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.