Tropical weather and Ralph - an interesting juxtaposition

It was a cold and windy - no wait, that has been done.  And actually it was a hot, humid and windy day with the occasional shower but no break in the tropical weather.  The dogs are not terribly amused that Our Ken has taken the air conditioning away, and truth be told, neither is Lee.  The hurricanes in the South are pushing the tropical air as far as Belnan.  We are intending to repatriate the high pressure area that stayed with us last winter and return the favour for the January - February period.  There was little coming and going with the exception of a foray to the village that offered up fresh fish for dinner.  Ken continued garden clean up with yet more tomatoes and squash.  Ralph returned from his trek to NB, replete with articles from his hunting and gathering expedition.  We approved - and imbibed.

The kennel is moving along nicely.  Barrett with his curls is keeping the grass short in number 4 yard with his little sidekick running laps around him - still to his amazement (Brenda - you might want to ask Chantelle how she described you to Ralph at the kitchen table this morning).  Miss Lucy manages Nemo's life - to Nemo's full approbation.  He has not had to have a thought even rest in his mind because Lucy fully thinks for him.  Allan, Jack's brother, is fine and enjoying his vacation.  He enjoys the country.  London came home to the kennel with her new siblings in tow for a visit.  Morgan is in line for a spa treatment, London might get a touch up and the Norfolk - well . . .  London marched up the driveway, knowing that she was in familiar territory and explaining the lay of the land to the youngsters. 

The house dogs are doing fine although a bit warm.  Patti is taking her potion.  The Norwich are happy with company - ever the hostesses with their pointed explanations of how things work.  Nick is managing the kitchen and Piper is sharing her time with Ralph and anyone else in the neighbourhood, ever the Wal Mart greeter.

Dinner was lovely fresh haddock with roasted vegetables, a salad of greens with blueberries and candied almonds and fennel and peach crisp followed by Tony's Finnish liqueur which Ralph likened to Saskatoon berries. 

A puppy departs and paper is flying

Tuesdays are the days when all things are possible.  The week stretches ahead, only one day is behind us and the list is long.  There was a limit since both had to be at meetings in the early evening but beyond that possibilities were endless.  And it started.  Trimming continued and Dolly looks fabulous.  Of course, she knows it.  Lee finalized some presentation materials and moved forward with additional commitments for the CKC.  Added in was time to sort out the Airedale puppy file.  At noon, Ian arrived to collect Annie.  She is a special little Airedale and will live with Darby in PEI.  That is the perfect home and Darby will have his paws full for a while teaching a little sister the ropes.  She departed with her stuffed moose and a smile.  Her remaining siblings are a bit puzzled at her absence but are pleased that there is more space around the food dish.  It was a hot day with some sun and much cloud accompanying the tropical air.  Still no frost and yet more tomatoes being harvested.

The kennel is in good shape.  Lucy is busy with Nemo and happy in her role as shepherdess.  Nemo is relieved to have someone take charge of his life and sticks close to Lucy as they patrol.  Allan is settled in and happy to be part of the Welsh grouping.  He is aging well, active and bright as only a 12 year old Welsh can be.  Barrett is curling in the humidity.  As he greeted all comers, his waves bounced and he smiled his Barrett smile.  Trebia is smitten.  Barrett is Barrett.

The house dogs are thriving.  All are living the good life, active outside and settled inside when they need to cool off.  Piper has requested a haircut as has Charlotte but beyond that, all are happy.  Trimming for the Cobequid Show is underway. 

Dinner was catch as catch can.  Ken was at meetings until mid-evening and Lee until even later.  Ralph returns tomorrow.  The puppy will be pleased

Monday was full and active

Mondays start our week of meetings and organization. Painting was the order of the day at Regalridge.  Tom and Ken are continuing their updates and touch ups outside during the good weather.  Fence posts have also appeared - there are questions you just don't ask.  And there was a trip to the city.   This one included a hunting and gathering outing for Lee and a visit to the Vet for Piper.  Piper was bred, but not scientifically, and this was the day for an ultrasound.  It was done and to the relief of all, is negative.  Piper was a model of Airedale acquiescence.  She happily hunkered down in the bed used for the ultrasound put her paws over her nose and poked Lee each time her hand stopped scratching the right spot.  The rest was Vets and Techs, computers and assorted equipment.  Then it was on to Costco for Lee's first visit in months.  The little blue car was about as full as the little blue car gets on the return trip to Belnan.  And there was an interesting observation.  As the cart was unloaded into the car in the Costco parking lot, lots of people went past.  While it was a mix of men and women, old and young, the majority seemed to be men - likely because the car was parked in the area of the propane and garage areas.  And as the bags of dog food surfaced, it was two men who stopped and offered to load them into the car.  What a bonus.  And perhaps not surprisingly, it was not the young men passing by but two fellows who offered that they had retired from Sobeys meat department 15 years ago - Lee doubts they took early retirement - and with smiles they toted the large bags on their shoulders into the little car, then took the cart back to the cart corral. 

The kennel is perking along.  Barrett and Trebia are barrelling around the big exercise yard.  He is absolutely smitten with the little Cirneco and woo, woo woos his delight.  It makes us smile.  Lucy is managing Nemo and took him to their big exercise yard on her own in the morning.  Lucy will not share Nemo - wants no part of having anyone else in the yard with them so Trebia is much happier with Barrett in residence.  Savannah departed and Allan the old Welsh arrived. 

The house dogs are happy and enjoying the warm weather.  We have had no frost as yet so the flowers are blooming during this early fall period.  The tomatoes are still ripening and the trees are still green with little colour so far.  Patti is doing well, eating her potion and managing the overall Regalridge four footed activity.  Nick was not a candidate for the trip to the city so will be in line for any car movement tomorrow.

Dinner was a pre-meeting meal of chicken from Costco and roasted vegetables with lovely fresh peaches for dessert.  And we are on to another day.

The week ahead will be busy so we enjoyed the week end at Regalridge

Week ends have a way of unwinding at their own speed.  With increased coming and going, additions to the kennel and decent weather, this was a good one.  The dogs are thriving and Abigail welcomed Chantelle on Saturday morning (early since someone thought there might just be Regalridge breakfast if she made it in time).  Abby bounced and heralded the arrival - until she was taken to the torture chamber of horrors and skinned to a shadow of her former self.  She worked all last night on a "No Chantelle Required" sign to be posted on the front gate.  It hasn't helped that May points at Abby and snickers.  Saturday brought a short visit from Dawn and |Jimmy as well.  Poor Lexi had to stay in the van until Lee went out to spring her (with the requisite bacon).  The evening brought Tony and Karen, Tony scoping out the offerings from the chestnut tree (up close as it tossed a couple his way as he came up the lawn).  Tony's thoughts on the tree are not able to be printed but we have figured out that he isn't likely to bid on one at the ATA auction.  The little princes accompanied them and enjoyed an evening lording it over her siblings who are still here. 

The kennel is ticking along.  Little Lucy continues to manage old Nemo and he is thrilled by her ministrations.  She refuses to go to the exercise yards without him, waits for him at the corner and herds him in the direction he needs to go - all day if we let her!  Savannah had her spa day with Chantelle, fared far better than poor little Abigail and has the cutest Welsh head on the property.   Her whiskers are things legends are made of.  Teddy is staying until Monday so waved good by to his Bernese pal on Sunday evening.  Each Bernese that boards is a great dog and Bella was no exception.  Trebia and Barrett are in high gear.  They are thrilled with the weather, with each other and with their ability to run really, really fast for a really, really long stretch of time.  Haven help anyone with either of these breeds without a large exercise area.  They use every inch of it and simply fly.  It is a real pleasure watching them enjoy their days in the country.

The house dogs have moved into autumn mode and the games have begun.  A bevy of Airedales, all trimmed and in their prime playing whatever it is that has been chosen for the day is a wonderful sight.  They delight in this weather and in their age and good health.  The older dogs play in bursts of speed then retire to their lairs under the trees to supervise the antics.  Paula barks encouragement.  The Airedale puppies are on the deck much of the day and have their own version of the games and activities.  They are happy and growing quickly.  The little Welsh puppy is now weaned and with us in the den.  This will be the week for Jessie Rachel to return to her regular routine.  Clem, Scout and Viola returned with Chantelle for the week end.  Scout exercised his lungs.  Clem reclaimed her spots in the kitchen (only the most inconvenient to any movement of people will do) and Viola supervised the trimming activities - whether she had anything to do with Abigail's result is unknown at this time.

Meals were frequent and adequate to those in attendance at the table.  A roast of pork happened with roasted fall vegetables, a strawberry and candied almond salad and a strawberry dessert that included partridge berry liqueur and Hagen Daz.  Blueberry muffins surfaced for a brunch and apple crisp was in evidence.  All was well in Ken's world.

Fall is a great time in NS

Well, we did figure out the day of the week so progress is being made.  And it was a lovely day, overcast but warm with lots of opportunity for garden clean up.  Ken harvested the gladiola and an outstanding display is on the table.  Yet more squash appeared.  Still, the hi light of the day was the heavy machinery that made its way into the yard.  The hurricane had uprooted trees and a large stump required the big guns.  Two men are never happier than when they have a significant project and a backhoe.  This is our mechanic who doubles as a heavy equipment operator.  Down the road he came with the impressive machine, through teh gates and up the driveway.  Half an hour later the stump was atop the backhoe, making its way out of the yard.  The men were smiling. 

The kennel is busier for the week end.  Savannah is here for her spa treatment.  Lucy is herding old Nemo around his yard and caring for him in Lucy style.  She does love the old fellow.  The Cirneco got in the way of Lucy's ministrations and was run off for her trouble.  Lucy brooks no interference.  Teddy is thriving and now has a friend to play with.  Bella the Bernese has arrived and Teddy is tickled with the big dog.  Bella has settled in and loves the big exercise yard.  Teddy has explained the routine and both are exploring happily. 

The house dogs are fine.  Abigail is looking forward to Chantelle's arrival - first in line to be 'fixed' and pretty sure she must look really funny since all of the other dogs are chuckling as they pass her.  The puppies are thriving.  They are growing as we watch them, playing hard and enjoying life to the fullest.  The little Welsh is eating and enjoying the sound of his voice.  Jessie is taking her breaks from him now and seems content that he is growing up to be a big strong boy.  He loves his bed and bear. 

At Ken's request, dinner was home made mac and cheese with Pork Shop Oktoberfest sausage.  It was great.  Applesauce from the orchard apples accompanied the meal and worked well.  And we are on to the week end.

Recovering a lost day isn't easy

It was Thursday and how did that happen?  What exactly happened to Wednesday, do you suppose?  Of course, we didn't discover it was Thursday until noon so we let Wednesday unwind, worked on Wednesday chores and thought pretty good progress was being made - until it was Thursday, Tom departed until Monday and we were, abracadabra, a full day behind.  Our Ken has been very much under the weather for the past couple of days.  That has perhaps been our confusion.  The weather was great so the outdoors beckoned.  And the dogs were happy to be outside - well, except for the chief managers Nick and Piper.  Ken is in fall trim mode.  Lori, Nick and Paula have had their updates and look great.  He has an eye on Piper and Dolly - run girls, run!

The kennel is ticking along.  Lucy is working hard.  She trots out to the big exercise yards with Nemo in tow, queen of all she surveys.  Savannah has moved in for the week end for a vacation and spa treatment.  Lucy is looking at her with some disdain.  Teddy the Shepherd mix is again in residence, a great dog who takes great pleasure in the big exercise yards.  He delights in anything offered him and enjoys the moment.  And Trebia has heard the rumour that Barrett is arriving soon - she waits. 

The house crew is happy.  The weather has been great - cool and sunny.  The Airedale puppies are on the deck and are enjoying every new adventure.  A leaf dropping from a tree, a new bird arriving at the feeder, Ken gathering squash in the garden - all are fascinating for this little crew.  They are virtually housebroken and are one of the easiest litters there has been at Regalridge.  The little Welsh puppy is growing and this week has found his voice.  Today he arrived in the den for the first time, found his lovely bed and blue bear and settled in.  Abigail has had a hair cut (at least the front of her and the end of her are done.  Rumour has it that Chantelle is coming this week end.  Abigail will put on her pitiful face and Chantelle will make her look like a Norwich, we're pretty sure. 

Dinner was a lovely fall meal.  There were fried green tomatoes, squash and potatoes, all from the garden.  Grilled chicken and apple crisp rounded out the offerings and we are on to another day - Friday is it?

Autumn has arrived

It was a week  in Toronto and Lee is again in residence.  Ken is relieved.  The dogs are happy with the routine realigned and all is well at Regalridge.  Chantelle came back to offer her support through much of the week Lee was in the big city working on CKC issues.  Ken delivered the puppy to Joanna and Darrell at 5 on the morning Lee flew to Toronto at 6:30 and the week played out at about that speed.  There were lots of activities, crops to sort through and harvest, flowers to bring under control and dogs to round up.  The project was the redevelopment of the dog deck off of the back door.  It is now almost completely resurfaced - a very good thing.  An adjustment to the feeding room sorted that out nicely and Ken is proud of his acquisition.  We are seeing signs of autumn with the chestnut tree dropping its bounty and leaves beginning to dry.  This week sees our friend Ralph, from Victoria, here to visit and collect his new puppy.  During his visit to the city, there was a phone call and a visit from folks (also from Victoria) here on a cruise ship who had a Welsh of Regalridge breeding.  They came out for a visit, a Regalridge viewing and some time with the dogs.  Finally, a visit from a woman new to NS (from, guess where - you got it - Victoria!) thinking about adding an Airedale to her life.  She has a wonderful old Jack Russell who has always had a second dog in her life so an Airedale puppy was a consideration.

The kennel has been busy at the usual level this week.  Lucy is managing Nemo's activities and he is thrilled.  Trebia did spend some time with them but decided old Welsh are really not stimulating enough so departed that run at the first opportunity.  Lucy considers her a bit of a nuisance with her speed and disregard for Nemo's pace - always uppermost in our Lucy's mind.  She is enjoying her hammock bed outside and is thriving.  Trebia has heard a rumour that Barrett is coming this week end so is much happier. 

The house dogs are doing well.  Patti remains in charge, is taking her potion and is smiling.  Piper is relieved that Lee is home to take over the supervision in the house.  That is a big job and Piper takes it seriously so turns over the white hat with alacrity.  Nick had lots of trips during the week and is happy to be outside during these beautiful days of early fall weather.  Cool and sunny suits him well.  The Airedale puppies are adorable, moving well along in their housebreaking and growing like little weeds.  They are a happy, healthy crew and thoroughly enjoy life between the deck and the den. 

Dinner was a pleasure.  After a week of hotel and restaurant meals, Lee is slowly reclaiming her kitchen.  It was fresh salmon steaks, Ken's potatoes just dug, Ken's squash and apple crisp with apples from the orchard.  Life is good. 

A party, puppies and good friends

It was a bright and cold day in Belnan and the dogs were happy.  They love the fall and were happy to say good by to the heat.  Darrell and Joanna are in residence and we are keeping them pretty busy.  Analyzing puppies, reviewing appliance updates, off to the dog show to see Logan win another Best In Show (and bring home two Reserve Bests) finished by hosting a dozen folks for dinner.    Glasses were raised to Anjin with regard to his first Best In Show.  He happily greeted all comers and displayed his best BIS behaviour.  Then it was on to puppy evaluations with everyone given the puppy numbers and the opportunity to weigh in on their favourites.  Lee correlated results and the puppies couldn't have cared less what the folks thought.  Each knows he/she is perfect.  Then it was on to a fall dinner of glazed baked ham, potato scallop, Margot's lovely green citrus salad (fabulous) and dessert.  Champagne flowed, laughs abounded. 

The kennel is busy for September.  Our little Boxer departed amid waving paws.  Lucy rested on her favourite hammock and managed Nemo as they went into and out of their exercise yard.  She herds him admirably.  Keegan and Kelsey managed number three yard with alacrity.  Fern is happy with Trebia and is pretty sure that given sufficient time she can catch her.  Then it is Darby's turn and Trebia tortures him with gay abandoned since he is younger and quicker than Fern.

The house dogs were delighted with the party.  Dolly was repatriated from the kennel and is relieved.  Nick spent his day leaning on Joanna.  Marilla greeted and managed everyone.  Piper watched Lee.  Atlas met and enjoyed everyone.  The Welsh found laps - Jimmy was held down by Paula.  The little Norwich stayed out of the way of most feet. 

Dinner was well enjoyed.  The potato scallop disappeared, the salad went quickly, the ham was eaten (there's lots though) and both the apple pie and the chocolate cake were not thrown away.  And we are on to tomorrow.

Cool weather has arrived and with it the harvest

We do understand that a once a week blog is unacceptable to many and a once monthly perhaps even less so.  The schedules with our ill family have simply put us off of anything normal.  Still, if you are in need of advice regarding hospital advocacy, what to do on a six hour drive or how not to succumb to fast food when nothing else is available, you have come to the right place.  New skill sets have been developed and we are happy to share.  As for the update, Lee's Dad is home for the present and slowly rebuilding.  Lee is just back from Woodstock where meetings are teh order of the day.  As the Dieticians, Physiotherapists, Nurses and Respiratory Therapists swing through the revolving door, Dad simply smiles and asks "now which one are you?".  Each replies appropriately.  Any complaints with respect to levels of care, access to hospitals or access to specialists are a puzzle.  There were no issues whatsoever.  The 'after care' has been equally accessible and effective.  The Canadian medical system is a system to behold and we are fortunate to be the beneficiaries.  Ken's daughter Kendra has been to the surgeon and things have not gone well for her.  There is yet another surgery scheduled for the end of October and we are all hopeful that this will be the last.  Ken had a list waiting, of course, so crops were processed begining early morning.  Green tomato chow was started.  Blackberry jelly had to happen because there was no space left in the freezer.  Red tomatoes were waiting and Chantelle was sent home with a few while others made their way to the dinner table.  Apples needed to be managed before the pantry could no longer be entered.  Harvests are major workloads.

The kennel is working along with an Airedale theme.  Little Lucy is ensconced on her favourite bed and looking after Nemo in her directed way.  She knows that she is as big as an Airedale in her dreams so fits into the Airedale theme.  Then we have the girls still in season, Lori and Dolly with an eye on Marguerite.  Rocky has moved to teh house and is no longer a kennel dog - never to see it again as far as he has decided.  Trebia is in control and keeping Darby from PEI occupied.  The little Boxer pup is doing as well as ever and getting cuter by the minute.  Kenzie and Keegan are thriving - they love vacations.  Fern is settled in and doing exceptionally well.  She is a great Airedale - was the smallest in Marilla's litter and is now among the largest. 

The house dogs are happy to have Lee in residence.  Nick is in herding mode and has not left her side.  Piper is trying hard to stay annoyed with Lee as a result of her excessive absences but falls for the "Piper, where are you?" every time.  The Norwich are keeping up their usual antics and Paula is tickled to death that Lee is home and another lap is available - or at least potentially.  The puppies are growing adn thriving.  There was a good photo session and the little ones remaining were examined and judged worthy of having Regalridge as a prefix. 

Darrell and Joanna arrived at dusk and settled in, ready for a late dinner.  Beer can chickens were prepared - one with garlic and lemon, the second with lime and pepper.  New potatoes were readied and then grilled with rosemary oil.  Tomatoes were added to the mix in a casserole of onion, garlic and blur cheese.  And there was the ubiquitous NB corn on the cob.  Ken's brother had sent prize winning Gravenstein apples that had been made into a pie earlier in the day.  With soem great old cheddar added and a good Scandanivian liquer (via Tony) life was complete.