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.