Less than a week left - how could that be

The days continue to get shorter and Christmas closer.  That is just wrong.  While it cannot be a regular Regalridge Christmas, there is a list that simply must happen.  And it seems not to be shortening at a rate equivalent to the number of days remaining.  The tree has not been trimmed although the decorations are in the living room.  Shopping has to happen immediately (much is done but much remains to be done).  Baking continues.  Cookies are appearing on a slow schedule.  The steamed puddings are now finished and sauces left to be built later in the week.  One recipe of hard sauce is in hand but dates seem to require copious amounts in Our Ken's lexicon of Christmas necessities.  And on it goes.  The dogs are enjoying the flurry of activity and are never far from the kitchen.  Lee had an afternoon meeting just to add a bit to the excitement of the season and Chantelle had a day in the grooming room with Welsh and Airedale hair flying in all directions.  Our Ken held the fort on many levels.  There are trees outside that are trimmed on iterative basis, sitting on the green grass, of course.  No snow yet. 

The kennel is filling.  Naomi and Moses have arrived and settled quickly as is their wont.  They know the routines, love the big yards and take charge immediately.  Jake and Barbaro have made their acquaintance, not at all concerned with their new neighbours as long as they don't get in the way of their trek to the exercise yards and their ability to explore.  Old Bailey is doing well and keeping to her routine.  She and Gemini are pals and the two wander around the yard together as old retrievers do.  Roddie and Ruari are in residence and we all know they are here.  The usual tricks are being brought out - waving for food and with great expectations of us.  Ruari has determined that a leash is much nicer than simply following out to the big yards and is adamant that it be used or he will not move. 

The house dogs are ready for Christmas.  They love the activity level at a high and encourage us to go even faster.  Would that we could.  The weather has been decent - warm for December, so with the exception of the mud, all is well.  There is yet another wind storm forecast with some rain so that will continue our adventures this week.  The little characters are doing well and have taken over the large bed in the den, much to Nick's disgust.  Piper is attached to Lee and Charlotte continues to hit Lee with a front paw each time she has an opportunity - who knows why!  Billy is basking in the glow of his recent road trip and knows he is vital to Our Ken's well-being.  Rocky and Atlas are managing the yard with Airedale aplomb and Clint is  not amused by their antics.  Paula is pregnant so there are Welsh puppies in the offing for the new year.  And at his advanced age, Sir Einstein has determined that residing in the bedroom much of the day suits him best.  He moves from dog bed to dog bed as the sun moves around the room, just to assure the Airedales that he owns them all and offers them up at night only out of beneficence.

Dinner was prime rib steaks with potato and squash, chow and Christmas cookies.  And on we go.