We await spring - even the snowdrops are chilled

Well, Canada is heading toward a national election, Easter is a month away and darn it is cold.  Flurries continue through the overnight hours and we wake to a white world each morning.  It is only light and gone by mid-morning but enough already!  There were interviews scheduled and our recovery to help along.  The puppy needed his identification completed and paperwork moved forward.  Organization resulted in a bag of clothes for the red bin and a trip to the village for Our Ken.  He managed to find the grocery store and stocked up on chocolate bars for Lee's trip away - why you need chocolate bars when Lee departs is a mystery known only to Our Ken.   Spring birds are arriving.  There are grey Jays and finally the little song sparrows.  The pheasants remain and Phil is growing exponentially - his colours are magnificent.  Our Ken's feeding certainly agrees with him.

The kennel is busy and happy.  Maxifer's owner phoned from the Caribbean to advise that there were plane issues and Air Canada decided that they should remain hostage in their five star resort for another few days.  Lee commiserated.  Shadow departed and broke up the retriever triumvirate.  Old Bailey is holding up her end and is joined by Abby with Sherlock doing his best to urge the two big dogs along. Barrett and Trebia are managing to play in spite of the cold and the races are fast on their hard packed track.  They may be the only sentient beings at Regalridge who are enjoying the cold. 

The house dogs are well but doing the spring dance.  The bitter winds drive even the intrepid Charlotte in to the fire in short order.  Early mornings are time for Lee and the house dogs - Our Ken is not such an early riser.  Each dog knows his/her crate, goes out for a spin and then comes back with alacrity for breakfast.  But, there can be a bit of jostling.  Occasionally Marilla tries out someone else's crate just to see if she might manage a second breakfast.  This morning Dolly decided to try Charlotte's crate.  Now, there are two things that would mitigate against Dolly.  One is that she pops in and out of the crate like a cuckoo bird until the food materializes.  The second is that Charlotte knows her own crate.  So while cuckoo Dolly popped,, Charlotte (of the ample girth) managed somehow to manoeuvre past Dolly and brought to bear her 'get thee behind me Satan' moment and pushed the interloper.  Dolly popped out of that crate like a cork coming out of champagne and landed half way across the room with a highly affronted expression.  Charlotte sat calmly in her crate, waiting for her meal.  Adventures abound. 

Lunch was Dawn's soup - what would we have done without it.  Dinner was a Sunday meal.  There was a frenched rack of pork with gravy and Lady Ashburnham pickles, Delia's roast potatoes, caramelized parsnips, fresh asparagus and an outstanding butterscotch/rum pudding.    If only there had been clean up magic . . .

Week ends are a bonus

Life ticks along at Regalridge with the activity level increasing but not quite back to normal yet.  Chantelle arrived to lend a hand, bond with Clint and check out the cookie containers.   The extra pair of hard working hands was much appreciated.  Our Ken determined wind direction, assessed the blanket of snow that had fallen through the night and pronounced the day 'perfect for burning'.  A good fire a happy man makes!  Surfacing on occasion, there were Ken cameo appearances, particularly at mealtimes.  Interviews are underway for a new Regalridge support person.  With luck and positive reference checks there will be an offer of employment this week. 

The kennel is doing well with happy dogs and lots of time in the big yards.  Barrett and Trebia continue their race - who is winning, we have no idea but Barrett is grinning from ear to ear and woo wooing with gay abandon.  The sounds that come out of that Gordon Setter rival a steam engine whistle.  Maxifer is thriving.  He loves the big yard and has his own routine in spite of his infirmities.  Old Bailey has found a friend in Abby the Labrador.  The two played while little Sherlock watched.  Sherlock is as smart as a whip and knows exactly what he needs to do and when.   Shadow also had a bonding moment with Old Bailey and with Abby added, the Retriever play yard was filled.  Shadow's Houdini tendencies remain - when he is done in the yard, he is done and tries to climb the gate to return to his own run.  The fact that his aging body is not always supportive of his active and scheming mind has so far escaped him. 

The house dogs are happy and well.  Having Chantelle here to torture at meal times is always a bonus.  At one point, Chantelle was almost laying on her food with arms surrounding the plate, negotiating with Piper who at that point likely had the edge in the bargaining since the need for implements applied only to Chantelle.  The rest are well and happy although the spring thaw is a bit slow according to Miss Charlotte - Chief-Mudder-In-Residence.  Paula continues to sleep with her puppy and continues his lessons in life.  She is devoted as a mom - or she just likes to give orders. 

Meals were fine.  Lee managed to make Donut Muffins, always a favourite.  Lunch was Dawn's lovely chicken soup.  And dinner was fresh haddock with new asparagus and creamed potatoes.  Adequate to our needs.  And life goes on

Groceries, paper and dogs - oh my!

It was an early morning at Regalridge and paper was flying.  Einstein took a few flights as well.  Sitting on Lee's working papers is not good for your health - words to live by.  Interviews will be held this week end for a new Regalridge helper.  Applications look quite good so there is hope that a new person will join the 'family' this month.  Ken's kennel time has been extended since Tom departed and trimming has become a constant in his life.  Nick has his spring update as does little Paula (she says he made a mess of her perfect ears and she has to air them out to make them better).  Jack, Abby and May have had pedicures a la Lee and Clint is being readied for the show ring.  The grooming room is a busy spot.  Lee had a short foray off of the property, finding her way to the bank and to the grocery store.  There is little point in anyone going to the Superstore until tomorrow after their overnight restocking.  And then there was the adventure of the trees.  Jimmy (God bless him) brought some buddies, a truck, a chainsaw and enthusiasm to clean up the trees that had been felled by last fall's hurricane.  Our Ken has been fussing.  Well, the sawdust flew, Our Ken was given lots of direction - and we all know how he loves to take direction - and wood disappeared at a record level.  Jimmy ran that saw for hours, the buddies loaded and pointed for Ken to keep up his chores.  It was more than amusing.  Coffee and a banana-chocolate bread were served.  Our Ken dawdled and seemed  to be giving serious thought to sitting with the Norwich under the kitchen table, setting aside the thought only when Lee pointed out that in all fairness, she would have to 'out' him.  Hmph was the response as he suited up to rejoin the party.  There is still a load of wood to be collected so the party will go on at some future date.

Shadow arrived for a few days and his escape plans are well made.  We have thwarted all attempts but he perseveres.  Abby and Sherlock are well and settled.  Abby loves the big exercise yards.  Little Sherlock prefers the run and managing the space in Toy Poodle fashion.  Barrett is woo wooing his way through vacation, singing Setter tunes to his beloved Trebia.  She feels very special. Old Bailey is doing well, enjoying her wanders in the big yards and checking the skies for the local geese.  Maxifer is well - taking his meds, enjoying the outside and thinking it is about time someone came to collect him.  Ken laughs as he speaks of medicating Max and Barrett, noting that it is like firing pills into the Grand Canyon in both cases. 

The house dogs are happy but really looking forward to warmer weather with better digging potential.  These are cold days, often bright and sunny but with the occasional snow shower just to maintain our Canadian perspective.  Piper, Marilla, Billy, Lori and, of course, Einstein have returned to the bedroom and Marilla the roughneck manages to whack Lee out of bed with the toy of the day each morning - the time to be determined by Miss Marilla.  Today it was the pink dog and since it is a tad small, Marilla dutifully tried to stuff it in Lee's mouth, knowing that she wouldn't miss it.  Such a thoughtful dog.  Of course, Lee growls at that stage, Piper grabs Marilla's tail because nobody makes Lee growl if Piper can fix it and Lori comes running hoping for a nice morning free for all.  By that time, Einstein has finished drinking Lee's water out of the glass on the night stand and hops (remember he weighs 23 pounds) to the floor in the middle of the mess of Airedales, leading the way to the bathroom with the parade of Airedales following his waving tail.  There is no hope of slippers - Marilla has taken those away to add to her stash of coveted items to stick in Lee's mouth tomorrow morning - so barefoot Lee follows the last of the Airedales following the cat as the day starts. 

Lunch today was Dawn's chicken soup.  Our Ken was thrilled.  Soup, of course, is his favourite noon meal and Dawn, knowing all are under the weather, sent soup to cure the ills.  It was great.  Dinner was also provided by Dawn - a lovely chili.  Lee added a blue cheese and apple salad with toasted walnuts and some potato bread.  It was a great meal and well enjoyed.  With the addition of Dawn's squares (another of Our Ken's favourites) life was replete with good things.  And we move to the week end.

Spring appears to be insistent in its arrival

News from NS is that golf courses are opening.  Those greens are going to be fast given the weather.  And the ill and infirm are on the mend, we hope.  Spring birds are arriving at the feeders while the winter crew jostle for position.  Phil continues to lord it over his subjects under the chestnut tree and has developed an impressive pheasant girth with Ken's assiduous feeding.  As we begin to see sunny days, the colours of our resident pheasant are resplendent.  Our resident Canada geese have returned from their winter habitat and have announced their arrival.  They are always early and a harbinger of good weather to come.   Lee has again undertaken the battle of the paper and made some small progress.  The CKC has taken over life at Regalridge but this too shall pass.  Einstein is pleased since it means a ready lap at the desk. 

The kennel is ticking along nicely.  Miss Lucy departed among waves and cat calls.  Sir Max watched as she packed her leash and had a spa treatment.  And then Sir Max went mudding.  Areas of his big yard have given a nod to spring - and Max the Golden became Max the Hants County Special.  He had a whale of a time.  Bailey the ancient Golden arrived.  Max has his eye on her - a lovely catch, he seems to think, even at her very advanced age.  Barrett is the youth of the organization, singing his songs and warbling as soon as he sees his beloved Trebia.  It is the oddest combination - a fully coated impressive Gordon Setter gazing with adoration at the scrawny little Cirneco.  She takes it as her due. 

The house dogs are thriving.  We were delighted to hear news of Clementine's sister in Moncton and offered some support to her family.  They now know about the 'potion' as well as the Glyco Flex family of supplements.  The Norwich are interested in spring's arrival and are kicking up their heels.  Paula continues to spend the night with her puppy, teaching him everything she knows in those pre-dawn hours.  He takes her assistance in his stride and wags his little tail happily.  He is a real charmer.  We will be sorry to see him leave us.  Nick is looking for a car ride and is noting that vehicles leaving the yard have been few and far between. 

Dinner was marginally improved yet again.  We managed a strip loin grill and almost enjoyed it.  And life goes on

Spring has arrived but it sure is cool

The world is unfolding and it has been a little challenge to maintain position.  Our Ken returned home from Newfoundland with an ear problem that has progressed to develop a life of its own.  He and his doctor are bonding.  Lee struggled through 8 days of meetings in Toronto and returned home with pneumonia - a puppy would have been preferable. 

And life in the kennel ticks along in a far more healthy way than the house.  Lucy Airedale is in residence, is taking her many supplements and is kicking up her heels a la Lucy.  Maxifer is thriving in spite of his Golden infirmities.  He hasn't missed a meal, is happy in the big yard and is lobbying for company.  We demur and Max thinks we are just being mean-spirited.  Explanations of his owner's instructions fall on deaf ears.  Barrett is bouncing and running and enjoying the cold spring air.  Trebia is keeping him busy and those Setter ears are flying. 

The house dogs are well and happy.  They would be even happier if the ground thawed and mud season returned.  The snowdrops are blooming - a precursor to spring and a welcome gift.  Dog beds are filled in the evening and resting Airedales are a glad sight.  Paula's puppy is thriving.  This was the week for his vaccination and vet check and he received solid marks for health and personality. 

Meals have been sad affairs - unusual at Regalridge.  Tonight things moved up a degree and spaghetti was served with garlic bread - not stellar but better than Costco shepherd's pie.  We hope we are improving this week and that better weather will bring better health.

Maple is in evidence at Costco - spring is near

All is well at Regalridge.  Chantelle held the fort for the week end while Lee and Ken travelled to Newfoundland.  Hospitality on Canada's largest Island province was fabulous and the fires a sight to behold   There was a significant issue prying Our Ken away from that fire.  Weather intervened and an evening flight was transformed to a 6:00 am marathon the following day requiring a very, very early morning.  However, repatriation to Regalridge did occur and even a surprise Chantelle collection at the door happened.  Then it was off to the vet for progesterone for Sarah - we live in hope that her numbers have climbed just far enough.  a side trip offered up great lemons, cantaloupe and maple treats at Costco as well as a new bed for Clem that Chantelle had ordered.   Ken manned Regalridge and fought the battle of the ice.  The snow is almost gone but the ice is mighty impressive. 

The kennel continues to be busy.  Darby and Annie visited and had a spa week end.  Chantelle is smitten with Annie and there was some question that she would return to the smaller island province.  Liard delighted in torturing Chantelle and is up on points in his hunt game.  Chantelle loses regularly, unfortunately for her.  Perhaps her Wii will give her a little more speed.  Sprite the Otterhound look-alike is well and happy.  She loves her play time and enjoys the double run.  .  Her best friend is Lucy the Lab.  Both enjoy the big yard, enjoys their meals and loves to play.   Ursey arrived - her owner had an unplanned trip to hospital so our Shepherd-in-residence is managing well.  Odie arrived as his owner shook his head and sighed about travelling to Cuba.  We are fairly sure he would sooner be home with Odie.  Odie shrugged and checked the runs for the best playmate. 

The house dogs love their vacation with Chantelle.  All have a lot of 'freedom' with their sister in charge.  And look at Our Ken in wonder when he suggests they go into a crate at bedtime or outside - at all!  Piper is happy to have Lee home.  Lee requires a great deal of management and Piper is always up for the challenge.  Patti thrives and has enjoyed sharing Chantelle's meals - all of which would have been chicken based  . . .  The Norwich are rumbling about their mean step-sister - that translates to Chantelle using methods not becoming a family member to keep the Norwich from assisting her in walking Scout up to the bedroom.  Billy notes that it took a night to whip Chantelle into gear - she had some foolish thought that he would sleep downstairs and it took until the middle of the night to remind her that doesn't happen!

Dinner was Chicken Parmesan with creamed potatoes and corn.  Life is back to normal at Regalridge. 

The birds still gather and feed goes out by the bucketful - it's cold

It was a day to get organized.  Tomorrow Ken and Lee are off to Newfoundland.  There are lots of things to get done when leaving for a couple of days - paperwork that has been sitting for months, making scones - you know the drill.  The weather isn't warming much so the dogs are happy to sit by the fire.  Chantelle's crew moved in for the week end and Clem settled on a bed with a big smile, not moving until dinner time.  And Dawn joined us for dinner and a good visit. 

The kennel is ticking along well.  Liard and Bella are bonding.  That is interesting.  Both are talkers and  both greeted Chantelle with lots of stories.  The Airedale mix, Sprite, in her Otterhound look is thriving and quiet.  She is taking her meds, likes her spins in the big yard and loves the double run.  She knows she is special.  Sarah had a date with Logan.  All is well in that camp.  And Lola is ticking along, incubating babies, we hope.  With luck there will be Airedale babies in the spring.  

The house dogs are well.

Dinner included risotto with fresh asparagus.  Life goes on

Another rain/wind/sleet event and two trips to the city

All is well at Regalridge.  Liard arrived for an unexpected stay and is delighted to have the ever-ready-to-share-her-thoughts Bella in proximity.  Liard, too, likes to talk so we anticipate the two will be up late comparing stories.  The older Airedale mix is managing the double run and simply shakes her head at the dog chat.  She is doing well, is interested in the dogs that look a lot like her and is taking her meds sensibly.  Things are settling into a March routine and the Regalridge dogs approve. 

There are moments of heat in the sun - not many and not enough of them but there is hope.  Precipitation continues to be mixed - rain, snow, sleet and the winds are miserable.  There is far too much ice - everywhere - and Liard's owner mentioned that it is throughout the county.   The dogs stop many yards in front of their destination and slide into position.  Only Billy seems to really enjoy it and slides right up the mound of snow in front of the kennel, grinning all the way.  He would be a snow boarder in another life!

The rest of the Regalridge clan are fine.  It was little dog nail day so Lee had trips to the kennel with Norwich and Welsh under her arm.  None were impressed but the deed was done and they are good for a while.  Piper had a spa treatment from Ken and enjoyed that completely.  She is repatriated and delighted in her return to the bedroom.  Sarah went to the city for progesterone testing yet again and Ken dropped by Costco and Valleyfield on the trek.  Everything is replenished for our couple of days away.  Chantelle will eat well.

It was a quick roast been and potatoes and peas dinner as Lee left for yet another meeting.  And life goes on.

Weather and a Ken challenge

The kennel continues to empty.  Barrett waved good bye early and Sadie followed later in the day.  Both were happy to see their owners and will have stories to tell, Barrett's with drama and Sadie's with her quiet confidence.  Max remains to hold the fort and is keeping Miss Bella company.  Max misses Sadie but he and Bella are bonding.  Bella has settled in admirably.  she is bouncing around and wants to meet every dog on the property, having somewhere turned into Bella the Wal Mart greeter.  She is a talker.

The house dogs are well and happy.  There was snow, rain and high winds from mid-afternoon on so the dogs were happy to be inside and comfortable.  Beds were filled - with the Norwich on the largest and most comfortable much to Charlotte's disgust.  Paula settled for a good rest on Lee's knee and discussed her puppy's development.  At bedtime, though, it was a race to the hall door so that the puppy could be back with her for the night.  She is totally devoted.  Sarah had a progesterone test in the morning and results will be called in. 

And then there was dinner.  Our Ken decided to go hunting and gathering mid-afternoon.  And in the process noted that he would pick up chops for dinner.  And on his return, guess what landed for dinner - at 4:30 pm - a prime rib - that would be roast, not steak, by the way.  Lee's response - "do ya see a cape and a bunny, here"?  So, dinner was late.  And on we go