Lee and Ken are alive and well and living in Nova Scotia

There is lots of activity at Regalridge - most of it revolving around Our Ken's lists.  Included in his necessities was an update on snow levels among our friends.  This week, Susan and Shirley won.  Monson was the recipient of 31 inches of snow from the latest storm.  We salute you!  And then there was the dinner request - a fondue was on Our Ken's mind so preparations were begun.  This of course was announced after he had secured a guarantee of a full breakfast and after Lee had begun the process of this week's homemade soup.  The kitchen was to be in high gear all day, apparently.  Using a fraction of the tomato crop means Einstein no longer has to be cajoled to sit on the freezer to keep the top closed.  There is actually a millimeter of space now available with the removal of a few pounds of the tomatoes, a couple of filets for dinner and some burger for Patti.  Then it was on to bread - a fondue doesn't work without a boule, of course.  A short list of requirements was developed for the foraging trip and then it was a matter of prep and stir, aided by phone calls of encouragement from friends.  Perhaps the best was Pat who when told that bread was moving from the paddle to the stone in the oven commented in Pat-like fashion "we buy bread in stores in Saskatchewan".  Chantelle reports that Scout is thriving at Agility while she is somewhat challenged in the direction department - as if we didn't know that already.  Directions - Chantelle - that's a tough equation.  The weather was "a perfect winter day" according to the weather person among us and brought with it many birds including the flock of beautiful yellow grosbeaks to complement the jays and woodpeckers at the kitchen feeder.  Of course, the mourning doves don't leave and seem to multiply by the day. 

The kennel is doing well.  Old Max is coping better than his owner had anticipated but will certainly be glad to get back to his routine.  Still, he is eating well and managing to express himself with clarity.  Trebia and Sarah are happy racing around their yard and the rest are looking after the kennel and yards as only Airedales and Welsh can.  Trebia has heard a rumour that Barrett is coming for a visit and is counting the days.  Nemo has been lording it over her because his Lucy is booked - Trebia now can say 'snap'.

The house dogs are well.  A fondue was a revelation since it was eaten in the den - there are football games, after all.  Atlas could not figure out why sharing was not part of the deal since all of the food was at Airedale level and really appealing.  The rest more or less understood the rules and were somewhat more accepting of the change in venue.   Paula and the little prince are well and happy.  She is such a lovely Welsh and we are sorry that this little one isn't a girl who might stay with us. 

And meals were the order of the day.  The fresh tomato and Stilton soup was outstanding.  Add the bread hot from the oven (as compared to from Pat's store) and it was an impressive lunch.  The fondue was a pleasure.  There were sauces ranging from blue cheese through creamy onion, not forgetting the tequila mustard.  There was the boule and a Caesar salad.  There was filet Mignon and a lovely kielbasa and of course mushrooms and other veg. that made even watching football a pleasure.  The plus was that with Lee's fondness for Pittsburgh after her visit to the lovely city, her team won.  And we are on to tomorrow and the Patriots game.