And the rains came down

Rain.  Lots of it.  Starting with a drizzle as the dogs found their way to the house for breakfast, the heavens opened by mid-morning and it rained for the rest of the day and evening.  Our Ken had disconnected the downspouts to the basement pool (better known as the cistern) as a result of the roofing job and rued the loss of water.  Still, the gardens are perking and the wells are filled.  Charlotte is singularly underwhelmed and is considering her options.  She hears Virginia is hot and sunny.  Lee spent the day in the kitchen stoking Ken and Ken wandered aimlessly, considering his options.  He managed a run to the Village for propane and gas.  And there was the gas crisis.  The refinery in Dartmouth is closed for routine maintenance.  But it appears that someone overlooked the fact that this is the long week end and everyone drives somewhere. By Friday evening there was a gas shortage in HRM and by 5:00 pm, there was no gas at all in Elmsdale or anywhere else from Truro to HRM.  Irving NB came to the rescue but it took some time.  Many cancelled their long week end plans.  Heavy rain and gas shortages do not mitigate for driving trips. 

The kennel is less full than anticipated - weather and gas issues curtailed many plans.  Jasper the Sheltie arrived and settled in easily as Jasper does.   Brunswick and Dylan followed through the gate.  Brunswick is not impressed by the weather but quietly managed to check out the big yard and approved.   It is a week end of dogs who prefer to use the big yards in singular fashion. Still, Pippa is enjoying Trebia.  There is consideration that Dylan might join the pair.  He is uncertain of his changed circumstances but is a great little Welsh so will settle.  Brunswick is fond of Labs but there is a dearth of Labs this week end so consideration will have to be given options.  Buzz, of course, will look after his yard in splendid isolation.  Bishop the Boxer is managing nicely.  He is looking after his area, eating well and has asked for us to turn off the tap over the kennel - not a rain dog is Sir Bishop.  Bentley the Bernese is fine.  He is a big fellow and prefers his space uncluttered by dogs and people.  He is learning the routine. 

The house dogs spent the day on beds in the den, happily listening to the rain and watching golf on the big screen.  Piper occasionally got up to chase a put.  Patti is keeping a close eye out for Felicia.  We have explained that she is off until Tuesday - Patti has yet to accept that fact.  There was lots of help in the kitchen.  Abigail lobbied for bread dough - didn't happen.  May declined a peach but determined that a dried apricot sliver was more palatable.  And there were two paws up for the sausages from the butcher across the road.  The Norwich have requested that Billy be asked to make Norwich food on a regular basis.  Laurel and her family are settled now and are doing well.  She is pleased with them and lines them up for inspection, a proud mom.  Marguerite's puppies took the day of enforced rest with Airedale aplomb.  Snoozing and a little play in their playpen worked for them.  There were a couple of short breaks in showers that allowed a quick run on the deck but as rains returned they were happy to be repatriated to the house.

Meals seemed frequent.  There was a big breakfast to give Our Ken energy.  Pancakes (yogourt based, fluffy and light) and Withrow's homemade breakfast sausage accompanied coffee from the best coffee maker in the world.  There had been fruit earlier in the morning.  May, in particular, approved the breakfast.  Lunch was late but necessary to Our Ken.  Lee had made bread dough early in the day so a flatbread was fashioned - caramelized onion, fresh tomatoes, shaved Parmesan and Maldon salt.   The dough was also made into round rolls and an apricot and walnut fougasse, all baked on the stone in a hot oven.  There has to be some benefit to a rainy day in Belnan, after all.  Dinner was a Ken favourite - beef tenderloin, creamed potatoes with caramelized onion, asparagus and a tomato blue cheese casserole.  Desserts were plentiful and enjoyed late. 

Roofing and a long week end looms

Roofing is hard work - particularly when dealing with a house built in 1850.  Over the years, there have been roof line changes, additions to the house and roofing improvements.  All are in evidence.  This is the first Wood shingles, clay and more modern versions are being peeled off.  Repairs are being effected and these young men continue to smile and banter.  The Regalridge family is mighty impressed.  The Airedales are of a slightly different opinion.  There will be pay back.  The kitchen stayed busy as did the telephone.  Chantelle dropped by for coffee and updates were received from Miss Baylee's new family.  All is well with the latest puppy to go to her home. 

The kennel was maintained by Miss Lily Basset who serenaded the fellows on the house roof.  While a Basset Hound may not be on their short list, they did get a kick out of her, encouraging her chorus of Basset Hounds Forever.  Buzz managed his yard, sharing separately with Rozzie who is in residence for the week end.  The super-sized Bernese is settling in with some concern - happy to go out to the big yard but less delighted to be repatriated to his run. The Boxer in residence is a careful fellow.  He is settling in and a true Boxer in thought and personality.  He will be in charge by tomorrow. 

The house dogs would like the summer project to be over.  The routine has changed.  Patti has acclimated to the increased noise from the hammers. to footsteps on her roof (you have to admit that is a little odd unless it is December 24).  The Welsh and the Norwich really don't care about the strangers outside.  Their territory is inside the house and they are managing that with Welsh and Norwich fervour.  The puppies are fine since it is the West roof being worked on.  Next week will be a different story for Marguerite's crew.  Billy and Rocky are sharing Jack's run.  Rocky actually approves the change in circumstances, having found a lovely spot under one of the apple trees to stretch out for summer snoozes.  Sarah led a jailbreak through the back field and garden - Atlas declined the opportunity but Lola and Clint followed the leader.  And there is local news.  The gas stations have run out of gas.  By five o'clock, there was no gas available in Elmsdale as a result of an oil refinery issue in Dartmouth.  The province is without gas in many areas and cars are sitting at stations unable to continue.  It is the busiest driving week end of the summer so many plans are likely to change. 

Lee supported the roofing project with kitchen help.  A peach filled coffee cake was offered mid-morning with cold drinks.  Lunch was a lovely  butter lettuce salad with blue cheese dressing and grilled chicken shish kabobs.  Lee gave thought to dinner based on the previous evening's late hour.  A Bolognese sauce was prepared and dinner could happen when it happened.  It was again late but less fraught.  The roofers have the week end off so some normalcy will return until Tuesday. 

A roofing project is interesting summer fun

The forecast was for sun.  Someone forgot to let the weather gods know.  It was cloudy with fog much of the day, brighter at times with a threat of something bright but no great result.  Perhaps tomorrow.  In spite of the cloud, the roofers arrived and life at Regalridge became even more interesting.  There are men crawling on the roof, Our Ken looking upward with a frown of concentration and the trips have started to RONA (formerly Piercey's).  There will no doubt be permanent ruts in the road from here to the supply store by the time this is done.  Of course there are surprises.  Start with the four layers of shingles already on the house - apparently this is neither good nor normal - all of which must be removed.  There are, of course, pieces of wood that have to be replaced - not a shock.  And the mess.  Felicia was pressed into service helping Ken collect the discarded bits and the tractor is working hard.  Lee is booking a ticket anywhere - some consideration is being given simply booking flights and staying in the air where she cannot be contacted - there is a certain cachet . . .

The kennel is quiet awaiting the next spate of boarders.  Pippa holds the fort with Lily, the Basset Hound, keeping her company.  Everyone enjoys Lily with her wonderful ears.  The breed simply makes you smile.  Bishop arrived as well and settled nicely.  The week end has started officially. 

The house dogs are not enamoured of this summer's project.  Most are relegated to the exercise yards or the kennel runs.  To say that doesn't sit well is an understatement.  Patti decided that staying with Felicia and expressing her displeasure was her best bet.  The issue is twofold - several dislike banging noises; others would be far too helpful - think Marguerite.  So Marilla, Lori, Piper, Dolly, Lil and Charlotte are exiled.  There will be backlash.  To mitigate, all came to the house for dinner and/or bedtime.  That will never be enough to compensate.  A puppy departed in the afternoon - off to her new home in Pictou and delighted with the new owners.  They are great folks and good dog people so she will thrive, we have no doubt.  Laurel's family is managing and Laurel is fine.  The puppies are lovely at this young age.  Marguerite's four are thriving and enjoying life at Regalridge.  To this point, the roofing has not interrupted their routine.  Work is being done on the west side of the roof, initially. 

Dinner happened by 8:30 or so.  Summer appears to be over - Our Ken walked into the den and noted that "a scotch is what I need ".  This roofing job is likely to bring on that comment more than once.  Hodge Podge was accompanied by peach bar b que sauced chicken on the grill.  A dessert seemed necessary so Rainier cherries were cooked with fresh cranberry juice and topped a lovely pound cake.  Ice cream was added (since the whipped cream must have accompanied the gourmet meals of potato chips consumed while the adults were in Europe).

A good day of catch up and kitchen activity

It was an overcast day in Belnan with showers and some little thunder.  Marilla managed well as did Laurel with her family.  Now, the music on the satellite radio was danceable - by much of the neighbourhood - but the girls who dislike loud noises were unperturbed.  Success comes in many forms.  Lee spent much of her day in the kitchen.  Fruit is becoming plentiful and the strawberry season was missed so other categories of jams must be considered to maintain Our Ken's good humour.  This day is was black apricot and several bottles are now ready to move to the basement cold room.  And a crisis has occurred.  The local grocery stores have determined that the local populace no longer needs blue cheese salad dressing.  Wrong headed thinking according to all who inhabit Regalridge.  So, Lee is now in the business of making the excellent dressing on a regular basis.  Check.  And finally Our Ken requested "real bread" so bread was made to order.  After two weeks in France, the bread expectation is high and local stores really can't measure up.  Our Ken went hunting and gathering, making his requisite stop at the butcher across the road as well as at the fruit stand.  He and Billy the Butcher bonded - great pork chops were the result. 

The kennel is calm and gearing up for a busy week end.  Barrett departed much to Trebia's dismay.  Pippa is holding the fort until the refilling occurs.  It is the time for the complete turn over. 

The house crew are thriving.  Jack has become ball player par excellence in his old age.  He is now totally focused on toys and is anxious that the puppies leave so that he can reclaim his deck.  Patti is relieved that her Felicia has resurfaced.  That takes a load off of her shoulders and she can revert to supervision from active management of the entire property.  Marguerite is underwhelmed that Laurel has taken over the whelping room (and those cute babies that Marguerite is certain are hers - because those big characters in the pen are no way related to her!).  Laurel is a great mom and the litter is well and happy.  The Norwich were delighted with the kitchen activity and urged Lee on to greater heights as they looked after the spillage. 

The table was well covered this day.  There were oatcakes for breakfast, lobster rolls for lunch and grilled chops (mesquite rub) and hodge podge with Hants County vegetables for dinner.  Our Ken approved and tomorrow the roofers arrive. 

Laurel's family is now in place

It was yet another interesting day at Regalridge.  Laurel determined that things had settled nicely enough to offer up her family for inspection.  So, the first pup was delivered on the couch in the den.  That seemed a lovely spot from Laurel's perspective - other dogs choose the privacy of a crate but not Ms Laurel!  Deciding that a couch in the middle of the house might be a bit challenging, Ms Laurel was convinced to decamp to the whelping room for the duration.  Settling in, the next few puppies were offered up on a schedule of one an hour, on the hour.  By the end of a very long day, the process slowed a bit.  All puppies are identical in size - 12 ounces - and each seems happy with the changed circumstances, eating well and bonding with the siblings.  Miss Laurel is well and pretty impressed by her abilities.  She greatly enjoyed scrambled eggs and potion last evening, encouraging Lee to cook early and cook often.  Because the weather was forecast to be inclement, the roofing project has been delayed.   Lee and Laurel approved. 

The kennel continues to perk along.  Ruari and Finn departed with waving paws - Ruari looking over his shoulder wistfully and recommending to Warren that perhaps Finn should stay for a little more exercise!  Buzz is Buzz and managing his activity level.  Barrett is delighted with his extended stay and is sharing his thoughts with Trebia who appears to approve.  Pippa is managing nicely, enjoying her area of the kennel and the big yards.  The adaptability of the Welsh is always great to watch.  There is little that is off putting in their world and every change is a new adventure - we could learn form that.

The house dogs are fine.  Jack would love to see the end of Airedale puppies on his deck.  His ball game is interrupted and he dislikes the steps to the yard, preferring the deck with its accessibility and its ease of ball throwing.  We will see what we can do.  The Airedales maintain a close eye on Our Ken as he continues preparation for the roofing project.  There will be lots going on for Airedales to keep an eye on - they are up to the challenge.  Charlotte is managing the yards (in her mind) and is ever-reluctant to be repatriated to the house.  Patti is actually in charge and on top of everything.  The puppies are thriving.  At this age, their growth is amazing and the world is a constant source of amazement.  Their only thumbs down is rain and there has been a request that we have that stopped asap.

Dinner was left up to Our Ken.  Burgers were grilled.  Laurel approved. 

Planning and organizing for the summer project

All is well at Camp Regalridge.  Laurel is uncomfortable and would like to offer up the litter in her tummy asap.  She has found her best position in Ken's lovely leather chair and should anyone make the mistake of lighting there, she positions herself with a baleful look directly in front of the chair, glancing from her belly to the person.  Communication skills come easily to Ms Laurel.  It was a day of getting back into the routine and readying the property for the summer project.  This year it is a new roof for the house - perhaps we will all survive this one!  Trucks arrived and departed, dropping off 100 bales of shingles (who knew shingles were baled), boxes of heaven knows what and the next truck with staging - whatever that is.  There is consideration being given to simply leaving the country.  Lee is quite certain someone would offer up a spare room if culinary skills were offered as a trade off.  There was some banking done, a trip to the grocery store to fill in the holes in the pantry - ok, maybe not holes but there were a couple of centimeters of flat surface.  Tony did not eat sufficiently during his visit, something to be remedied in future.  Perhaps the sommelier duties are too onerous.  Karen. on the other hand, polished off the salmon with alacrity.  She may be able to take on additional tasks. 

The kennel is doing well.  Lucy Airedale departed with a wave of her paw.  Ruari and Finn are packed.  Finn was particularly speedy since we had lost his friend Bella the day before.  Ruari is assessing his options.  There is some thought that if Finn is leaving, Ruari may take the option of staying.  Pippa is managing Nemo and Ruari and putting up with Finn.  They are a motley crew in yard number 4.  Barrett has extended his stay a couple of days and is delighted.  The races are going well and he is one up - in his mind.  The fact that he turned and ran the wrong way until he realized and reversed did not add another lap in Trebia's books but Barrett is nothing if not enthusiastic so she shakes her little hound head and acquiesces. 

The house dogs are well.  Looking forward to the activity to accompany a roofing job, they rested up in favourite spots and contemplated life on this perfect summer day.  The puppies are thriving, growing and having a great time as they learn about life at Regalridge.  Another will leave later in the week and the games will have to readjust once again.  Patti is well and on top of her game, wondering where in the world Felicia has been taken and keeping a close eye on the gate.  Marguerite is managing the ' leaving of the babies ', counting daily and shaking her head as they leave. 

Dinner was easy - prime rib from the week end with new potatoes and corn on the cob.  From the evidence on the counter, Cheryl's chocolate cake continues to be the late night snack.

Perfect weather and puppy departures

Whew - what a busy day.  Following the ATA party, there were obligations.  Susan and Shirley departed with a Regalridge puppy, after a breakfast of Lee's scones and fruit salad.  The Rainier cherries are available selectively and are great in a mix of Georgia peaches and sweet black apricots.  Summer is such a lovely time.  Chantelle arrived to do some trimming and helped get rid of a scone or two.  As Susan and Shirley pulled out of the driveway with a cheery wave, the phone rang and folks arrived for the next puppy departure.  We had a visit, a male puppy determined that this was just the right couple for him and paperwork was finalized.  Another great home and excited folks.  Finally, the male for New Glasgow fluffed himself up and pronounced himself ready to leave with his new family.  It was a busy few hours and resulted in a more open puppy run by dinnertime. 

Bella departed much to Finn's concern.  Chopper and Capone waved good by as Lucy Airedale arrived.  Add to that the coming and going of an ungroomed Airedale who morphed to a handsome fellow under Chantelle's ministrations and it was a busy property.  Ruari and Finn heard a rumour that they will be leaving for home on Wednesday.  Barrett though is staying a bit longer.  Trebia is tickled.  Races are being planned and practice laps underway.  Buzz is managing.  Pippa has her group to manage and herds Nemo, Ruari and Finn into their exercise yard. 

The house dogs are well and enjoyed the coming and going.  Piper was well admired and approved of all of the visitors.  Marguerite was less enamoured of strangers near her puppies and is completely underwhelmed that several have disappeared.  To this point, Ken is being blamed for losing the little ones.  Laurel is slowing down - puppies are imminent.   Clem came for a visit to enjoy the air conditioning.  Add her potion to the visit and she pronounced it a perfect day.  The weather was great - not too hot and sunny.  Charlotte could not be lured inside - perfect days are too few. 

Dinner was grilled salmon with hodge podge.  There is a rumour that dessert occurred after Lee's move upstairs with Piper.  And we look forward to a new day.

From 30 to 17 degrees - Belnan to Portuguese Cove

Well, Canadian parties are an eye opener to visitors.  Our American friends were here for the annual Atlantic Terrier Association summer dinner and auction.  Having had a heads up before leaving (just) they arrived replete with auction items and food - what good terrier people they are!  So after an oatcake and fruit salad breakfast, 'the cooking of the prime ribs' and some small organization, we were off to Portuguese Cove and the great hospitality of Heather and Bob.  It was a wonderful crowd, there were fabulous auction items and laughter repeatedly  gave way to hilarity.  It is truly amazing how many items sport an Am Staff in the eyes of an auctioneer!   The Airedale items brought north of the 49th garnered significant monies and paid for our Club insurance.  The remainder of the funds raised paid fully for the rental of the day at exhibition park for our 2012 Specialty.  A few hours, good fun and fantastic food.  There was Chantelle's famous potato salad, the incredibly good cheeses and special crackers, Joyce's great dips with lovely pea pods, additional salads, Margot's perfect salmon with dill sauce, Ken's prime rib with a peach-lime salsa, pork tenderloins wrapped and perfectly cooked and desserts - oh my.  Our Cheryl managed to convince Margaret Carson that "terriers rule" and a cake with terrier decorations and appropriate wording wowed everyone.  Margaret's cheesecake disappeared in the blink of an eye.  Heather baked rolls and her butter tarts - and that about half covers the amazing tables of food.  Time flew and the house was still filled as the Regalridge-mobile departed, filled to the rafters with plunder.  The gathering showed the congeniality of the terrier friends - most of whom have been long term supporters of local terriers through this Association.  This is the only group working to present the positive face of terriers in Atlantic Canada - a most important position in today's dog world.  President Dawn was thrilled with the attendance and the support today. 

The kennel is hopping.  Felicia held the fort and was kept busy.  Capone and Chopper enjoyed the big yards and the cool kennel building.  Ruari, Pippa and Nemo have managed to take over yard four - Ruari was made an honorary Welsh for the occasion.  Finn and Bella are of a size and became fast friends.  Barrett and his best friend Trebia had a long visit.  Buzz is Buzz.  Sarah has moved to the front of the kennel ans has become a Regalridge dog in all  but name.  She is delighted to be out of a run and is a great fan of the freedom of Regalridge.  Liard and. Max departed.    

The house crew is enjoying the air conditioning.  All is well in their world.  The puppies are happy and growing like little weeds.  The report from Brodie who left on Friday is that his name has been changed to 'Superman', he barks at the door to go out to the bathroom, walks proudly on a leash and can do steps - all within 36 hours.  To this point, no accidents at all in the house - now, whether he and Karl are sleeping outdoors is a question but Paula assures me that is not the case.  We have been working with the puppies and it is really amazing how focused they are on moving from their pen in the den to the outside deck for bathrooming.  This is a procedure Chantelle started many years ago and has benefited many new owners. 

dinner has been discussed.  Our Ken did lobby a bit for a late meal and hoped to enlist Susan and Shirley  - who looked at him as though he had two heads and continued to watch puppies.  There was a mysterious plate of chocolate crumbs on the counter by midnight - Cheryl supports chocolate aficionados. 

Summertime and the living is - hot!

All is well at Regalridge.  Summer has arrived and with it a full kennel.  Lee and Ken have been in Europe.  Chantelle and Felicia held the fort.  The puppies are at the leaving stage and are thriving.  The Regalridge crew are well and happy although Patti notes that Felicia requires a great deal of her time!  More on the trip in future blogs.  This day was one of friends and visits.  Susan and Shirley are here from Massachusetts.  Jo and Mary returned to Pennsylvania earlier in the week.  And with the American arrival was the need for a little dinner party.  Accommodating large numbers was a little beyond Lee, so we managed 9 for a sit down dinner of grilled salmon steaks, peach bar b que sauced chicken and the seasonal favourite hodge podge.  Lemon cake, lots of libations and laughter accompanied everything quite well.  It appeared no one left hungry.  Karen enjoyed the Regalridge coffee but was a bit stingy about leaving the bracelet that matched a certain pair of sandals.  Tony acted as sommelier - with gay abandon.  Jimmy had a viewing of Ken's scythe from Tours.  Dawn entertained and was enterrained by Susan and Shirley and Chantelle entertained us all.  Stories of dogs accompanied stories of travels.  These are wonderful evenings and bring with them great memories.

The kennel is full.  Barrett and Trebia are racing in spite of the heat and humidity.  Barrett feels the humidity is good for his curls and Trebia seems to agree.  Little Bella is here and has made a great friend in Finn, Ruari's new brother.  Ruari  is relieved.  There is only so much a boy can take of a shrimp like that!  Pippa has teamed up with Nemo and is doing very well - as Pippa generally does.  The two characters from 'up the road' arrived at noon and happily settled in. Chopper and Capone are a wonderful pair of American Pit Bull Terriers and we enjoy their visits.  Liard is in residence- just being Liard.  And the rescue Airedale, Buzz, remains - making slow but deliberate progress. He has made progress with large dogs and is much more sociable.  Max is in residence and has recovered incredibly well from his hip surgeries.  He is a large Golden Retriever and a joy to board.   

The house dogs are not amused by the heat.  They wonder at moving form 19 to 29 degress in one fell swoop and have requested we adjust the temperature gods to a more clement 24.  We will do what we can.  By noon, even Charlotte has to say 'uncle' and come in to the air conditioning.  The puppies are unphased, of course.  One puppy departed in the early afternoon to a wonderful home on the South Shore.  He will be much loved.  Felicia is trimming to keep everyone as comfortable as possible.  Piper is now cooled off for summer with a matching trim to Lori.  Laurel has been partly trimmed -as much as she will put up with given her burgeoning girth.  Jack has been spiffed up and looks great as does Marguerite.  It is now time to turn our heads to coat work on the show dogs.  Piper is happy to have Lee back so that proper supervision can be done.  There was much worry that Europe would keep her, from Piper's perspective.  The Norwich too approve the return of the adults.  There was some considerable concern surrounding Chantelle's eating habits and lack of table offerings - apparently her vegetable of choice is not suitable for sharing!