed who allows Mikki the Sheltie to herd him to his run.  Rudy finds that amusing since he was here before Mikki arrived so knows the routine but he seems to reckon that if it makes Mikki happy, it's fine by him.  Jake is back for the week and good natured Lab that he is, he allows Mikki to add him to the herd and lumbers along next to Rudy with Mikki's encouraging little barks and rear positioning urging them along.  Every kennel needs a Sheltie to act as usher.

The house dogs are thriving.  The potion was shared with Ellie while she was in residence.  She was fading a bit at her advanced age but Luella decided after having seen Ken in potion-mode that it would help Ellie so the potion has once again migrated and worked its' magic.  There was lots of company all week end so the Norwich spread their charms among lots of folks and Piper gained a pound with the best begging badge being awarded her efforts.  Nick had the odd trip as the van came and went and many spring haircuts were handed out to unsuspecting victims as Chantelle maintained a steady stream of dogs in the grooming room. 

Meals were plentiful and well received.  Turkey with stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, new young carrots and fresh beans heralded the dining room's reopening.  A lovely pound cake with lemon cream sauce and fresh blueberries finished that meal.  There was an alternate chocolate mousse cake for the non-lemon lovers. 

We are moving into the Easter week end and readying the house for the bunny.  Good Friday traditionally brings friends and a gathering and this was no exception.  Pam came out for a visit with Rocky Airedale.  If Rocky found it odd that a woman he didn't know put a leash on him and walked him around the fields at the back part of the property, he didn't mention it.  Paul walked with the two just to see how things were going.  All went well and Pam is looking forward to signing adoption papers in May.  Rocky will have a wonderful home for his neuroses.  The weather was fabulous - a summer-like day with very warm weather and soft breezes.  Ken managed a few minutes in his gardens, interspersed with a major clean up of the dining room.  The Project continues but the paint cans et al departed the room for places unknown - will they reinvent themselves in another spot?  Undoubtedly.   But maybe not the dining room until Our Ken forgets how much work went into putting it back together yet again.  The greatroom is being painted at this point but the preparatory work appears to have been completed at this stage so perhaps the power tools can get a rest. 

The kennel is ticking along.  Queenie, Rudy and Ruff, Marged and Shillelagh arrived and settled in to wait for the bunny.  Queenie is a regular visitor, learned in the way of the kennel and its' ways.  She likes company and had a little visit with Sophie and Jack.  Rudy is with us for the fist time.  He went out with Ruff and Jake and all three had a great time.  Marged and Shillelagh are settled in and exercising their lungs in the good country air. 

The house dogs love a party so all was well in their world.  Piper paid everyone her respects and settled in behind chairs as quickly as was possible because everyone knows that positioning is everything.  Clem had her spring cleaning and looks great.  She is groomed, shined, had a pedicure and looks like a new dog - that makes her pretty darned proud.  Rocky also had a  haircut to be able to put the best foot forward in meeting Pam.  He always loves to be on the grooming table so it was a good day in Rocky's world.  The Norwich did well with all of the coming and going, heralding arrivals and departures with equal measures of Norwich enthusiasm. 

Dinner was backed ham.  Asparagus, Ken's squash, potato scallop, fried pineapple, homemade bread and the ham went well with Pam's Greek salad and a meal that ended with a lovely chocolate mousse cake and Hagen Daaz with Regalridge lattes.  

The Easter Bunny is coming

It is Easter week and there is lots happening at Regalridge.  Lee seems to be tied to the office with CKC business having become an even more consuming part of her days and nights.  Chantelle is coping with year end so her roller skates are also going as fast as they can.  Our Ken is left to pick up the pieces, play with the dogs and look after Regalridge.  The good news is that it was wet weather so his garden yearnings are limited to gazing at the tilled earth and keeping a close eye on the tulips that are up and the hundreds of crocus bravely blooming.  The 'Johnny Jump Ups' are brilliantly purple and the snowdrops have spread throughout the wooded area on the east side of the property.  Costco offered up its' Easter plunder so we are set for the week end meals.  The vegetables are great and the fruit has morphed from a complete section of apples to mangoes and figs have been replaced by kiwi - we are pretty sure they are all local . . .

The kennel is picking up for the week end with a number of dogs scheduled to come for the Easter bunny visit.  Jake has arrived as Trebia's Easter gift.  She is well pleased.  Jack has settled in to the routine, is playing well with Sophie and they are now a pack of two.  Both are eating well, playing hard all day and are thriving.  Allan is a great fellow - much like his brother Jack the Welsh.  He and Nemo have a late night party in side by each big yards and both are enjoying that opportunity.  There is no going dutifully to bed without the addition of the spin. 

The house dogs are doing well.  Patti and Clem are taking the potion and May has been added with a spoonful - she is mighty pleased.  Piper is delighted to have Lee home and is keeping a close eye on her so that she doesn't get herself lost again any time in the near future.  Nick made the Costco run and supervised the loading an unloading with Airedale-like precision - we are almost sure he opened an eye at the point that bag touched his foot.  Scout is practising his Agility every day and is quite chuffed.  Last night his tunnel arrived from California.  We could say that we don't know whether it was Chantelle or Scout who was more excited but actually we do know - the human part of the equation was living at the post office, gazing at every mail truck she saw with rapt attention and generally driving us all nuts asking whether there was news of the tunnel.   We're mighty glad it arrived. 

Dinner was Friday night pizza on Thursday night - gotta love that.