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.