The yard is being decorated for the season - the new vehicle is red

Days are busy at Regalridge as we sort through the 'must do' list prior to leaving for Virginia.  Included in the list was the television replacement (so Chantelle could thoroughly scare herself to death watching bad movies|) and the new van.  All was accomplished.  There may be a vehicle on earth with more bells and whistles than this van but if so, it has a name on its side denoting it as a royal passenger ship!  The light cream interior has Lee a bit unsettled and the new technology will take some time to sort through but it sure is pretty sitting in the yard.  Ken continues to garden and tomatoes are still abundant - amazing for the end of October. 

The kennel is quite busy as well.  Lucy is managing Nemo until the end of the week.  He really must find life without her ministrations quite different.  With her care and concern, he doesn't have a moment where he must think for himself.  Lucky is settled and eating well.  He is a big Lab with many thoughts on life in general and kennel management in particular - those thoughts are freely shared.  Poe is relaxed and in charge of his own space.  People are allowed and even encouraged to share it with him - dogs are another story.  Poe's rules are inviolate.  Tippy has been kidnapped by aliens and a different dog has replaced him - looks like Tippy, is ambivalent about food like Tippy, enjoys his bed like Tippy but is benign.  We are hoping that the real Tippy will be back for the owners' return.  In the interim, we will enjoy the replacement. 

The house dogs are fine, are enjoying the clement weather and are underwhelmed, as always, by hunting season.  The banging in the woods is unsettling and seems to be far too close, although there are no woods in our vicinity.  A rumour has been heard, though, that Chantelle who lives in a more wooded area has a new pet.  Scout is bonding with a resident porcupine.  Chantelle is a bit non-plused about it all.  It was baseball night and with the new television the game was literally in the den.  By mid-evening the dogs are ready to enjoy life at a slow pace so with six very large dog beds strategically arranged, it was a period of musical beds for all.  The Norwich, of course, had the largest.  The Welsh, of course, had the favourite (with a permanently curled lip at the ready for anyone who dared look at her).  That left the remainder for Our Charlotte, Patti (Lee was in her chair much to Patti's disgust), Marilla and Nick.  Nick, always the gentleman, shared with Piper, who lights only for a moment in fear that she could be missing something occurring elsewhere, with Lori who gets too warm in front of the stove and has to go elsewhere to cool off and with Lori who claims her territory and then won't give it back. Observing the logistics, the machinations and the posturing is a full time job.

Dinner was early - or at least we tried.  It was grilled tenderloin roast with caramelized onions, new potatoes from the garden boiled quickly and then grilled with wonderful BC salt (thanks Ralph), squash from the garden and shitaake mushrooms.  We did not suffer.  And life is ready to unfold tomorrow.