Shelagh is doing well and the weather is great

The weather continues to be stellar.  With sunny skies and warm days, outdoor activity is at its height - that would not include roofing.  Our Ken continues to do the finish work post-summer of '11.  That includes low painting, removal of debris and a lot of riding on a tractor.  As fall approaches the early mornings bring fog and cool weather.  The nights are notably cool and the dogs delight in new games to herald the season.  Lee put together a lobster roll and saddled up Betsy to make a visit to Shelagh.  She was in great humour, having just received her new electric wheelchair.  The chair is comfortable, custom made and able to be managed with Shelagh's diminished motor skills.   Look out, everyone.  She is speedy, enjoys bashing about and now has far greater control of her life.  Arriving to a darkened room, it was difficult to even find a resident.  Shelagh was watching one of Chantelle's movies on her computer.  On hearing a new voice, without turning there was a pause in movement and a bellow "Lee, hello - where have you been?"  And she was in motion.  Over to the light switch to brighten the room, back to the computer to stop the film, back to visit all in the blink of an eye.  This in a day of use.  What a remarkable difference in a quality of life.  Before this, without the ability to move her chair manually, Shelagh was a prisoner to staff and visitors.  This chair is long overdue.  It was a very good visit, language skills notably improved and great effort being made to use difficult words (October and Australian finally are able to be managed and with great pride|).  Inez and Charles have been loyal visitors and there is concern on Shelagh's part that Chantelle and Ken have been missing in action.  That will have to be remedied.  There is an eye surgery scheduled for September 22 and Shelagh has expectations that this will again improve her situation incrementally. 

The kennel now holds Trebia, Sarah and the few Regalridge dogs there for particular reasons.  Scooter is in charge and proud of it. 

The house dogs are tickled with life.  There is less coming and going at the gates, the yard has been repatriated and there is a new person to play with.  James began work with Ken on Friday and is learning the ropes.  Patti has taught him her requirements and if he doesn't know anyone else yet, he knows the top dog.  May continues to improve slightly and is back to marching with Abigail, trolling in the kitchen and sitting for treats.  This is a totally unexpected move forward and makes us smile.  Piper is keeping a close eye on Lee, sensing an imminent departure.  Marguerite is living in her own space and delighting in her universe.  Marilla keeps well, stuffs a toy in Our Ken's mouth every morning and barrels through the rest of the day with Airedale abandon.  While the others may sort out paths around situations, Marilla shakes her head and plows straight through, damn the torpedoes.  The puppies thrive.  The housebreaking of the babies has begun in earnest and already showing success.  It is always surprising to see the fast progress and quick uptake as these little souls learn the ropes of their burgeoning lives.  We can learn so much. 

It was a 'last supper' as Lee packs for another trip.  Scallops were on the menu - fresh and plentiful, it was decided that they would star.  A lime butter sauce was made, fresh bread produced and a tomato salad with cream of balsamic with fig.  Corn on the cob was a simple addition.  The end note was the home made grapenut ice cream.  Our Ken was happy and sated - until he remembered the open suitcase.  And life continues to unfold.