The news is all about Our Ken and the weather. He is able to focus on his inability to eat anything hot since he can't go out and play. The rains continue although the thunder showers that were a potential did not materialize - hallelujah! So there was quiet time in the kennel, play for the puppies in their pen and a constant rain through the day and evening. Lee managed to find her way through paper and finalize Toronto reservations for next week. And then there is the squirrel. Our Ken has coddled the squirrel population, feeding them as he feeds the County bird population. Well, the feed has not been as plentiful in summer when critters and winged friends are able to easily fend for themselves. Mr squirrel disagrees. So, in a fit of pique, he has determined that sitting on a dining room chair and demanding his due is warranted. He has been encouraged to retreat to the outdoors by Chantelle and now by Our Ken. The encouragement comes in the way of entreaty, a game of chase and something akin to a curling yell. This is followed by a sweeping of the air (someone will some day explain that to me) and an assurance that all doors to the outside are as ajar as a door can get. The interesting aside to this event is that although Our Ken and Chantelle have played this game separately, with neither being in residence for the other's antics, both are identical in approach, game, set and match. Even the curling yell is indistinguishable.
The kennel is ticking along. Miss Pippa is managing Dylan and the two older Welsh are doing very well indeed. Neither minds boarding and both enjoy the activity level. Keeping a Welsh interested is the key to a happy co-existence. Little Maggie is in charge and ensures that anything that happens meets with her approval. She manages nicely - all four pounds of her! Molly Pug has settled in easily, as a Pug is wont to do. She is eating well (another Pug trait) and keeping up with Maggie's encouragements to watch what is happening and join in at her leisure. Maggie, the seasoned visitor, is a natural instructor. Molly is happy to have the assistance. Buzz is Buzz. Sarah is leading everyone on a merry chase daily - Our Ken is not amused with Sarah's adventurous spirit at the moment. Mentioning her name does not bring a quick smile. And then there was the arrival of Big B. Trebia could hardly believe her ears when she heard that Barrett was to be here a whole week. She has advised him of the roofing project and they are planning special races to wow the young roofers. That will have to be pretty impressive to have a greater impact than the singing of the Basset Hound so time will tell. Trebia is sure it can be done and Barrett lives in hope that they will bring a chair to watch so he can take a brief time out in their laps. You know, an Airedale in the lap is a lot of dog (Piper demurs) but a Gordon Setter in a lap makes the Airedale look downright puny.
Puppies are keeping everyone busy. Marguerite's litter is doing well with their housebreaking and with their interest in all that is happening around them. The smaller male puppy is a tremendous little fellow. We are tickled with his personality. The bigger two are impressive in their bone and substance. All have fabulous coats, colour and outlines. All in all a lovely litter. Laurel's babies are well and growing. She is now eating up a storm and offering lots of time and effort. It has taken her a bit to really get into the moment but she is now fully committed to her maternal duties. The house dogs are well and tired of rain. Charlotte lets herself out, stands on the deck, looks at the yard with rains continuing, turns and lets herself back into the house. Occasionally she takes another with her. Lots to be said for the Regalridge gated community. The Norwich don't care about the weather - they don't go outside anyway. The Welsh are disgusted with wet grass and high step across their run, shaking each foot as it is picked up and put down. If we would allow it, Patti would lay outside on the kitchen deck and watch the rain - her old bones do not support that so she is supported in this fascinating activity for only a short time each day.
Meals were not hot! There was bread instead of toast (lovely apricot sourdough), cereal and bananas. There was a tuna melt for lunch (with the cheese cooled to room temp prior to being served - 'cause it couldn't be hot!). And there was grilled salmon with a ricotta and artichoke stuffed ravioli for dinner. No one is allowed to mention either the ricotta or the artichoke since Our Ken is sure he doesn't like either. Dinner was cooled to room temp - the ingredients lend themselves to that quite easily. And tomorrow Our Ken will be back to his normal cheery self . . .
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