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.