Great, if unseasona,l weather (cool and clear) keeps the natives happy

It was a beautiful day in the neighbourhood and the dogs enjoyed every second of it.  There was lots of coming and going, the sun was out, there were breezes and Tom and Ken were working around the property.  According to the canines, life simply does not get better than that.  Al and Betty were here for a summer breakfast, collected their two Airedales and headed back to the Island.  It was a good visit with tales of the previous day's sailing adventures and an update on PEI activities over the past months.  It must be terribly difficult to return to southern Ontario after the sojourn at Covehead.  Lee had village errands to accomplish and returned to Regalridge with local plunder - to Our Ken's great delight.  Dinners will cater to his sensibilities this week. 

The kennel is ticking along.  Little Megan has acquitted herself well over the course of her visit and has repaired her cruciate while watching swallows on her hammock.  Today, Ben joined her.  He has had a serious bout of illness but has manged with great care of his family to work his way through it and is on the road to recovery, albeit after a huge load of steroids that turned him white.  He thinks he looks pretty darned good.  Ken is working on his extreme feeding regimen - a daunting process but one that seems to be working.  Dr Bail agreed to an abbreviated version of the potion with the flax oil and flax seed but no honey so a mutated potion is in the works for Sir Ben.  Then we have Indy.  Little Indy is an aging Welsh and a lesson for many of us.  There was a traffic incident.  Indy was in the car as he had been all of his life.  This time, the forward momentum of the vehicle required an application of brakes with so much force that Indy was thrown and broke his hip.  A trip to the Veterinary College ensued.  As his owner wryly noted, we waived the opportunity for the discount weld and meld and had a major surgery to offer him the best possible outcome.  That was a month ago and he is doing well after physiotherapy, swimming and enjoying the summer as only an indulged Welsh can.  He too will be maintained on a quiet regimen for the week end.  Megan approves.  As little Fenway departed with a wave and nod of that little head, many more arrived.   Lily is here as is Jack the Airedale.  Ruff is still managing his yard with aplomb and hoping that Abby will show up soon (we promised she was coming).  So the hospital ward is full, there are a few more arriving tomorrow and we are hoping they are ambulatory.

The Regalridge dogs are thriving.  Potions are maintaining the crowd nicely.  Those who aren't getting it line up to lick the spoons.  Nick and Piper entertained the guests in the morning and managed the kitchen the rest of the day.  Charlotte reclined under the air conditioner and approved of the comings and goings.  Marilla took over the role of sentry duty with Atlas acting as her equerry.  Dolly and Lori have complaints and are searching for an ombudsman - they have their allowance lined up and ask that anyone knowing of one that works on week ends should contact them as soon as possible.  This kennel life is not to their liking.  Now perhaps if Ken would go down and eat his dinner with her . . .  Puppies are thriving.  They are enjoying their goat milk formula supplement and Laurel is coming to terms with Lee's help, albeit most unwillingly.  She is arguably the best mother we have had - and the happiest.  Her tail wags non-stop.  She is thoroughly enjoying this experience.  The babies all have their eyes open now, are beginning to take small steps and are turning into little Airedales.  They are great fun already.

Meals were somewhat interrupted but substantial when they were offered.  Breakfast happened mid-morning.  To Al's delight, Lee's pancakes appeared.  In typical Curren fashion, there was approbation for anything containing sugar so the great yogourt based pancakes with lots of maple syrup make the grade nicely.  Bacon, fresh peaches, peach bread and the best coffee from the best coffee maker in the world rounded out a good meal.  But that left Our Ken without bargaining power for lunch - a sad day in its' own right.  Still, dinner was early and offered up a summer pleasure.   Fresh beans from the garden were plentiful and excellent - Ken beamed.  They were surrounded by turkey, potatoes and gravy and followed by the most excellent shortbread based raspberry bars with white chocolate cream cheese filling and dark chocolate ganache.  Life could be worse. 

Clouds didn't dampen spirits as activities changed to accommodate weather

It has been a cloudy day with clear air and cooler than usual temperatures.  Our Ken decided that it was a good day to go hunting and gathering and Truro was in his sights so off he went, list clutched firmly in hand.  Success was his - the high point being the acquisition of a new ceiling fan for the kennel for $2.00 after the use of a gift certificate, Can Tire's 1/2 off saving and his Can Tire dollars and cents.  Ken got the gold star for today.  Lee struggled through the eternal paper, did dogs and held the fort.

The kennel is rocking along.  With the showers and cloud, the routine was interrupted a bit.  Dogs were more confined than usual to their indoor outdoor runs but with thunder storms a risk, that was a necessity.  Little Megan didn't care a bit.  She parked on her hammock, watched her birds and relaxed next to Nemo.  Trebia mourned for the loss of Barrett and is inconsolable - even though we have assured her he is returning soon.  Ruff is managing and looking after his yard and run - a big job but he is up to the challenge.  Fenway is enjoying life, eating well and happy as happy can be.  Liard is in charge of the world - as always. 

Lori and Dolly have moved to the kennel and are not amused.  Both are in season and will likely be joined by Miss Lola before the day is out.  That adds increased interest to the boys' life.  Atlas offers to spend time in the kennel at any opportunity.  Clint advises that he has right of first refusal.  Nick went hunting and gathering with Ken and was delighted.  That is not a trip he can make in summer on most days due to the heat so this was a bonus.  That left Piper to assist Lee in managing the property and the kitchen activity.  By bedtime, she was exhausted.  The puppies are growing as we watch them.  This was the day for manicures, pedicures and a first deworming.  Then it was on to formula to make up for all of the indignities.  We are up to two bottles a feeding.  Lee is now eyeing the space in the whelping room to add a bed for herself since the time taken will not merit a trip upstairs to the bedroom before the cycle has to begin again.  Laurel has resigned herself to Lee's assistance, watching closely as the puppies are fed and cleaned up.

It was a cool day so a good one to use the oven.  That resulted in a peach bread and raspberry-two chocolate squares that met with Our Ken's approval.  Dinner was lovely haddock hunted by Ken on his big trip with fiddleheads, squash and potatoes.  And we move on . . .

Great weather helped the day along

It was another beautiful summer day in Nova Scotia and the dogs are enjoying the breezes.  The air conditioner has been turned down (but not off because Charlotte lays under it and cries if it isn't sending out cool air for Her Highness).  Ken had planned a day of sailing so there was planning and organization needed to get him to the boat on time.  He reports that there were blue skies and fair winds.  They sailed on the jib for much of the day and thoroughly enjoyed the time on the water with the family.   Lee had CKC business (it is like the EverReady bunny) and lots to do with the baby puppies.  Tom was here so the load lightened in the kennel and painting was the major activity for much of the day once the dogs were settled.  That is a never ending function with our miles of picket fencing. 

The kennel is moving along and the dogs there enjoy the days of great weather.  Ruff is barrelling around in his yard, retrieving who knows what but enjoying it immensely.  We would like to report to his owners that he misses them, but we haven't seen evidence of that quite yet.  Little Megan is enjoying her hammock bed in her outside run and is content to bask in the sun, watch the baby swallows as they learn to soar from apple tree to apple tree (they're still a little shaky in the 'soar' department and Megan finds that interesting).  she hasn't missed a meal.  Bishop departed with a Boxer nod and a purposeful walk down the drive.  Little Fenway arrived - it was an eventful trip from Grand Lake, we hear - and has settled in as only a dog named after a great Stadium can.  No problems there at all.  Liard is looking after his yard and always enjoys his days with Tom. 

The house dogs are delighted with life.  Potions are keeping the old girls mobile.  Patti continues to rule with her iron paw and as yet shows no sign of turning over the scepter to anyone else.  Piper and Marilla are in the wings but could be there for a long while.  Nick is enjoying all of the activity and spends more time outside than is usual for him - it could be because of the girls who have moved from the house to the kennel - but maybe not.  Atlas is enjoying life in general,, in the house or in the yard works equally well for the youngster.  Laurel has been repatriated to the general community.  Until this week, she had been segregated and had her own area on the East side of the house.  That was adequate but not great from Laurel's perspective.  She is a social girl and needed to tell the rest of her friends about her new family.  She is now going out with the rest and is happy as only a new mother can be.  Her tail does not stop wagging and she smiles constantly.  The puppies are growing, maturing and all have eyes open now.  Focus will be there by the week end and hearing will quickly follow.  They are still exploring the possibilities of their legs and haven't quite decided that forward momentum is possible.  They are now being supplemented by Lee twice a day just to give Laurel a little help.  Twelve is such a lot of puppies. 

Dinner didn't really happen.  Ken was in the city - with all that Lee had spent the day making - so it was a foraging evening beyond that.  And tomorrow is another day

It was a tough day at Regalridge.  There were competing hospital calls and appointments to be worked on,

Perfect weather is a wonderful thing

It was a beautiful day in the neighbourhood.  The weather was late summer-like with beautiful breezes and clear skies, no humidity and happy people and dogs.  Lee followed her formula of a week and home and had paperwork Monday.  The desk is in better shape, the CKC will have additional paper as will others who are waiting for a letter based response from her and she enjoyed the day through the office window.  Tom was here working with the dogs and sorting the property from the busy week end.  Ken spent his day between the tractor and the dirt and was a happy man.  He did manage to take Betsy for a check of her balancing (the perennial PT Cruiser issue) and likely made a run through the market although that wasn't admitted - where the ice cream on his face came from, we have no idea!  Kendra had a problem with her pic line so has had yet another set back from going home.  As yet, we have no results from the biopsy for Lee's Dad so the hospital in Halifax is the one that is getting this week's attention.   Chantelle had an Agility adventure.  Scout had a great week at class last week and her class is due so Scout was scooped up and taken to the Agility course in the back field.  It is summer.  We are in the country.  Critters abound.  Scout was zooming and hit the A Frame at speed - and then the yellow jackets erupted.  Chantelle was in mid-flight, did a 180 in mid-air and yelled "Scout come".  Great credit to Brenda's training, he responded immediately, getting himself out of the area.  While there may have been a sting, he fared well as did Chantelle.  Scout had a dose of children's Benadryl and a lot of attention.  Ken and Chantelle then donned their kamikaze gear, the hornet spray and the ubiquitous flashlight with destruction of the nest as their goal.  The deed was accomplished - Commandos-R-Us has been born.

The kennel continues to sort after the busy week end.  Rudy left late in the day.  Barrett departed for a good rest and a vow to Trebia that he would be back soon.  The little brown dogs were turned into little white dogs and were collected along with the potion recipe - highlighted with instructions for Warren.  The call late in the afternoon asking for directions to Great Ocean was positive.  Warren was going hunting and gathering.  Moses and Naomi departed to restore their voices before the next trip.  Liard arrived for a week of fun and games with Chantelle.  He is practising his best smile.  Ruff said good by to Rudy and has reclaimed the yard for himself - just fine by Ruff.  Then again, almost anything is just fine by Ruff provided there is lots of activity in the vicinity.  Little Megan is doing well, enjoying the good weather and watching the birds play in the orchard next to her run.  Ken continues to feed the birds so we have great numbers of birds throughout the property.  The dogs on the deck spend their days watching the red winged blackbirds, doves and blue jays.  The dogs in the kennel runs and exercise yards have the swallows, crows, blackbirds, ducks and pheasants.  It's great to have live entertainment daily. 

The house crew are well.  Clem is happy that Chantelle is home and back to a normal routine.  Nick managed the kitchen as only Nick can - at least in his mind.  The yard was replete with dogs all day and few were lobbying to bond with the air conditioner.  Thinking about the 105 degree temperatures in Richmond, we all recognized just how fortunate we are to live in Nova Scotia.  Little Jessie is progressing well through her pregnancy and is much quieter.  We may just try to figure out how to keep her pregnant!  Laurel the best Airedale mother in the world is thriving.  She is managing her brood with aplomb and shakes her head as we go in and supplement to give her a little break.  The babies have their eyes opening and are slightly more mobile.  They are quickly becoming little Airedales. 

Dinner was hamburgers and hot dogs - much to Ken's dismay.  He just didn't buy in to that option.  Tomorrow will have to be an improvement.

The week end is ending and summer progresses

Sunday came and went with lots of activity - now there's a surprise.  Our Ken was yet again on kennel duty and managed the chores with gay abandon.  Well, ok, he enjoyed the boarding dogs and got through the work surrounding them by enjoying the dogs.  Kendra remains in hospital with hope that she may go home soon.  There is one of the 'superbugs' on the unit she is on and an open wound is not a good situation to have available to it.  Lee's Dad is doing well as we await the results of the biopsy.  Another trip to Woodstock is likely to be needed soon.  Lee managed the house crew, began to make the kitchen happen and continued on the CKC path to recovery.  Chantelle was back in residence by dinnertime, helped along by thoughts of poor Clem patiently waiting at the gate.  There were tales of the dog show to be told and general hilarity ensued. 

The kennel bade farewell to Charley, Reese and Winnie.  We anticipate that those homes will be quiet today.  Barrett and Trebia played in their yard, suspicious that with some dogs leaving that the mean woman could be coming to take Barrett away soon.  Roddi and Ruari the little brown dogs will have to morph to Roddi and Ruari the little white dogs tomorrow.  Their owner called to say pick up is imminent so a clean up will have to happen despite Ruari's thought that he looks swell as a mudder.  Warren will receive a copy of the potion recipe and there will be a test before he is allowed to repatriate Roddi.  Megan has been given short shrift in the blog.  That happens because she is so darned good.  We forget to talk about her because she simply fits in.  She likes the green hammock bed, is recovering from her repair and keeps us on top of activities outside.  Ruby and Ruff are enjoying the big yard and their Retriever games.  Naomi and Moses are getting along just fine.  They like the kennel and all that goes with it, assuming the roles of superintendents in charge of telling on those that are doing something - anything. 

Nick relaxed now that the kitchen was back in business and his role as sous-chef was reaffirmed.  Piper enjoyed her return to queen of the roost, complaining that it had been usurped by Marilla while Lee was gallivanting around the country.  There was lots of coming and going to keep the dogs entertained.  In spite of the showers and clouds, it was warm enough for the air conditioning - a bonus for the dogs.   Chantelle's arrival was heralded by the faithful Clem who barked her through the gates, gave her a good rub to remind her where she was and then brought her into the house so she wouldn't get lost yet again.  Viola and Scout drew a crowd on their walks around Fredericton's parks.  Laurel and the babies are thriving.  Laurel's appetite knows no bounds so there is a lot of coming and going as we support her requirements.  She likes hamburger best!  The babies are really cute now.  Their eyes are beginning to show signs of opening as they roll around the whelping box.  And they are beginning to pull themselves up on their feet, wobbling before they tumble back into the pile.  We are bottle feeding to give Laurel a hand - she doesn't care for the assistance but puts up with it as long as the puppies don't squeak.  Goat's milk is flowing and will for the next couple of weeks.  We know where Lee will be.

Meals improved.  There were maple walnut oatmeal muffins.   Ken gave those high marks.  Dinner was a Chantelle and Ken favourite.  Roast turkey and dressing were paired with mashed potatoes, new green beans, squash and cranberry sauce.  It was Christmas revisited but with the summer touches of fresh herbs from the garden, Ken's potatoes and beans from the farmer's market across the road.   

Saturdays have lots of news at Regalridge

Well, you have to appreciate Airedales.  When Marilla decides it is time to get up, it is time to get up.  When you are sound asleep and a 50 pound dog lands on you with a stuffed chicken in her mouth, pushing it conscientiously into your mouth as payment to get out of bed, you get out of bed.  Asking Ken the time and being told "7:30" speed became a factor.  No wonder Marilla was anxious.  The house was opened in record time, dogs were put out, the coffee maker put on and food was flying.  Then Lee glanced at the clock - it was 6:30.  Unless she was in reverse or in a time warp, Ken had sort of erred (he doesn't make mistakes, he's a man after all).  Things went well through the day.  Lee spent her time sorting the house after a week away,writing reports for CKC to document the several meetings that were attended and generally reorienting herself to life at home.  Ken managed the kennel, worked on the lawns (after dark when it appears to be the best fun to be on the tractor) and began shoring up the puppy run in preparation for the little characters needing a play area in the not too distant future.  Logan sent good reports from the Fredericton show - instant messaging has its' advantages and Chantelle updates Lee from ringside.  Viola showed well from all reports - sparring was not for her but she is only a baby, after all. 

The kennel is rocking.  At the end of the day, Ken came in to report that our wonderful Gordon Setter-in-residence was so tired that he was fully stretched out in his double room, sound asleep as Naomi, Reese and Ruff barked him to sleep.  Ken had to wake him for his bedtime milk bones.  Roddi and Ruari had a long spin outside.  As Roddi came inside, he trotted down the boarder's side of the kennel, stopping at each run to say 'good night' and ensure all was well.   Thoughtful Bichons are what everyone needs.  Both he and Ruari are running around these days, jumping in and out of their run and having a great vacation.  Naomi and Moses are happy and enjoying their yard and the high activity level.  As Naomi so thoughtfully points out, days are never better than when you have something to bark about.  Charlie, Winnie and Reese had a busy day in the big run, playing Airedale games and keeping a close eye on the swallows as they swooped and soared over their heads.  Charlie has a plan but we haven't yet been let in on it - Winnie and Reese are right behind it, though.  Rudy and Ruff played Retriever games with great abandon.  Kirby departed with a wave and promise to return.  Bishop the Boxer arrived and settled quickly.  The kennel is busy but the dogs are all great and enjoying their time in the country, making it easy for us to manage.

The air conditioner is running and although it was not scorching hot, the dogs of the house spent much of their day in the cool room.  All are doing well although Clem is singularly unamused by Chantelle's absence.  The most loyal of dogs, she spent four hours at suppertime and another two late in the evening at the gates awaiting Chantelle's return.  It was a dispirited dog who finally came in to the house, trudging up the stairs to sleep in Chantelle's room and assure herself that Chantelle hadn't snuck in while she wasn't watching.  Lori just went to bed in Chantelle's room because she could.  If she noticed there was anyone missing, she didn't mention it.  Jessie is getting rounder and quieter.  We are looking forward to Welsh puppies in August.  Laurel continues to be the best mother in the world, looking after her dozen Airedale babies with care and attention and taking time outside the whelping box for herself.  Her system is complicated with a division of babies worked into her schedule.  We stay back and watch in amazement.  She is a very smart Airedale and is using that intelligence as she manages her nursery.  This litter has such tremendous potential.  In addition to a fantastic pedigree, these two parents are extraordinary.  Laurel is beautiful and smart - with a beautiful head, soundness and that intelligence that makes her special.  Atlas is perhaps the kindest dog on the property with good size, great coat and well put together soundness - but it is his thoughtful attitude and caring personality that sets him apart.  We are so taken with this dog as are those who have bred to him and lived with his puppies. 

Meals are returning to normal and Ken is happy although somewhere in the process he only managed two of them yesterday (lunch was a grape Popsicle and that appears to have been less than acceptable).  Still he had a breakfast of bacon and French toast at 11:45 when he surfaced from the kennel.  Dinner was grilled lamb chops, new potatoes and fresh peas, mint jelly, a salad from the garden of several kinds of lettuce and the first tomato of the season.  We aren't suffering. 

Summertime and the travel is steady

Chantelle is gone and is sitting in her screen tent at the Fredericton Dog Show that is held outside Oromocto on the opposite side of the river.  She sends good reports on a timely basis and noted that Logan won the Group.  We are quite sure Viola showed Chantelle well.  There will no doubt be stories on her return.  Our Ken held the Regalridge fort because Lee was in Woodstock for appointments with her Dad followed by a before dawn flight to Toronto Thursday morning.  Ken reports a very busy couple of days with lots of dogs and lots of coming and going.  Still, he stayed awake long enough to be at the airport before midnight to collect his weary wife.   The week end will see Lee and Ken manning the helm at Regalridge - a relief to Ken but not so much for Einstein who had to move over on the bed.  The swallows still return to Regalridge every evening and the babies are almost as big as their parents now.  Still the parents work to feed them through the evening as long as they are near the nest.  This is a smart if maybe lazy little crew, prevailing on their hard working parents weeks longer than average. 

The kennel is busy.  Kirby the ancient Welsh is here and managing despite his constant of confusion. Roddi and Ruari are doing well.  Roddi has progressed from a little dog who had to be lifted over the kennel raised doorway to one who now bounds over it with great joy.  The potion is making a huge difference in this little fellow's quality of life.  Ruari is now getting potion as well - we couldn't stand the pouting any longer.  Bring the big wallet Warren!  Naomi and Moses are in residence and settled as our regular boarders always do.  Dogs who come in pairs do well boarding and these two Airedales are great friends.  They enjoy the big exercise yards while their owner is in London to attend a wedding.  Ruff remains to the end of the month - chasing the rest of the dogs as often as possible and pretty sure he is the happiest dog on the property.  Rudyy the little Lab is here and is Ruff's object of any game going.  The two will be well muscled when they leave.  Winnie the Airedale is here and has Charlie and Reese the Airedales for  playmates.  They are having a whale of a time.  Barrett and Trebia are in full flight  and we can't bear to tell him that he is leaving his great love on Monday because the mean woman is coming to take him home. 

The house dogs are doing well.  Chantelle and Ken looked after them well it seems and only Piper had a litany of complaints on Lee's return.  The Norwich had stories to tell Lee and had to get them out before Lee was allowed to go to bed.  Rocky got a hair cut of which he is inordinately proud.  Atlas is being trimmed up and is looking good.  Patti and Clem are doing well - although Clem is incensed that Chantelle is lost yet again.  She is eating to keep her energy up in case she has to go out and organize a search party.  Laurel and the puppies are doing very well.  The little ones are growing, eating and becoming little Airedales.  Laurel is amazed and we are watching her look after them incredibly well.

Lee was away so meals aren't even going to be discussed - how many times can you say bacon and eggs for dinner?!  Lee is happy to be back in the kitchen and again enjoying the best coffee in the world. 

Of trimming, organizing and good friends

It was a planning and implementation day.  Chantelle was trimming, and trimming and trimming.  There were woolly bears walking on the property early and beautifully trimmed Airedales and Welsh departing late in the day.  Chantelle's arm may never be the same and it took a lot of coffee from the best-coffee-machine-in-the-world.  Ken spent a lot of time hunting and gathering.  It was back and forth to the fruit stand across the road on a regular basis - we're pretty sure he was hearing voices.  Lee was hopping from thing to thing - not sure of her syndrome but sure that there is one.  There was organizing to be done prior to her leaving - Ken to get sorted, plans and reservations to be made cleaning to be done and dogs to be managed.  Meals still had to happen and there were the requisite week end visits to fit in. 

The kennel is doing well and the dogs were happy with great weather.  Roddi and Ruari are thriving.  Roddi now has to be walked on lead to his run, having found a new route requiring his sharing his sentiments with the Airedales in yard number two.  His energy level with the potion is much higher.  Megan arrived with her bed, blanket and list of instructions.  She is on the trimming list asap and in spite of her somewhat natural look, has been accepted by the better coiffed crew.  Pippa and Nemo are happily looking after each other and exploring Penny's legacy.  Ruff and Lucy are best pals and enjoy their yard for hours at a time - as retrievers are wont to do.  Barrett and Trebia are loving the weather, the running and life in general.  The star crossed pair have almost put behind them the bad person who separates them.  Shadow has also had a spin with Trebia.  He is doing fine, likes the yard and no longer feels the need to extricate himself from the yards.  He is cleaning his dish at every meal - fresh air and exercise are good for him.  Darby was here and Ian and Ken had a long and seemingly heartfelt chat at the gate while Darby listened with rapt attention.  Burton was here overnight for his trim and a little vacation.  He liked that and looked great when he left, a good thing because he is in a wedding party next week. 

The house dogs were in and out a lot because the yard was so busy.  They left the house en masse and trooped in the same way, settling happily in the air conditioning.  All are well and happy - although there will be long faces when they see Lee's suitcase tomorrow.  The lines to the bedroom were long.  The bedrooms cool off and the dogs prefer to be with their people.  Reg, Catherine, Tim and Gillian were here to say good by and Tim gave his friends a great run and some final exercise.  Charlotte should be good until their visit next year.  She adores Tim. 

Meals were not bad for such a busy day.  There was a bar b que fest at noon with ice cream treats and then there was dinner.  It was Hodge Podge with Ken's new potatoes dug today, new carrots, peas and beans from the fruit stand and the requisite cream and butter and grilled chicken.  Lee had made a strawberry pie for dessert and Dawn and Jimmy joined us for the meal so a great time was had by all. 

ATA summer party has competition - the kennel is rocking

Everybody was in high gear.  It was the ATA summer party day so there was kitchen activity early, continuing until the van left the driveway.  Chantelle's grooming arm must be ready to fall off - the grooming room is a revolving door and the front gates are having a work out.  Ken is chasing weeds and bemoaning the lack of raspberries.  We aren't 100% certain but are close to positive that Karen was the high bidder.  Separating that pair is good for the ATA.  The food was fabulous as always.  Regalridge took the two prime ribs (cooked to perfection) and a white chocolate, coffee gateau with white chocolate fondant (and rose petals).  There were great salads, Karen's (queen of the potato) latest potato dish, Heather's light as a cloud rolls and Margot's perfectly prepared salmon.  The appetizers during the auction fueled lots of bidding.   Kendra is still struggling and another MRI is being scheduled. 

The boarding is busy and the dogs are happy.  Roddi and Ruari are happy.  Chantelle was doing the evening rounds and offered the boyz their turn in the big yard.  Ruari agreed, Roddi demurred.  Odd she thought.  Roddi planted those feet and looked up, then down, then up, then down.  Potion!  Chantelle lugged him out under her arm and sent Ken for the potion.  Pippa and Nemo are bonded and happy doing old dog Welsh stuff.  Barrett and Trebia are together as always and delighted that the week end is finally here and no mean person has separated them by taking poor Barrett away.  Shadow has settled in and likes the big yard.  He is a Houdini so has to have supervision - his constantly planning brain appears to be from his Border Collie side.  Ruff is Ruff and goes out with Lucy the happy Lab.  She loves meet and greet best and happily puts up with bumptious Ruff.  Gotta love a happy Lab.  Burton is here for a sleep over to have his trimming finished. 

The house dogs were conflicted.  Lee was planted in the kitchen so stuff was falling and needed to be cleaned up.  Chantelle was in the grooming room and there are treats in that room so if you are obnoxious enough, you get them and get kicked out where you wanted to be in the first place.  And Ken was running at full speed so there was lots of activity all around the outside perimeter needing careful supervision.  What to do, what to do?!

Food was plentiful.  As the roasts were cooking (18 pounds of roast cooking at 7:30 am) and cake being made, guilt that Chantelle wasn't joining the party set in.  Lee (like many woman) responds to guilt and needed a treat for Chantelle so in the middle of outward bound food added one of Gourmet's scone recipes to the mix.  Maple walnut scones with a lovely caramel glaze materialized.  Chantelle was pleased.  And Sunday is coming . . .

It was Friday and lots went on

Well, the work week ended with lots of coming and going.  We had a turn over in the kennel with week end additions, Al and Betty came from PEI for a visit and Chantelle went hunting and gathering.  It was an early day for Lee with a list pre and post company.  Kendra is a little improved although her status changes depending on the timing of the pain medication.  There was lots of kitchen activity, lots of computer time, the requisite conference call, the writing of the CKC weekly Bulletin, email into the late night and filler for the in between moments.  Ken trimmed.  Al and Betty brought old Mira and KC so that Ken could give them their summer haircuts.  They left a lot lighter than they arrived.  Ken and Al had lots of hours of brotherly bonding - that required a little wine and a lot of food. 

The kennel is filling.  The Peke and Crested departed, much to Lee's dismay.  Pippa and Nemo are managing their runs and are enjoying each other's company as two older Welsh can.  Pippa has the outside green hammock and is delighted with it - it bounces - who knew!  Shadow arrived in all of his newness.  He is a very large mixed breed - good natured and inquisitive.  While most dogs stay in their runs the first day, Shadow had a good spin and met a number of the other dogs as he made his rounds.  He liked that a lot and has volunteered for the position of perimeter greeter.  Chantelle declined the offer.   Ruff remains and is barrelling around.  Lucy the rotund Labrador is here and bonded with Ruff.  She is a great girl and always a pleasure to have here - Ruff likes her a lot and has requested that we keep her phone number on the wall so we can call and request her presence when  he is coming.  Roddie and Ruari are well.  They are currently the cute little brown dogs and have greatly enjoyed Penny's hole.  Both like their meds  - Ruari takes his in the pill pocket but Roddie prefers his in cheese according to Tom. Tom is Roddie's hero.  Tom is tall.  Roddie spends 'Tom days' looking up - way up - in case it is Tom in the proximity.  Ken had to work hard to get the old fellow to look down to take his potion - but eventually managed and there it was, gone. 

The house dogs couldn't decide where the highest activity level was.  They moved from Ken in the grooming room (confusing, they commented), to the house where the air conditioner was running and Lee was cooking, to the fences because Tom needed mowing supervision and back to do it all again.  An awful lot of people and activity.  A lot of necessary supervision and not enough paws to go around.  Puppies are thriving and Laurel is Mom-extraordinaire.

Dinner was hunted and gathered by Chantelle.  Enough said.

A hot day brings a new critter and the kennel thrives

The week is winding down but we seem to be running at about the same level.  Ken spent the day at the hospital.  There is improvement and that is a tremendous relief to all of us.  Lee held the fort, looking after kennel, house, the CKC and the ever present ringing telephone.  Einstein helped, of course, as did Nick and Piper.  It was a hot and beautiful July day.  The air conditioner ran well and was enjoyed by all except Paula who would not come inside from the deck.  Little Paula loves the heat.  The bird report is Lee's today.  Working in the office, a bird landed on the window screen next to her desk.  It is a large fellow with a white breast with black dots, a light yellow head and a long, long beak.  He looked at her, she looked and him and both were amazed.  He considered his options and flew back to the chestnut tree.  No idea what he is but he's not a local.

The kennel is doing very well.  Pippa lost her body Tiger who left early in the day.  That left Nemo and her attentions turned to him in a blink of an eye.  Did we ever mention Welsh loyalty?  Roddi and Ruari are thriving.  Roddi now waits expectantly for his potion and cleans the plate in about 1/4 second.  It has certainly given him energy.  Ruari pouts.  Turning the corner we have the cutest little black Pekingese and powder puff Chinese Crested.  The little Peke is an explanation of why everyone in the world should have one of these.  Sitting at the gate and gazing straight at you with those soulful eyes is enough to melt any heart. The Crested is the counterpoint - all legs and daintiness.  The combination could not be more interesting.  Ruff maintains his area with Ruff-like retrieverness.  He is happy and in charge.  Rozzie is happy as a little clam.  She is wagging and bouncing and has decided that this vacation-thing is a good deal.  She likes her freedom in the big yard and is enjoying all of the kennel activity.  

The house dogs are suffering in silence during these hot days - in front of the air conditioner, on their beds and sleeping the day away.  Stoic they aren't.  Charlotte is missing Tim and is consoling herself on the best bed.  Patti has taken Our Ken's leather chair and claims it as hers - and pity help the individual who even sidles up to it, much less considers its' potential as a seat.  Nick is enjoying his time in the kitchen and has taken that on as his own fiefdom.  Lee is tolerated.  Mom and puppies are thriving.  All are growing, all are as cute as they can be and all are the apples (albeit a crop) of Laurel's eye.  She is one of the best mothers we have had. 

Dinner was simple - burgers on the grill with all of the trimmings followed by lemon cake. 

It was a rainy and humid day in Nova Scotia and the weeds are growing

Wednesday was a very busy mid-week day at Regalridge.  It was the day for the baby puppies to visit the Veterinarian for their initial check.  All are well - healthy and happy and well cared for by their hard working mom.  Laurel was happy to have them returned to her and carefully shepherded them around the whelping box, offering each a good cleaning and Lee a glare.  A break had not been in her plans, apparently.  That was many hours and the opportunity for Ken to go hunting and gathering.  His ability to find Costco knows no bounds.  Kendra had a tough day.  The hospital decided that an x-ray of her head was necessary after her fall three days ago.  It turns out that a tooth was broken which, of course, cannot be repaired any time soon.  And her antibiotic has been changed but she was not certain why.  That is alarming since the day before Lee had met with the infectious disease speciality who was pleased with the response to the antibiotic that was being used and was certain that all was well from that perspective.  Follow up will occur tomorrow. Then it was home to make dinner for Reg, Catherine and the little people.  Lee has a deal with the vet hospital.  There is never a difficulty getting an appointment and Lee arrives with treats for all staff (it is a busy clinic).  Today it was white chocolate macadamia nut cookies.  The dinner was a great success and Tim had a wonderful time with the dogs - and the dogs had a wonderful time with Tim.  He was a little less amused by being dive bombed by the swallows returning to their nest over the door.  Startling little boys is not fair, he told them.

Tiger and Pippa are well and truly bonded.  He loves his big yard but is about ready to go home and is determined that his big yard is the only place he really wants to be.  Ruff is managing his yard and chasing birds with the best of them - so far, the birds are winning hands down.  Rozzie is settled well.  She loves to be outside and has trained Chantelle to come and get her and bring her in on the leash rather than coming back through her door.  Roddi and Ruari are going to need a bath.  They are now officially the little brown dogs are and loving it.  Roddi has convinced Ken that not only should he have the potion, he also wants a sardine on it!  Warren - practicing your cooking skills while you are on vacation would be a good thing.  He is a demanding little fellow and is healthy as a trout with the potion.  And while we are looking for owners who have homework, Cathy, bring your shovel out at some point to fill in Penny's crater some time soon . . .

The house dogs are fine.  Patti is thriving, Clem is sleeping a lot these days but it doing very well for such an old girl.  Nick is annoyed with summer in general, wants the hot days to disappear and is begrudging any vehicle leaving without his regal presence.  Charlotte has adopted Timmy and is delighted to see him when he arrives.   Her tongue is hanging to her toes when he leaves and she sleeps for two days but her enjoyment of Tim makes up for the resulting exhaustion.  The boys had a game and Tim bonded with Atlas, Clint and Rocky, enjoying their antics and their interest in him.  Piper and Paula kept everyone else amused. 

Dinner was baked ham, potato scallop in a light cheese sauce, tomato and blue cheese scallop and fiddleheads followed by fresh blueberries and ice cream and the aforementioned cookies.  Everyone enjoyed the meal and the company.

Of hospitals, appointments and all things summer

It was Tuesday and well planned.  Lee went to the hospital blueberry muffins made and with a determination that Kendra would eat.  Well, the eating didn't happen but there was improvement and a step forward to recovery so relief all around.  The infectious disease doctor was in and noted stability.  The surgeon has not indicated more surgery necessary at the moment so we may be finally turning a corner.  It will be six weeks of IV antibiotics but if it works, that is a small price to pay.  Lee had the call from the Fredericton hospital scheduling her Dad's biopsy.  It required several phone calls and negotiation but was moved forward a couple of days so that next week could be sorted.  It will be three days of driving followed by two days of flying but will work.  Ken had a day in his gardens with time out to do a little mowing.  He did the kennel (Tom finally had a day off) and was a busy as Our Ken manages to keep himself.  There were pauses for muffins, a lunch that was made and left covered had disappeared by the time Lee got home and dinner - late though it was - was appreciated.  The swallows are coming and going with swallow abandon.  The little ones are flying - although as Ken notes, they don't have much technique yet - and return to the nest each night so that the parents can feed them.  This is a smart little bunch of fliers who pile into that nest that doesn't fit any longer.  As long as they can fit into the nest, Mom and Dad swallow bring food.  They all get that.  We're pretty sure that there is only about one wingtip actually in the nest but Mom and Dad comply anyway.  Gotta love parents.  Chantelle had the night out with Scout's agility class.  From all reports, it went reasonably well although we didn't hear that from Brenda so perhaps have received a slightly biased account. 

The kennel is doing well.  Roddi is up to twice a day on the potion and is truly appreciative.  Ruari has called for an Ombudsman.  Tiger and Pippa are managing the yard, looking after all that two Welsh can look after.  Heaven help the rest because the Welsh rules are pretty darned specific and are being shared.  Ruff is managing his yard on his own because his pal Kloe departed - much to his disgust.  Ken bonded with Nancy, Kloe's owner, and was singing her praises on Lee's return.  Rozzie is thriving, enjoying her space and chasing birds flying overhead.  She approves of the country life, mentioned that she intends to ask her owners for a new house just like this one and is pretty sure they will get it for her because she always gets what she wants!

The house dogs continue to do well and looked after the yards while Ken worked.  Charlotte has heard a rumour that Tim is returning so spent the day with the air conditioner getting herself ready for a day of running and playing.  Charlotte is not young and really isn't up to that level and length of play but nobody has mentioned that to her lately and she thinks Tim is the best thing ever! 

Dinner was grilled steak from across the road, new potatoes that Ken dug just at dinnertime, beet greens from the garden and fresh fruit.  Life is not bad in the meal department. 

Monday and the week begins in earnest

Events are unfolding - literally.  Flight school is occurring and the baby swallows are revving up.  They have all begum the process (some years we have a recalcitrant baby) and while some come back to the nest at night, others are using the big apple tree in the fruit garden.  Laurel is thriving with her big family and we are amazed by her capabilities.   Ken spent the day at the hospital - Kendra had a fall and a set back after fainting.  Reg and Catherine took the children to Louisbourg and had a great trip.  It was a day of telephones for Lee - lots and lots of calls.  Emails were worked on and finishing touches put on the strategic plan for the Truckers' Association consulting project.  A little gardening was managed late in the day and into the evening. 

The kennel is rocking.  Roddi and Ruari are fine.  Roddi loves his potion and Ruari is not amused that favouritism is occurring.  He has repeatedly offered his assistance in polishing off the treat that Roddi is served twice daily - Ken demurs.  Ruari pouts.  Roddi dances.  Pippa and Tiger are managing their Welsh yard with alacrity.  Tiger loves his green hammock bed.  Pippa is lobbying for one for herself.  Ken may have a construction project.  Ruff and Kloe have bonded and love to play.  Rozzie is doing well.  She has progressed to having a big yard to herself and takes great pleasure in running through it at speed.  Tinkerbell departed amid a flurry of saving paws.  Liard and Tom had a bath yesterday.  Liard's owners had called to see if that was possible and Tom decided it was a good possibility.  We reckon the result was a draw.  Barrett departed much to Trebia's disgust.  She would love to know where it is he goes and why. 

The house dogs are coping but spending a lot of time in front of the air conditioner.  Nick was not amused that Ken went to the city without him - although the heat precluded any dog travel.  Clem was not part of the parade and slept downstairs - Chantelle is in the soup.  There are partially trimmed dogs running around the property in varying stages of coat.  It is an interesting look. 

Dinner was egg rolls, rice and chicken wings in a lovely homemade teriyaki sauce.  And we are on to another day. 

It was a week end - we think

It was a week end.  Things didn't go quite as planned - and we might be the best people in the world to roll with change.  Because of Kendra's surgery, Ken stayed home and Lee was sent packing - nobody does it better.  It was hot and humid, sunny, hot and humid.   Finding Summerside was a little challenge and navigating traffic circles something that took a couple of runs to find the correct hole to depart and wend the way to Kensington.  Then it was memory (no signs) to find Malpeque.  That was followed by a sense of the twilight zone - the cottage was found but the other eight cottages had been removed - eerie.  It is a lovely spot with a park setting, acres of lawn, trees and garden and the single residence that would accommodate ten and had Lee alone.  No cell phone service but good satellite television and a fully equipped residence.  The show ran from eight to six daily so Lee was there from seven to seven.  Ken did decide that things were stable enough, and Chantelle decided that Ken 'needed' to go to the Island as planned so late Saturday afternoon, Ken packed Nick and hopped into Betsy for his Island adventure.  And adventure it was.  Again, no cell phones made connections difficult.  And who knew that the one restaurant in Kensington closed at six thirty.  It was the ice cream stand for dinner - life could be worse, Chantelle later noted.  Somehow we missed John and Cathy - may have had something to do with the lack of Regalridge technology.  Ken arrived late, of course, and we found our way to Lee's park.  Chantelle was on her own, and had an eventful evening.  By six, she managed to have Laurel whelping and Ken managed phone contact by standing out in the middle of the park.  Then it was on to repacking fast and Ken back to Regalridge.  Chantelle and Laurel were ensconced in the whelping room - through the night and through Sunday.  And do you think they could stop arriving - Chantelle in her enthusiasm of having a real Airedale litter managed to encourage 12 of the little darlings - six of each sex - out of that tummy.   My goodness that's a lot of puppies. 

The kennel was busy, of course, on a July week end.  Mercedes the Neo had a photo shoot with Chantelle.  She apparently has received the 'most photogenic' award for the week end.  Pippa and Tiger have bonded and are going to have to go home together.  We sincerely hope that the owner of the dog that does not have one at the end of the negotiation will understand.  These two are delighted with each other - both are eating well and having a great time together. Pippa also bonds with Nemo so she is a busy girl.  Rozzie the NSDTR is here for her first visit.  She has had adventures prior to her arrival and her stories preceded her.  Since arriving, she built up her ability to manage her vacation on her terms and has begun to eat well.  She is doing just fine for her first boarding experience here at Regalridge.  Then there is the boarding 'pack' - Ruff (Golden)  is again in residence, Kloe (Airedale and Beau's best friend), Beau (Irish Setter) and Tinkerbell (puppy Tosa) enjoy each other so go as a crew to their big yards.  They are divided into two groups but all troop happily together and are divided into the exercise yards.  None are small but all are collegial and all love both the ability to run together and to play games.  The Tosa puppy is  lovely, easily managed and well socialized -  as is Mercedes the Neo.  It appears to be Mastiff summer at Regalridge.  Roddi and Ruari are the kennel managers.  Ruari marches beside Ruari who is on a lead and marching to his exercise yard.  Both are thriving, Roddi is collegial and sticks that little nose into everyone's run just to check their state of well being, on his way to the run.  Marguerite protests.  Penny departed among the usual flurry of waves.  She was a great friend to Kloe the latter of whom has transferred her affection to Tinkerbell.  Barrett and Trebia are together - and delighted to have their lives back to normal.  It is tough sledding to be star crossed and in love - Shakespeare spoke to that, we think.

Laurel had her puppies - did we mention that?  Twelve little Airedales have entered the world and all is well.   Laurel is quite amazed.  She had developed her groupings and Lee's support will be needed to supplement.  It will be a long couple of weeks.  The rest are doing fine.  Most group themselves around the air conditioning on these hot days and will not go out.  Clem prefers the outdoors and we have to haul her in.  Laurel had a good trim before her delivery - thank goodness.  Nick had his trip to PEI and Billy could not believe that Ken had left without him.  Because of the timing of the puppy arrival (starting at 4 am) Chantelle spent a night in the den on the couch.  The dogs are totally confused, missed a full night in the bedrooms and are waiting to do the bedroom parade all day.  This break in routine is just wrong.  Scout is preparing for a one month break in Agility in August and is in a state of high anxiety - could have something to do with Chantelle's state of mind but we won't go there. 

Meals - well, Lee wasn't here. 

Lots happend, it is hot and the dogs are happy

Thursday was a coming and going day.  Ken departed early and found his way to the hospital for a visit with Kendra.  Things were not improved and later in the day another surgery was scheduled for tomorrow.   Lee held the fort at home.   There was lots of activity; the phone was busy, the dogs had an agenda that largely included an air conditioner and ice (Lee resisted offering them a glass and a beer); CKC needed some attention and a meeting was scheduled for the evening as was dinner for 7.  Ken was home by dinnertime, replete with plunder.  Reg, Catherine, Gillian and Tim joined us for dinner and some bonding time with the dogs.  They have Atlas' brother so Tim had a great time with Atlas (and with Charlotte who adopted Tim and tried to keep up - she won't likely try again any time soon). 

The kennel is ticking along.  Tiger and Pippa are best friends now and very much enjoying each other as Welsh sometimes do.  Roddi and Ruari are thriving on their country vacation.  Meds are being taken, they love their yard, Roddi has perfected his dance steps and is displaying them to all who will watch.  Penny and Kloe are delighted to find each other.  They have similar personalities, are both lovely Airedale girls and play decorously (as compared to the wild characters here at Regalridge). They wander and explore their yard in the hot weather and return to the cool kennel.  Abbie departed in a flurry of waves.  Beau and Trebia have bonded.  Our process is to open Beau's run then Trebia's run - Trebia goes into Beau's run, gives him a bow and the game is on.  She lures him out of his run, he trots after her to the yard and they play. 

The house dogs did have a good day - much of it spent inside in the air conditioning.  Laurel had pride of place on the soft bed as the puppies played football in her tummy (they are apparently trying to be the next team to be selected for the World Cup).  Nick moved between the kitchen where he assisted Lee in the cutting and organizing and the air conditioner where he looked longingly at Laurel's positioning but contented himself with a spot slightly off center.  The Norwich had their little sofa under the air conditioner, coming off only long enough to torture the odd passer-by.  Paula, the lover of all things hot, was the only dog agitating to be outside for the full day and enjoyed much of the day on the deck, in her shade spot, counting birds at the feeder and encouraging the chipmunks to come just  a little closer - "here kitty, kitty".  Patti managed to keep everyone on task and is still firmly in charge.  Clem slept.

Dinner was company fare on a beautiful summer evening - perfectly grilled steak a la Ken - supporting the excellence of Ken's hunting and gathering skills across the road at Withrow's.  Chantelle offered up her signature appetizer - bruschetta from scratch with goat cheese, roasted small tomatoes, balsamic reduction and a plethora of little additions that make it so very perfect - the assembled masses were wowed!   Accompanying the dinner was potato salad, grilled asparagus, roasted tomatoes with blue cheese, corn on the cob (kids need corn - it's summer), Lee's famous Caesar salad, lemon cake and lots of libation.  Meantime, Lee had her meeting in the front yard and all was managed.  And life goes on into the day before the week end. 


 . 

Summer is here are the living is busy

Plans are made to be interrupted - just to let you know.  Early in the day, Kendra (daughter) called from the hospital.  She has had a difficult season with a fall late winter, disc problems, a surgery in June that developed complications and a subsequent surgery.  This latter process had further complications resulting in a third surgery this week, a challenging room mate and difficulty with pain management.  That resulted in a call for Lee to come to the hospital for the day - there were procedures to be done and an advocate was required.  Ken relieved Lee late afternoon.  Then there was a multi-hour conference call in the evening.  We earned our keep.  Chantelle worked in Elmsdale, did dogs in the morning and again last night and managed swallow sightings and updates for Our Ken.  The babies are not far away from flight school, are growing and are hungry - urging the food givers to greater speed and effectiveness. 

The kennel is filling.  Pippa and Tiger have bonded.  They rent yard number three and enjoy every minute of it.  Roddi and Ruari are thriving.  They rent yard number two.  Ruari is taken to his yard on a leash with Roddi trotting along free beside him, supervising  the process and counting noses.  Medications are being doled out with gay abandon.  Beau and Trebia have bonded.  Trebia likes her Setters (her best friend is Barrett, remember) so Beau is a good substitute.  He is enjoying the little Cirneco and she is building his confidence, teaching him the ropes of the kennel.  Abbie the Lab is playing and has boundless Lab energy.  Penny the Airedale has arrived and bonded with Dolly and Marguerite.  They are delighted to have a triumvirate and have developed lots of new Airedale games.  Kloe Airedale landed yesterday.  She is Clint's sister and is working at settling in.  She had a spin in yard three last night and is thinking hard about how she is going to go through the week without her owner. 

The house dogs like the air conditioning.  We have to haul them out to the yards.  Piper thinks that she has a sore front foot so is milking that for all its' worth.  The little dogs are doing fine. 

Dinner was Costco pizza - enough said.

Lee is home so life is back to normal

Well, Lee is back from the heat and humidity of Ontario (as of early this morning - and had a great time judging dogs in Blythe Ontario.  It was 46 degrees with the humidity in blazing sun.  There were great dogs, good people and a few familiar faces.  Her Terrier group was headed by a Wire Fox who hails from India via the USA and this was his North American debut.  He was a great fellow.  There were also great Bull breeds in abundance - lovely Am Staff, great Bull Terriers and Staffy Bulls.  The Toy dogs were lovely as well - one of the nicest a stunning young Italian Greyhound who went on to a well earned Group placing.  The house and kennel ticked along well.  It was a busy start to the week with dogs coming and going.  Ken and Chantelle held the fort, enjoyed the dogs and watched Laurel grow larger still.

The Kennel is doing well and the dogs are having a great time in the good weather.  Mercedes, Ruff and old Willie departed as did Sophie and Makay.  That was the good bye to the Mastiffs moment with the Neo and the Mastiff waving.  Both were amazingly well socialized and did well boarding - not the norm for those breeds and a testament to the owners.  We were impressed.   Roddie and Ruari are in residence.  Roddi is now officially on the potion and loves it.  Warren will be provided the recipe and shopping list on his return and perhaps could stop in to a cooking class on his way back to the area to update his skills. And Ruari is questioning when he became chopped liver and why his brother is getting something he isn't!   Beau the Irish Setter arrived on Monday.  He is settled in, has been out in the exercise yards for his runs, has eaten his meals and is doing well - again, a good start to his boarding career and a quick turn around from the concerned Setter who arrived.  Abbie the black Lab is happy and eating in typical Lab fashion - anything as often as possible.  Tiger the Welsh is here and thriving, happy with the big yards and his place in them.  .  Penny the Airedale is settled in usual Penny fashion.  Nemo has stretched his legs and led Ken on a merry chase through a number of exercise yards - impressive for an ancient Welsh. 

The house dogs were glad to see Lee home - even if it was 1:00 am.  Their high fives were enthusiastic and Lee has the bruises to prove that.  The parade to the bedroom was late but impressive as Piper, Marilla, Patti, Billy and the cat joined in.  Laurel is growing as we watch her, the puppies are active in her belly and she is becoming increasingly uncomfortable.  Puppies will be arriving very soon.

Dinners were Chantelle and Ken specials - not to be thought about by the faint of heart.  The day Lee left dinner had been grilled ribs, grilled asparagus, fresh biscuits, potato salad and strawberry shortcake.  There were scones in the morning and brownies left for grazing. 

The kennel is full of particulalry large breeds this week end

Well, Lee is back and things are back to normal at Regalridge.  There was a little settling and rearranging but all is well.  Piper had her tale of woe to share with Lee - detailing all of the errors and omissions of Our Ken and Chantelle.   Duly noted.  Abigail had stories as did May.  It isn't easy being a Norwich without Lee's back up.  Einstein advised that he looked after Lee's side of the bed in her absence and was not totally thrilled that she had returned.  The yards are magnificent with roses blooming in all gardens, the hanging baskets planted and lilies appearing.  The Regalridge strawberry season is over but the fruit stand across the road is still replete so all is well.  The baby swallows have hatched and the adults are hard at work feeding the brood - watch your head if you venture near the back door - they take no prisoners.  When a rest is required, the male swallow sits on the holder of our bell just outside the back door and surveys his responsibilities and environment.  The dogs coming and going within wing's reach don't bother him in the least nor does our presence as we go in and out.  He is a stoic little fellow and seems to hold us all in high regard.  Ken has progressed with the coffee machine to the point that, without instruction, he can now make his own latte.  That is a particular accomplishment and he is darned proud. 

The kennel is busy.  Maxifer departed after a good bath and his last play in the big yard.  He had a great time, seemed to enjoy all of the activity and is a very good visitor to the kennel.  Four stars on Sir Max's door.  Trebia is sorry to see him go - he was her best friend during the week.  Tigger the Welsh is bonding with Pippa.  They have yard number two, have an exploration party and bark for their repatriation to the kennel.  Roddie and Ruari with their pharmacy have arrived.  Both are thriving, love yard number four and insist on the yard for their exercise.  They do know their minds.  Mira and Sophie have settled in.  The little character is her normal carefree self and the Mastiff has decided that Chantelle is a good friend to have and gives her a good rub as they move around the run and the yard.  That is a step forward for this Mastiff who was a bit more stand-offish in the past.   The Retrievers are great pals.  Ruff and Abby are great friends and love to play.  They take direction well, don't need a leash to move back and forth and do as they are told - amazing to those of us used to terriers.  Ruff has had a prescription change and we are up to date now on the new dosage thanks to his young owner.  Shadow is another story - Shadow has decided that staying in his run is his safest course of action and we agree. He is fond of his dish collection.   Ancient Willie is here for a few days.  He is taking life in his stride, meanders around with whoever is in the kennel and wags his tail with care.  Then there is the Neo.  There aren't a lot of Neapolitan Mastiffs in the area so she would be a novelty in the area.  She is analyzing her options and giving them considerable thought, head on paws and wrinkles at the ready. 

The house crowd is ticking along.  Potions are being meted out and Ken is sharing the recipe with new callers.  We are fairly certain that New Yorkers can find flax seed on the Fourth - off you go!  Dolly is in the kennel in season and Laurel is in the house, getting broader by the minute.  The puppies appear to be having a good game of soccer prior to positioning themselves to join the world next week.  Laurel supervises that internal game with a perplexed expression and close scrutiny of her tummy. 

Dinner was grilled salmon with a lovely savoury raspberry sauce, potato salad, grilled asparagus, fried corn and strawberries and cream.  Life could be worse.