Seasonal summary wind down

It has been a lovely season, the quiet broken only by the warbling - of Chantelle's new Welsh puppy!  Yes, Chantelle went home to visit with her other parents and Regalridge repatriated the puppy.  Keeping up with the Schenks has been given whole new meaning.  And there have been lovely days of warm weather.  the snow has disappeared, rain is forecast and normal December weather has arrived.  There are birds at the feeders with the yellow Christmas birds in evidence among the blue jays and busy chickadees.  One lone pheasant is in great shape and busy under the chestnut tree.  Jimmy's dishwasher project has met with great success - Lee is delighted to report.   His abilities know no bounds.  And Lee made doughnuts.  Another line to cross off of the bucket list. 

The kennel is emptying out after an exceptionally busy Christmas period.  Remaining are Bailey Golden with her rules firmly in place, Ceilidh Spaniel who continues to do well, Maxifer the amazing bionic Golden and the Schenk crew.  Maxifer has the large suite and enjoys the space as well as the attention he receives given his infirmities.  He is a great fellow and much loved.  Crockett is somewhat disappointed with the departures of animals that he has so assiduously trained so is marshaling his thoughts to call in reinforcements.  Marged and Shillelagh are ably assisting.  There has been a gold star meted out, however,  Crockett and Zeus have decided that the outside bathroom routine is to their liking and have maintained their quarters in pristine fashion.  Then there are the Welsh . . .

The house crew are simply delighted that their people are in residence, the kitchen activity is in high gear and Our Ken is coming and going at regular intervals with interesting projects to be supervised.  Piper is all about help and is attached to Lee.  The evening found her in Lee's lap, a process that took a full newscast as she began on the couch and inched her way over as only Piper can.  By the time 'something interesting for last' was heard, Miss Piper was asleep with her head on Lee's shoulder and stretched full length in the chair.  Charlotte is thoroughly disgusted with little May's wandering ways and has a full repertoire of noises saved exclusively for the bumps received.  Her best sounds, however, are brought out when May simply climbed her as she is sleeping in a dog bed.  That is simply horrible in Charlotte's world and requires stentorian vocalizations.  May is completely oblivious.  Charlotte is appalled.  Rockey and Billy have called a truce in the house - whether or not it is seasonal is a question that only time will answer. 

Meals have been plentiful and frequent.  There have been fish cakes as a reminder that Mary and Jo were unable to visit this year but are still in our hearts.  There has been seafood casserole from Cy;s restaurant recipe as a salute to Ralph on the rainy West Coast.  Turkey, of course, is always and option and will be for some time to come.  A crown roast of pork was produced for Jimmy and Dawn (at Our Ken's behest).  Many breads were made and consumed and the after party saw plum pudding, hard sauce, lemon sauce (Meyer Lemons), steamed dates with hard sauce, Christmas cookies et al.  New this year was a puffed pastry concoction with a turkey and mushroom filling - as tasty as it is impressive.  New Year's Eve looms.  More food will no doubt materialize. 

Boxing Day in Nova Scotia - good weather and lots of coming and going

Nova Scotia Boxing Day is a day late.  Christmas and Boxing days are holidays here in the East and as a result, Canada's Boxing Day occurs on the 27th.   Now, we all enjoy the television but standing in line for hours, even in clement December weather, is simply unappealing.  Still, ubiquitous news shots of shopping successes abound so perhaps another year . . .  Regalridge was a busy spot with Our Ken ushering out many vacationing dogs.   Things are marginally quieter with some breathing room realized.  Scooter and Trebia have returned to their runs and less toting is required.  Dawn and Jim had a few spare minutes and were able to join us at table in the evening.  And for the seasonal bird count, the lovely yellow grosbeaks have returned in number to the Regalridge feeders to join the pheasants, jays, woodpeckers, chickadees, doves and crows.  A wind storm is forecast so perhaps there will be visiting feathered friends over the next couple of days. 

The kennel remains almost full, even after waving good by to Duke, Fiddler, Naomi and Moses, Bay-Lee and Gemini.  There will be a short hiatus now with Crockett having to regroup in his extensive instructions.  The Welsh are, of course, supporting his vocalizations, urging their older brother to even greater flights of fancy.  Ursey is managing to maintain her composure, although expecting her owners very soon.  Millie is enjoying her time, playing with her friend Gemini.  Ceilidh is more of an individualist and is taking her constitutionals singly.  Maxifer loves the kennel.  He gets out for his strolls about the yards, is eating well and shows a remarkable recovery, not needing his meds at all.  Keegan is kicking up her heels and enjoying life - a testament to Helen's care. 

The house dogs are well.  It was a pleasant day so ins and outx were frequent.  Charlotte is enjoying more time in front of the fire than was her wont in previous winters but enjoys her tricks and runs when  not asleep.   Full out or full stop are her two speeds.  Marilla was tickled with the company and had long, soulful chats with Jimmy.  He laughs at her shenanigans and Marilla loves that.  Piper maintained a close eye on Lee, enjoying the kitchen activity and the odd dropped bit that the Norwich missed.  Patti is a bit stronger and is bright, another step forward in her slow recovery.  Trevor is looking forward to Chantelle's return, exercising his legs and his lungs in equal measure. 

Dinner was preceded by the Christmas cheese plate and centered by a crown roast of pork.  Cooked on a bed of sweet vegetables, it was a lovely change.  With riced potatoes,fried apples,  roasted turnip, carrots and onions and, of course,  gravy, all was well.  Plum pudding is almost gone for another year. 

Snow for Christmas - how thoughtful

The season unfolds - whether we are ready or not, it appears.  And the turkey size is totally dependent on the day of collection - words to live by.  Christmas day was a busy one with a full kennel adding its own joy to the season;  Gifts were opened and duly admired, food was plentiful and frequent and all is well.  Einstein loves Christmas - there are boxes to try out for a fit and wrapping paper to rustle.  There are ribbons to chase and trim yourself with and best of all, gift bags to put on your head and bash about until you decide enough fun has been had.  Cats do amuse themselves, even at advanced ages.  June joined us for Christmas dinner - a bonus and a pleasure, although she only marginally acquitted herself in the turkey consumption area.  This bird is the size of a pony and is not showing much wear even after two days of attention.  Our Ken will be collecting next year's fowl much, much earlier. 

The kennel is chock a block full.  there are Goldens and Labs, Airedales, the Wheaten, the Spaniel, Welsh, the German Shepherd, Norwich and indeterminate mixes all enjoying their vacation.  Ursey, of course, is the highest maintenance, with her good nature making up for her anxiety.  Shepherds miss their owners to a power disproportionate to other dogs.  Ursey is no exception so requires significant time and attention to maintain her equanimity.  The plus is that she is a lovely dog.  Maxifer is our medical miracle - the Golden who has a platinum card at AVC and a list of instructions that only Our Ken with his post-graduate degrees can manage.   Max is oblivious to his ailments and replacement parts, loves the kennel and the big run.  Millie and her Labrador pal have bonded and wait for each other to go to the yards.  Ole Naomi, our geriatric addition second only to Old Bailey, is thriving.  Naomi wanders with Moses urging her on to greater feats.  she demurs.  Bailey enjoys Trebia - perhaps thinking that in her younger days she too had that speed and grace.  Duke is manging well on his first stay.  The Welsh are the Welsh with stentorian capabilities that would impress Paul Revere.  The Norwich are managing nicely.  Crockett is in charge of everything.  Zeus doesn't care.  Ceilidh is a great Spaniel, taking life in the kennel in stride.  Kenzie and Piper have bonded and look after Miss Bay-lee who is learning Airedale manners from her elders. 

The house crew love Christmas.  Lee doesn't leave the kitchen and food is plentiful.  Marilla has found the perfect spot, diagonally across the space between the corner of the cook top and the kitchen table, in front of the prep area.  It is impossible to move through the kitchen without stepping over Marilla and she is chuffed.  Piper hasn't missed a meal or a moment to add her sous-chef opinion.  At lunch, there was a circling of the wagons, for some reason, with Piper marching in slow step counter clockwise around the kitchen table with May marching clockwise.  Each time they met, Piper saluted May - at least, it was taken as a salute, otherwise discipline would have had to be meted out.  It was an odd performance offered for the entertainment of the dining public.  Patti is improving from her downturn before Christmas.  All are impressed by the snow, with special games developed for optimal enjoyment.  All in all, the season has been deemed a success by the dogs. 

Food is plenteous.

Clear sailing and power shopping

It was close to summer weather, roads were clear and shopping underway.  Bayer's Lake was a madhouse and far too many males of the species were allowed into Costco.  Do you suppose that standing in front of an item (any item, it appeared) and gazing with a vacant but panicked look will make it either leap into a cart?  Getting around these human statues was a challenge and slowed progress.  Not a good thing.  Still, the Regalridge mobiles - yes, there were two for the occasion - were filled to the brim with Costco's usual offerings and Lee's speed-shopped Christmas gifts.  Have you ever wondered why it is that women end up purchasing tools at places like Canadian Tire and Home Depot and men stand befuddled in jewelery stores hoping that inspiration will hit?  It is a perverse process and makes no good sense - and if anyone can explain why a person needs five ripping bars it would be appreciated if that little gem of knowledge could be shared. 

The kennel is filling to capacity.  Brunswick departed on schedule - Laurie well understands the routine - and Millie Wheaten arrived for her holiday stay.  Millie is a great dog and always a bonus.  She took one look at Gemini and decided they would be best friends.  Gemini is tickled.  Naomi and Moses are doing well, eating and playing.  The Schenk crew arrived with Crockett the Announcer advising all that he had arrived and is ready to take on all jobs available.  Old Bailey is settled in and comfortable.  She is sorting Our Ken out with her reminders of things to be done.  Fiddler remains in residence looking forward to his return home and the first view of his newly hatched sister.  And more will arrive. 

The house crew is getting along fine.  They are never truly happy without their humans in residence but they do cope.  Piper had a lot to say on Lee's return (likely coached by Our Ken) since it was dark and everyone knows Lee should never be out after dark.  May had stayed with Margot during the Florida trip and is happy to be home.  With Ken cooking them burgers on the grill, both she and Patti are managing to eat and stay mobile.  Word has arrived from south of the border that there will be Logan puppies during the season and excitement reigns.  The deer are fine as they stand near the blue spruce - until they light up.  Then the gloves come off.  Marilla is not amused that glowing creatures now inhabit the front yard and is determining her options.  she is backed by Charlotte and, on a good day, Billy.  Rocky demurs. 

Dinner was lovely haddock, pan fried and as fresh as could be.  NB potatoes and a tomato salad rounded out the offering.  All else is well. 

The weather is warm and grass still green

Regalridge is back to its usual semblance of normalcy.  This year there was a trip to Florida sandwiched in to the Christmas season.  That makes an interesting challenge with December 25 such a finite day.  Now, if Christmas could occur when each of us is ready, the season at Regalridge could extend through much of the winter.  Isn't that appealing?  And then there is the reality.  This week Christmas will be celebrated.  The outside gifts are wrapped and some have found their way to recipients.  The house is reasonably trimmed.  Our Ken has finished the outside light show and has outdone himself with the blue spruce trimmed in red with two deer outlined in clear lights feeding and watchful, respectively.  The center island in the yard is glowing red and white as well.  And then there is his garden - with blues and yellows and silver - a kaleidoscope that only Our Ken would even consider.  It makes you laugh to look at it and that, perhaps, is the point of the season.  Florida was a revelation to Our Ken.  He managed four theme parks in as many days and may never be the same.  There was Epcot (The Land was the hit) and Magic Kingdom (thank goodness for the Electric Parade).  There was Animal Kingdom where Our Ken was the magnet for the giraffe (the truck stopped an Ms Giraffe stopped to have a good look at Ken and drool on him), followed by the next stop where a white rhino wandered up to the truck to make eye contact - again with our Ken - to the amazement of all except Our Ken.  The baby gorilla had a great game of peek-a-boo with us and rolled on the ground laughing at his own creativity.  Animal Kingdom was more of a success than its precursors.  Then there was Sea World.  There was a question whether Chantelle and Ken were going to volunteer, leaving Lee to run Regalridge into the future.  With Chantelle's management of the adults in the party, shows were seen in preferred seating. occasionally in the 'splash zone' to Lee's expressed and ignored concern.  The whales were so close that they could be touched and the Dolphin smiles were viewed up close.  Even restaurants were more than adequate due to Chantelle's focused marches throughout the parks.  Then is was on to Orlando proper and the Eukanuba Dog Show week end.  That was enjoyed by all - great dogs, great people and much accomplished.  Lee has determined that Spanish lessons, though, will be a necessity for travel in the US in the near future and is considering her options. 

The kennel is filling for the season.  Naomi and Moses are in residence, managing well and settled.  Brunswick is here for the week but departing for Santa's visit.  Ceilidh the Cocker has settled in, is eating well and enjoying a run in the yards.  Old Bailey is in residence, sorting out the people dealing with her and reminding everyone of her schedule and her equipment - she will walk only on her own leash.  Fiddler has come to visit for a couple of days.  He has a new baby sister and is looking forward to meeting her asap.  Gemini is also here for her Christmas vacation and enjoying her time in the big area.  More arrivals over the next couple of days will make a busy season. 

The house dogs are looking forward to Christmas with an expectation that Lee will spend a lot more time in the kitchen than has been the case to this point.  . Piper is delighted to have her people back and her bedroom sorted out.  Marilla was relieved with the return of the natives and shows her delight by hitting Lee each time she passes by.  Abigail had Alex so would have been just as happy to have everyone remain in Florida.

Dinner was in the city with grandchildren and parents.  Tis the season. 

Christmas requires light - and lots of it

All is moving along at Regalridge.  Our Ken marched through the house muttering something about shopping.  When queried, he confessed that the crocus purchases got out of hand.  Having bought one package of ten, he had decided that was not quite enough so went back for another.  Problem was that the second package contained 100.  Chantelle noted on her departure that the front lawn looked as though it had been gone over with a pogo stick.  The alpha male's list still includes the wrapping of the roses (a parade theme in the making or perhaps a horse race) and the turning on of the outside Christmas lights - always an event.    Lee managed more indoor trimming, the Airedale Angel and the birds are on the Christmas tree and the mantle is lighted.  The kitchen continues to welcome addition and is officially seasonal.  Chantelle was in residence to trim some visitors and Atlas Jr. arrived for a trim and set by Lee.  He is a handsome fellow with one of the most beautiful heads we have seen.  Marguerite is producing beautifully. 

The kennel is quiet.  Ruari and Finn are aware of their heavy responsibilities managing the West side and are taking it quite seriously.  Well, Ruari is taking it seriously.  Young Finn is just being silly. 

The house dogs are well and continue to enjoy the mild days.  Supervising Our Ken is a full time job and the Airedales are just the dogs to do that.  His comings and goings are of particular interest and are heralded if particularly noteworthy - like when he morphs from a bent over bush-like looking entity to a full sized man who has taken on the resemblance of - Ken!  Marilla finds that particularly disturbing.  Jessie spent the day apart from little Trevor.  The youngster is being weaned and has decided that puppy food may be palatable after all, provided there is lots of goat's milk to wash it down. 

Dinner was the end of the pot roast and well and happily consumed.  With a date square to finish the meal, Our Ken was replete and ready to watch the Wizard Of Oz - well almost  . . . 

Outside work is easy in good weather

Another mild day with sun and cloud offered lots of opportunity for the dogs to have adventures and for Chantelle to be educated into the ways of wayward Airedales.  In residence to do a little trimming, Chantelle was led on some merry chases and departed muttering something about no need for a Wii at Regalridge.  Our Ken continues to put flower gardens to bed, sort garden equipment and generally find reasons to be outside.  The garden tractor was heard throughout the property, sporting a man with a Patriots cap and a big smile as he motored under the chestnut tree.  Lee spent the day encouraging the Christmas tree lights to be dutiful - with mixed results.  Our Ken also managed to fix something.  Remember, engineers are not handy by nature - that seems to be why they go to university for eight years.  Up early, there was a call to Bob the font of all technical knowledge to discuss the dreaded pump.  Now, waking Bob up to discuss the pump and expecting a deep discussion is folly.  Several calls later and with Bob in pump-mode, the fix was in and success was had - or at least, there was an aha moment after many pauses at the top of the stairs with exasperated sighs and 'where is the phone' comments.  And yes, a plumber does exist in Elmsdale but that, apparently, would be saying 'uncle'.  The evening ended with "It's a Wonderful Life" - a cornerstone of the season at Regalridge.  Jimmy always comes through.

The kennel is well under control.  Ruari is well and bright, taking his meds and happy in his palace of beds, blankets and paraphernalia.  Finn couldn't care less about the trappings and still gazes down the hallway hoping Chopper will reappear.  Ruff is settled in and taking life easy as Ruff has wont to do.  Trebia kept an eye on her area and was a bit ticked at missing the adventures with Sarah and Lola.  There is always hope for a sequel. 

The house dogs had a wonderful day.  Marilla began the adventures with a quick toy exchange on her way downstairs.  Lee expertly removed the pink dog before it met the fate of other stuffed toys in the great room as Marilla set her sights on Chantelle.  Lo and behold, there was a package of Cesar in the feed room.  That was expertly snatched and headed for the outside door.  Again, Lee made the catch and Marilla made her way outside with an empty mouth, much to her disgust.  A half hour later, all came back in to be fed and with slight of mouth and quick manoeuvres, Marilla managed to get to the feed room, snatch the Cesar package previously positioned in that Airedale mouth and get to her crate before Lee reached her.  Marilla's imagination is second only to her guile.  Keeping up with her is a full time profession.  Puppies, Patti and May are all well. 

Dinner was a t-bone.  Yes, "a" steak.  Our Ken went shopping and came home with a steak that Bedrock would have been proud of.  Well grilled on this lovely evening, it was accompanied by baked potatoes, onions and mushrooms and turnip.  All was well in Our Ken's world - particularly after all was washed down with chocolate for dessert. 

The return of the Regalridge-mobile

The return of the Regalridgemobile happened just at dinnertime after two days of warm and sunny weather.  The unloading was easy given that it was a quick two day trip to Woodstock.  Lee's brother was glad of the break in routine and the descent of the Regalridge activity level.  That seems to occur wherever Regalridge touches down - go figure.  There were copious amounts of packing and unpacking, work on the estate (coming to an end perhaps) the requisite trip to Houlton for milk and King Arthur flour, Girardelli chocolate and Christmas soft peppermints for Our Ken.  Sorting and a little Christmas decorating happened (a few surprises for Greg).  And it was home again home again within 36 hours.  Our Ken managed the driving with aplomb, even the detour to Costco for collection of Vito's lasagnes for Woodstock dining pleasure.  As unpacking occurred, it was evident that at some point there was also a side trip made to the Woodstock bakery for Our Ken's favourites.  Chantelle was waiting on the doorstep as the van returned, Christmas music playing and the weary travellers ready to regain the routine.  There was a dinner and Christmas movie to follow.

The kennel is quiet and manageable.  Chantelle's dogs are in residence to keep Ruari and Finn company.  Ruff is holding the fort nicely and keeping an eye on the little dogs.  It will be reasonably quiet until the descent of the Christmas canines. 

The house dogs are well.  Little May suffered through Chantelle's cooking and Marilla shared her thoughts with Lee about the mean beloved older sister.  This is generally the coming home ritual.  One of the other of the Airedales feels hard done by for some reason.  This trip it was Marilla who walked over to Lee as soon as she landed in the leather recliner.  Then it was Airedale head on Lee's shoulder and big sigh, long suffering gaze into Lee's eyes and then a fast head turn to Chantelle who had landed on the couch next to the chair.  More expressive sighs and gazing and the head turn to Chantelle.  The story was told - Chantelle is a meanie.  The back story is that Marilla was playing 'monster on the couch', a favourite game of hers.  As the Norwich came past, she growled and leapt up to make them run - Marilla likes to see Norwich run.  Chantelle mentioned to Marilla that enough was enough - and the 'I'm telling Lee' story was written.  Poor Marilla.  Piper came over with chapter two but only out of Piper-ownership of Lee, not because a real story was necessary.  And there was the June-update
"l was out at your place today. Sarah and the dogs were doing well. The pups were fantastic. Izzy was up first and was determined to win first prize. Then Breezy took the stage. There was a bit of hesitation in the beginning but she soon started to strut her stuff. I was getting tired after the the 2 girls but the boy dog was not going to be left in their dust. Gabe and I had a few words at the start and when he realized it was in his best interest to trot like a champion, the girls watched in horror as he took top honors today.
See you when you return "  Progress continues.

Dinner was Atlantic and good.  There were pan friend fresh scallops and risotto with peas.  All is well.