The kennel is filling and the week starts

All is well at Regalridge.  It was a bright and windy day that became cold by.  The dogs don't mind that sort of weather and although our Ken was not amused by the gusts, and eventually by having to light the stove in the den, the Airedales applauded his efforts.  There was gardening through the day, digging in dirt and planting in advance of the forecast rain for tomorrow.  Blossoms are out on the chestnut tree and the buzz has started.  Every bumble bee within flying range visits when this tree is in bloom - it is a busy and beautiful sight and sound.  To complete the picture, Phil and Philomena visited through the morning, that pheasant colouring on Phil contrasting beautifully with the candles on the spreading chestnut tree.  Lee continued to work her way through the hundreds of emails from the CKC workload - looking up occasionally to wave or trot to the kitchen to make a meal.  Einstein is enjoying her attentions and supervises all work at the desk as he hunts the crows from his bed in the window.  The hummingbird feeder is now at work and on the opposite side of the house, the swallows have taken up residence on the eaves over the back door.  That's it for the lights at night so we will stumble for the next month as Mrs Swallow incubates the eggs.  As progress is made, we will take our lives into our hands going in and out while the swallows swoop around our ears. 

The kennel is ticking along with the addition today of Moses and Naomi, both of whom are doing well, and Poe who hasn't been with us for a while.  None of the three is young any longer and all know exactly where they are and what is required of them.  The two Airedales sped to their exercise area with alacrity and checked all of their favourite places.  Poe was a bit more stately in his surveys - but no less exacting in his expectations.  Darryl shook his head at the new recruits, deciding that none were likely to be a lot of fun for a Bernese cum Airedale.  He has his eye on Lola, considering her play potential rating to be high.  We will accommodate that tomorrow before the rains come.  Lacey is firmly in charge of her space and is packing to leave tomorrow. 

The house dogs are thriving.  Patti has recovered from thunder storm alert and settled back into ball chasing and management of the front yard.  Charlotte is bright and active with that Charlotte-gleam that makes her Charlotte.  Her ability to turn her back and go into her zone is something that legends can be built on - the other dogs hold her talents in high regard.  Nick has managed the kitchen well and Marguerite is sorting out her feelings about being repatriated to the yard and house but being separated through the day from the little prince.  The baby Airedale is bright and becoming more accepting of his changed circumstances.  He is eating some food (not just drinking the goat's milk from it and wailing for more) and coming to terms with the sporadic visits of his Mom.  They are still in the whelping room at night so the bonding continues as do his lessons that only Marguerite can teach him.  He adores his blue bear and his tiger - those will accompany him to his new home.  Laurel is thinking about her ultrasound that should happen next week if all goes well. 

Dinner was a mixed affair.  Ken grilled salmon steaks and a tomato and blue cheese salad for the adults among us while the youngster decided that chicken parm was in her future so raided the pantry fridge.  We all agreed on risotto with asparagus and lemon cake for dessert.  The evening included a dark drive on the tractor for Ken, the kennel management for Chantelle and more email for Lee.  And it is on to another day