Easter week end kennel update

The lennel is full.  It has been a busy spring, perhaps because the miserable weather has enocuraged folks to go south.  Raggs is here, eating well and goes out in the big yards with Reese and Rosie.  The three R's enjoy each other - the Wheaten, Airedale and Miss Raggs.  Anjin and Avalon are in residence, eating up a storm and over their tummy upsets that had occurred at home prior to arriving at Camp.  Anjin notes thqat his owners starve him and has requested increased rations to prepare him for their return.  He made a deal with Dolly that she would save him some of her food - in return for what, we aren't sure yet.   He and Avalon love the big yard and do well with the other dogs.  Moses and Naomi are settled in.  Naomi's food has been increased - she thinks Sue was being a bit stingy.  Her dulcet tones are keeping us in line as Moses takes charge of the dogs on his side of the kennel..  Mischka is here and settled in.  He is no longer young and rests more than before but still requires his time in the yards.  Sally arrived, takes life in stride and of course eats well.  Ruari is here and has taken charge of life in general.  Tail is up and saluting everyone, he is as happy as a clam.

Meals - well, there are times when it is better not to go there.  Those times are now.

Security 'R Us and an engineering marvel it is

 Even though the Pictou show is this week end, Our Ken the brave warrior made the appointment to remove snow tires.  Now you know the forecast.  That, of course, offered a trip to Truro, some hunting and gathering at his favourite spots and all things that make Ken smile.  Lee was left to man fortress Regalridge.  Folks arrived a bit early to drop off their dog for boarding.  Lee had sorted the kennel and went down the drive to let Rosie and family in.  First issue became the inner gate.  That engineering marvel appeared to have had a breakdown and required that anyone inside the gate stand on one foot, lean over to reach the second little marvel of engineering science and have a 50/50 chance of landing on her head.   Success was Lee's and the gate key retrieved, only to find that try as she would, it would not open the gate.  Thinking less than loving thoughts directed at her good husbandd, the 'aha' moment came and moving again through the inner gate, this time with considerably less fanfare, she tried the small gate key in the big gate.  Presto - someone had changed the key sequence without communicating with anyone.  Nice.  Of course, that means Lee has to get the big gate open.  And that combination from inside is daunting at best.  The man of the couple has been watching the entire process with some considerable concern and it is at this point that he enquired 'do you live here'?  That did not help. 

The kennel is doing well and is filling quickly.  Added to the mix were a little Wheaten, Rosie, and Ruff the Golden.  Stickley has overcome his stomach upset and is back to his lovely Greyhound self.  Lucy is keeping a close eye on him, but sighs a great deal as she thinks of the precious time she is missing with Nemo.  Savannah is happily taking up those days of bonding with the old fellow and is now regaling Lucy with her stories each time Lucy trots over to see if she has gone home yet.  Penny has been cavorting with Dolly but now has her eye on Ruff.  He will enjoy her antics and she will enjoy having someone to boss around - Dolly is not such a good subject.  Rosie has settled in well and is considering her options.  She enjoyed her dinner and has heard from Stickley that the best time of the day is bedtime when the milkbones appear. 

The house dogs looked after Lee in her confused state.  Piper was solicitous and crawled into Lee's lap for a good visit.  Marilla tried to pull her sweater off - Marilla's version of deep and caring concern.  Patti simply looked for another meal - she is going through an eating frenzy.  With decent if not sunny weather, the dogs were in and out regularly.  And while not particularly wet, there was enough soft ground that Charlotte was able to dig a bit. 

Dinner was hot chicken sandwiches with spicy roasted potatoes and onions.  And we look forward to the last working day of the week. 

The city called

A quiet day in the life of Regalridge is something to contemplate - and contemplation would happen on that quiet day.  Maybe tomorrow.  It was up and a blueberry coffee cake in the oven  by 8 am to support the vet trip for 11.  There was even time for a lemon glaze so that worked.  What hadn't been anticipated was the call at 8 that the Bell service man was at the gates.  Lee scrambled and Our Ken escorted the fellow through the house and out on the deck.  So, the cake was baked and the satellite repaired by 9 am.  Then it was on to paperwork and a run to the vet where a Chihuahua almost returned with the un-pregnant Sarah.  Our repro specialist is on vacation so Miss Sarah will have a visit with him on his return.  Then it was on to Costco for hunting and gathering.  Lee doesn't enjoy that quite as much as does the male among us but managed to find Easter gifts, flour, meat pie for Patti and Nick and some lovely stew meat (not always available and trimmings from various cuts of beef) that will become a lovely boeuf Borguignone in the near future.  The way home was paved with more stops - post office and Superstore for milkbones, grape juice et al.  The shelves at Regalridge are again full.  Chantelle reported in that she has visited Shelagh each of the last two days.  The report was received as she was requesting that perhaps we might run a set of keys up to her as she was standing outside her locked office and her locked car.  Ken's response - perhaps we'll pass on that.

The kennel stays stable.  Stickley and Lucy have their yard whipped into shape.  He is a large Greyhound and it takes little for him to cover the half acre yard in a few strides.  Impressive fellow.  Lucy's conflict continues as she trots over to visit Nemo after her period with Stickley, glaring at Savannah as she passes by.  Savannah smiles.  Nemo is having the time of his life.  With a slight improvement in the weather, the dogs had more outside time and enjoyed the lack of precipitation even if under somewhat cloudy skies.  Penny is bonding with Dolly who is complaining about kennel life versus her lovely spot as Ken's helper-in-chief.  Penny just nods. 

The house dogs are doing reasonably well.  Nick enjoyed the meat pie and Patti is thriving.  Piper was not amused that Sarah left the yard with Lee and had a few words about that - all night long.  Marguerite is lobbying to return to the house, noting that even if she is pregnant, she needs to come back to work to manage Lee. 

Dinner was the ubiquitous meat pie.  Chantelle got a piece for her dinner.   Patti and Nick enjoyed it as did Ken and Lee. 

Weather variability and the election debate - fun stuff

It sure is April in Nova Scotia.  Each day seems to bring warmth and cold, sun and showers, wind and quiet moments.  Charlotte is delighted with mud season and is looking forward to enough rain to soften up the best digging spots.  The rest of us are equally delighted with the moments of sun and warmth.  A turning point occurred when Our Ken offered up his favourite winter jacket for repatriation to the storage room via the washing machine.  Lee is working through the winter clothes, sorting and sending away as much as is possible at the end of the season.  There were conference calls and lots of enquiries so Einstein's supervision of the office was in high gear.  Chantelle arrived to collect the rest of her followers and with JR under one arm and Lily tugging her forward, she was off to a handling class and perhaps some shopping.  THE debate centered the evening with lots of sighs by Our Ken and many longing side way glances at the remote.  There had been a threat that if it were touched during the debate, havoc could ensue.  That worked but couldn't stop the sighs and mutterings that seemed to center on 'way too long', 'repeating themselves' and the classic 'Layton is from Japan?'.  Keep in mind Layton has Steeves antecedents so the response any of us would give was given "Yes, and so am I".  Our Ken is still perplexed and suspicious that his next meal will be sushi. 

The kennel is settled and content.  Stickley is running Ken nicely and Penny is keeping a close eye on the big fellow with the long legs.  She thinks he might possible be an Airedale playmate.  Stickley considers her a Welsh on steroids to be avoided at all costs.  That leaves Sarah and Marguerite as playmates for Miss Penny.  She enjoys the Airedale girls but thinks a Greyhound would be a great conquest.  The triumvirate of Lucy, Savannah and Nemo ticks along.  Lucy is steamed, Nemo is tickled and Savannah is oblivious to all of the fuss.  You have to love geriatric Welsh.  Dewi is watching closely, pretty sure he should be part of the party but not quite in step yet. 

Meals were adequate.  Hot cross buns supported breakfast.  Fishcakes and a lovely salad of lettuce with celery, blueberries, toasted nuts and blue cheese accompanied them at lunch.  Dinner was chicken breasts with a lemon sauce, potatoes and glazed parsnips.  Our Ken was content until Japan came up . . .

Sunshine, wind and rain - oh my

April - showers.  A day that started out with sunshine and warm temperatures fell apart quickly and ended with rain and our eternal winds.  With that came mud season.  Charlotte is thrilled.  The rest of us - not so much.  The saving grace was Felicia's afternoon and evening support.  Floors were managed repeatedly and well as, with the other hand, she patted and talked with the dogs.  Our Ken worked through the day, putting finishing touches on Clint, sorting dogs and moving in and out of his garage with regularity - what goes on in that building is a mystery known only to males of the species.  There was occasional rumbling about a new lawn tractor - did I mention it was raining? - and something about Betsy's battery.  Hmmm.  Lee bonded with the new telephones, enjoyed their 'ring tone' and mused about the need for a 'ring tone' as one of life's accoutrements.  Phil and his bevy came and went under the chestnut tree, the spring birds joined them on occasion and the feeders outside the kitchen window stayed busy. 

The kennel was a busy spot.  Carter departed mid day and Poe left at dinnertime.  That settled things for the evening into a quieter routine.  Lucy and Stickley were out in the big yard between showers.  Felicia had a play with Stickley who, in turn, showed her how a Greyhound can stretch his legs.  She was mighty impressed.  Lucy, on the other hand, pointed out that while Stickley was her responsibility, Nemo is her boyfriend and that interloper Savannah has to go!  This visit has Lucy highly conflicted.  She is bunking next to Stickley, understands her duty as an aunt to the big dog but also knows that this is her vacation and that Nemo is an essential tenet of any Regalridge visit.  As she comes in from the yard with her gangly nephew, she now trots to the far side of the kennel, stands and looks at her regular spot (now occupied by Savannah), speaks to Nemo next door and glares at Savannah as only a geriatric Welsh with lots of experience can glare.  Savannah ignores her and gazes raptly at Nemo - that really ticks Lucy.  Savannah smiles.  Nemo is so chuffed that he can hardly stand himself.  Not bad for an ancient Welsh male,  

The big news of the day is that Patti has found herself a new 'puppy'.  She has taken Felicia on as a project, adores her and has returned to the maternal, nurturing Patti of her younger days.  As soon as she hears Felicia's voice, Patti is up and wagging.  She had a ball game, trailed around after Felicia in the big yard and laid by the kitchen door when Felicia left.  It was great to see.  All of the others hold Felicia in high regard as well so she is 'in' with the dogs - high praise indeed. 

Breakfast included hot cross buns so was deemed seasonal  Lunch was a favourite of Our Ken - Lee's portobella mushroom soup with sherry.  That worked for him.  Dinner was grilled marinated pork, fried potatoes and fresh asparagus with fresh parm.  A tomato salad with blue cheese completed a good meal and offered up an extra piece of meat to be used to tempt Nick's palate.  And we look to tomorrow

Sunshine Sunday

Life ticks along with spring arriving and bright days. Chantelle and Our Ken went to the city for a Terrier meeting leaving Lee to hold the fort.  Late afternoon brought the two home, Ken to garden and Chantelle to finish up her grooming of Brea.  The meeting report was that Dawn does a good job in the Chair - high praise from Our Ken.   It was a lovely spring day with heat from the sun and a pleasant, if breezy, evening.  New species of bird seem to be arriving daily as they return to their northern habitat.  The feeder is never more interesting than in April.  The pheasants are enjoying the big front yard and spending more time enjoying the property beyond the chestnut tree. 

Lucy's nose is out of joint.  There is an interloper next to Nemo - her boyfriend - and Lucy wants her gone NOW!  She has seen and wants things changed.  Savannah is oblivious to Lucy's concern, enjoys Nemo's company and all is right in her world.  Given Lucy's state of mind, that won't last.  Nemo is tickled to have two good looking girls interested in him.  Carter has decided to train Chantelle and Ken.  Having forgone food for a bit, he is now being hand fed - that means people sitting on the floor with him, putting the food in their hands and offering it with pleading voices that progress to grovelling if Carter doesn't immediately take what is on offer.  Way to go Carter.  Penny doesn't need a lead any more.  She has figured out her favourite play area and escorts Carter to the run in true Airedale-in-control style.  Poe has his own routine, stays outside only for a short while and acts as the Wal Mart greeter on his forays about the kennel.  Stickley thinks he is certifiable.  Stickley is eating well and enjoys his ins and outs.  His favourite time of day is bedtime when the bed treats are doled out.  That has him on his feet, ready and waiting with an intense Greyhound gaze.  Bed treats are important in his life.  Dewi is settled in.   We will find a home for him in time. 

The house dogs are thinking spring is a good time.  Warm weather and sunshine are pleasures only surmounted by rain and mud.  Life is good when you're an Airedale.  Clem managed to convince Lee that a dog bed in the kitchen would be a good thing.  She is now settled in with her watchful eye and stretched out in a particularly inconvenient spot.  That's the way Clem likes it, uh huh.  The little Norwich had their world perk up.  Chantelle didn't manage to get them put away for the end of day parade.  That meant a good run at Chantelle's ankles and a connection - way to go May.   That will  keep the little one smiling for a month.  Chantelle, not so much but it was a commendable howl. 

The day was spent making hot cross buns (took a bit of cookbook searching since Lee forgoes internet recipes) to great success.  'Tis the season after all.  Dinner was grilled burgers and homemade mac and cheese.  Patti likes mac and cheese and Our Ken made that point.  Dessert was the end of the maple cake and a small slice of gingerbread as a counter point.  Life is good.

Lots of food and a warm day

Our Ken had a great day. All of the chickens were in the roost, with Chantelle in the grooming room and Lee in the kitchen. It doesn't get any better than that. Lots of little jobs were completed, the remainder of Chantelle's agility equipment was taken to Kennetcook and her fence was repaired with Ken-like engineering precision (translation, lots of planning and interesting execution). Regalridge projects seemed to be underway although their origins were a mystery to all but Our Ken. He surfaced occasionally to run an errand or move a vehicle and was ever-present at meal times, followed closely by his visiting sidekick. Included in Ken's day was a visit to Shelagh. Now, remembering Chantelle's excursion and misadventure, we thought Ken might do better. Not so. He took with him her picture albums that had been saved from her home. She was enjoying them with Ken when she appeared to suffer a 'spell'. Ken managed to have her taken care of but it took the wind out of his sails and was a cause for some concern. The response from the staff was that 'she has these often near medication time' which did nothing to reassure any of us.


The kennel is busy. Stickley has bonded with Chantelle and stands to advise her that his turn to have a spin has come. Subtle but effective is the big Greyhound. Carter enjoyed the great outdoors much of the day with his pal Penny. Penny likes Carter and feels she will be even more attractive as soon as Chantelle offers up her promised spa treatment. She and Chantelle have had a chat and Penny received an invitation to a Terrier walk on May 29 as long as she minds her manners on the grooming table. Savannah and Lucy took care of the new arrival Dewi, shepherding him around their run on separate occasions, followed by Nemo who was not impressed that an interloper had arrived to take a turn with his women. Poe did his meet and greet routine with a special speech for Stickley. He is not much of an outdoor fellow so it's an in and out for him, with a request for repatriation to his run immediately that he is finished.

The house crew enjoyed the kitchen activity and the warmer weather. Now if it woulod only rain so that they could go muddin'. Charlotte is praying to the god of April showers so we fear water from the sky will fall soon. Clem has enjoyed her visit back aqt Regalridge and moves between teh good beds in the den and the kichen so that she can be in the way to her heart's content. Nick and Patti are doing fine, both eating sufficiently and taking life in their stride. Nick went on the road trip to see Shelagh and enjoyed his car ride. Scout and Viola have had the opportunity to exercise their lungs - they enjoy that. And Paula responded in kind - she enjoyed that. Clint and Lily are buffed and shined and ready for next week's shows. Both look great. And Marilla continues to torture Lee.

Food was plentiful. The day began with lattès and hot blueberry scones from the George House cookbook - worth the price just for that recipe. A rustic scone with fresh berries, they were much enjoyed with the bacon and eggs requested by Our Ken. Lunch was egg salad rolls - just because. Sometimes egg salad is just what the doctor ordered and this was one of those days. Finally, dinner was put on the table. Ken and Chantelle had decided that they would take the trip to Kennetcook before dinner and after feeding. Well,, Kennetcook is not close and there was a lack of communication regarding the fencing project. Dinner was a roast chicken with lemon and rosemary, riced potatoes, fresh carrots, green beans and squash, gravy and Lee's fabulous stuffing. There was some consideration to feeding the two miscreants in the kennel. Dessert was America's Test Kitchen's gingerbread.

The pheasants are planning and tulips are up

The song birds are here - and up early to get their songs tuned up for the day.  Not such a bad thing sine there were errands to be run and lots on the Regalridge agenda.  Nick had a vet appointment, we had a collection to make in the city, there were local errands and some hunting and gathering.  It was good to get back to Regalridge.  While away, Our Ken decided to undertake a maintenance project.  Now, how many times have we pointed out that ladders and being alone on the property don't mix.  He was pretty darned proud of himself until he had to listen to his lecture 37 played back to him by Lee - Our Ken doesn't like that much.  And it is courting season for pheasants - just so you know.  Ken came through the door chuckling to tell the story of Phil in the front yard, all fluffed up for one of the Philomenas.  Phil is one big pheasant by the time April rolls around.  And Chantelle arrived for the week end with her crew.  The activity level has ramped up and so has the ambiance.  And then there was the Shelagh story.  Chantelle tries to get to the care facility once a week for a noon hour period with Shelagh.  This week, Shelagh had a new electric wheel chair to show off.  She and Chantelle went for a tour of the building - and managed an adventure instead.  Taking the elevator upstairs, on the way back down somehow Chantelle let Shelagh get her wheel chair lodged under a handle inside the elevator.  Alarms, the on call doctor, nursing aides and finally the RN came running.  Shelagh loved it, the older lady in the elevator didn't love it quite as much and Chantelle - well, she's laughing about it now.

The kennel is moving right along.  Perhaps the most humourous moment was Ken's comment to Chantelle that it was time to go to the kennel after dinner.  Chantelle looked up at the Bose and demurred, commenting back that she still had 10 minutes.  Our Ken countered that she was 50 minutes late - the Bose time hadn't been adjusted but the other five clocks in the kitchen had and Our Ken had a bead on those.  Wasn't Chantelle so not amused.  Ken was chuffed and Lee is still laughing.  Poe had a good day - visited with all of the dogs as he went in and out to his yard and is happy.  Penny and Carter have bonded and are enjoying each other and there freedom in the big exercise yards.  Lucy is doing tremendously well and has reunited with Nemo.  Stickley has one speed and it isn't fast.  He is a long tall Greyhound who finds Our Ken amusing.  Getting the two of them through a door is an adventure and something to watch if the opportunity presents itself.  Stickley doesn't offer advice and is a bit of a voyeur.  Savannah is enjoying life at Camp Regalridge and is vying for Nemo's attention.  It's going to be tough sledding with Miss Lucy in residence. 

The house dogs are happy to have their ranks swelled by Chantelle's numbers.  Lori had to go to bed early - but was found roaming the halls when Lee went upstairs.  Chantelle ruined May's night by putting her outside prior to the parade.   Lee will fix that tomorrow.  Clementine is sorting out her Regalridge routine and finding it a little challenging. 

Dinner was a good one.  Pan fried haddock, roast potatoes, fresh young carrots, fresh green beans - garnered comment that it sure was a lot of food - and the plates were cleaned.  Then there was the maple cake and Hagen Daz.  Nobody suffered and all are ready for tomorrow.

Cold and windy is the order of the day

Life is back to normal.  Lee is home.  More progress has occurred on the estate requirements and a good visit was had.  And although all is well in Woodstock, there is still snow on the ground.  Commerce seems to be strong in Atlantic Canada.  The truck load on the highways is greater than the number of cars in many areas.  With the strong Canadian dollar, it was an amazing thing to get US funds from the bank machine (such civilization in NB) and have the machine note that the cost was less than the face value of the amount disbursed.  Not great for our balance of payments but some fun if you are shopping for King Arthur flour and Girardelli chocolate.  Our Ken held the fort, managed the dogs and started his spring gardening with a clean up of flower beds.  His major grumble was the high winds that limited outdoor time and gales that were so strong he moved vehicles in the yard. 

The kennel is doing well.  Poe is here for a vacation and is enjoying his big yard.  Abbie and Sherlock are packing their bags with a view to imminent departure.  Sherlock will have to reorient himself after his management role at Camp Regalridge.  He has enjoyed having staff at his beck and call - good luck to his owners.  Carter has arrived for an initial visit and settled in immediately.  A well adjusted fellow, he will have no trouble with kennel life.  While Lee was gone, Barrett departed with a Woo Woooo to Trebia.  Show season is coming so the two will be reunited in due course. 

The house dogs are fine and dandy.  Piper was delighted to see Lee but not as delighted as Marilla who would not leave Lee's side.  She had so many stories to tell that she had to wake Lee several times through the night just to add a point or two (there was some discussion with Miss Marilla about Lee's need for the long toy with the tennis ball inside that repeatedly appeared throughout the early morning hours - thanks Chantelle!). 

Meals were grim according to Our Ken, even though Lee had made food in advance.  Things will improve.  Poor Ken.

Tomorrow will be warm

The weather is not yet spring-like.  Cold winds, flurries, frozen water and all things winter were in evidence.  The forecast is for improvement, but then, it would be hard to worsen, wouldn't it.  In spite of the cold, the ground is giving up the frost it has managed to develop and mud has become the order of the day.  The dogs are delighted and what can't be carried in on their feet is being ingested to be shared in other ways.  Our Ken is enjoying burning season.  With easterly winds, precipitation and cold weather, the piles of brush and fence that Jimmy didn't decide to take home to torture Dawn into unloading have been turned to ash in an inferno that any decent movie producer would covet.  Life is good when you can build a good fire is Our Ken's motto.  Young Reg called mid-day to provide an update on the Calgary snow storm.  They have had a hard winter in the foothills of the Rockies and are looking forward to spring. It was a day to regroup for Lee.  Having had a week of his own cooking, there was a lip going on that had to be managed.  Muffins began the day followed by a trucker's breakfast for the fireman.   Dawn's chili was the order of the day for lunch with the great crescent rolls from last week.  And dinner was the favourite so all is back to normal in Ken's world.  We breathe a sigh of relief.  Late afternoon Ken loaded the van and took Trebia to visit Shelagh.  That went well. 

The kennel is doing well.  Savannah arrived at dinner time, checked out every inch of the walk to the kennel and found a run that suited her.  She is a great girl and has enjoyed her migration from Virginia to Halifax.  Little Sherlock greeted her and welcomed her in Sherlock fashion to his kennel.  He is Poodle-in-charge and a congenial little emperor of all he surveys.  Abby is Savannah's neighbour and took the addition in her stride, only a little disappointed that it wasn't another Labrador.  Barrett ignored the arrival of a Welsh - he has Trebia after all.  Ken came in at one point shaking his head.  When asked for an explanation, he turned his back to show two very large paw prints on the top of his shoulders - Barrett had decided to give him a Setter-hug.  So very thoughtful is our Barrett. 

The house dogs were happy, for the most part, to stay near the fire on dog beds.  Piper helped in the kitchen, ably aided by Nick and Dolly.  Ever faithful, the Norwich curled up in their kitchen bed, able to keep a close eye on the activity level.  Grooming is on-going as Ken gets dogs ready for the show season and also does the spring updates.  Scooter had a bath and the beginning of a haircut.  Nick was done earlier in the week as was Billy.  The boys are taking shape.  We notice that a dog we bred with the Clarks went Best of Winners at the American National Floating specialty in Texas.  Nick can be proud of his contribution to that win.  Paula had good lap time since we had to watch both the VCU basketball game and the Toronto hockey game.  Go Toronto Go!

Dinner was the ubiquitous prime rib - Ken's absolute favourite meal.  Roast potatoes were perfect (Delia's recipe) as was the fresh asparagus with fresh parm.  Life was complete and Ken's world is not turning properly on its axis.  We await tomorrow with a smile . . .