Boxing Day was restful by Regalridge standards

Boxing Day is now behind us.  With the perennially cloudy days and warm temperatures, the area is readying for another mild winter.  The Nor'easter coming up the Eastern seaboard will bring us yet more rain and winds - albeit less windy than last week's hurricane force gales.  Other areas of the Maritimes are not so fortunate and the seas have been a force to contend with - storm surges and erosion are the order of the day in many areas of the Northumberland Strait.  The continent's weather has started to mess about with the return of the owners of the visitors.  Faye had the option of leaving Alaska for an extended visit (lay over) in Seattle where coffee is good but not that good.  She opted for a later flight that might not take three days.  The Rodds sis manage to leave in time t o collect the little one and Prince Darby, making their way home to PEI before the storm.  Annie's abilities vis-a-vis The Messiah were a surprise so with luck she will share her talents when she gets home.  There were blizzard pictures sent from Virginia with a snowman featured prominently.  The South appears to have received coal in its' stocking again this year.  And again is blaming poor old Texas for all of its woes.  Fortunately Linda has an all wheel drive vehicle and a snow shovel.  She is likely the best prepared of all true Southerners. 

The kennel continues to rock.  Bailey and Gemini are managing to keep a lid on the activity levels, tempering Maxifer the enthusiasm of the younger crew.  It was a pleasant day to be outside so all were out for long and active plays.  Bailey befriended Sarah the Airedale and put up with Nemo trailing behind her and Trebia sailing past at speed.  Barbaro had a play with his heroine as well so it was another busy day for Bailey.  Barbaro has also discovered Scooter with her ball tricks and Welsh intensity.  He visits with her on each trip in and out and may be taking lessons for practice at home.  Jake watches this disloyalty with a bemused expression.  Maxifer and Gemini bonded and had a good day exploring their yard.  The Schenk dogs continue to entertain Roddie and Ruari - the boyz consider them the perfect Christmas present and send their thanks to Warren and Heather.  They are practising hard to perfect the pitch of the Welsh while maintaining the constancy of the Norwich vocals.  In case any are hoarse prior to leaving, we are making Christmas Cd's for both families. Moses is still in charge - of what we aren't quite certain - but he is secure in his belief that all is well only because he is in residence.  Naomi shakes her head.

The house dogs are well and happy.  Dover is eating our meals and going in and out happily.  She is learning the area in the kitchen and confines her wanders between the water dish and the Norwich bed with occasional forays outside to see if her Mother has returned.  So far, there are no sightings.  Patti is happy, moving easily and eating well.  She too, of course, eats only what is proffered from the kitchen taking the potion as dessert at the end of each meal.  How do they manage to train us so well!  The Sound Of Music was on offer last night and seasonal tradition requires that it be watched.  the dogs were thrilled.  With hours of commercials between snippets of show, CBC managed to draw the musical out for the entire evening.  Paula and the Norwich had laps, Atlas slept next to Lee with his feet in the air, Nick had the big bed, Patti had the green orthopaedic one but managed to stretch her neck to keep it on the bolster bed as well.  Piper had claimed the bolster and put up with Patti's over bearing presence.  Marilla had the new brown fur bed and Lori managed to take the new animal print.  Charlotte was late to the party.   She spent her evening walking in and out of the room, staring at each sleeping dog in turn and turning to march to an adjoining walkway and fluff up the floor for several minutes in Charlotte-like frustration.  By late evening, Piper found the heat of the stove too much and moved to the head of the parade route, freeing up Charlotte's favourite bed.  It was quickly taken.  And Lori had missed the parade on Christmas night.  She was hard on Piper's heels this night and made it through the door with Lee for the passing out of the Denta Stix. 

There was a haddock and bacon chowder made for lunch much to Our Ken's approbation.  That had followed a breakfast of French Toast so Ken was happily fueled until a late dinner appeared.  The end of the prime rib seemed right for Boxing Day so appeared with lovely roasted potatoes done with Brady Street coating and the ubiquitous frozen peas that Our Ken so enjoys with this particular meal.  There were Christmas cookies throughout the day and apple pie also was on offer.  Life unfolded nicely at the table.