Spring cools and flurries abound

The weather has returned to a normal Nova Scotia spring.  Cold (below freezing by a degree or so) nights accompany sunny days that reach 9 or 10 C bring good maple syrup and contented dogs.  Not a bad combination.  Our Ken had a Health Board meeting so was off and running with Truro in his sights.  There is a new washing machine in the kennel that he is anxious to try but time has not been on his side.  Funny the things that men yearn for.  An odd machine with an even odder cord has been travelling the basement stairs and there are some things that are best not queried.  Lee spent the day working on papers to register a complicated litter.  With calls to two kennel clubs and a facility in PA, this project just may be behind us. 

The kennel ticked along.  Lucy Lab departed and was replaced by C .  Scarlett returned to take up her post, assisting to baffle Piper's laments.  Lobbying has started on Piper's behalf - Lee would like to see repatriation before Marilla permanently takes up residence in all of Piper's favourite places. 

The house dogs were content with the cooler temperatures.  Gabe is tickled with the snow flurries that come and go and Dolly prefers the firmer footing of the colder drive.  Charlotte, on the other hand, is seriously annoyed.  She has been having a whale of a time digging to her heart';s content in the wet and forgiving areas under the trees.  With the return to colder nights, the digging has become more challenging and she hurt a paw in her efforts.  Poor Charlotte.

Dinner appealed to Our Ken.  A lovely chicken in cranberry with potatoes and fresh beans with a side of fresh tomato casserole received two thumbs up.  Following it with the newly produced date and nut bread made it a meal of kings - right up Our Ken's alley.  And we are on to another day - the day before Lee departs for Sudbury as the prognosticator of all things bad points out . . .

Spring continues to impress

It was a busy week end.  Sunday dawned bright, sunny and cool but not cold.  The van was filled with travel crates and Gabe, Clint and Chantelle's Mason were loaded for a road trip.  Off to the city the Regalridgemobile headed, Mason's tail beating an accompaniment to the wheels going round.  Finding the way to the Ferry Terminal in Woodside, dog and people decamped, swelling the numbers of ATA members for a 'Terrier Walk' along the waterfront.  It was a perfect day both for weather and for the dogs to enjoy this new location with its sights and smells.  An hour later, the vehicles opened to accept tired dogs and the two legged members found themselves inside Pilots Restaurant for brunch - what is a Terrier gathering without food, after all.  The food was very good, the service fabulous and a happy group declared the outing a resounding success.  There were Australian Terriers, Airedales (of course), Welsh Terriers and Miniature Schnauzers present for the impressive turn out.  Gabe was impressed by a Briard and hoped to be friends - didn't happen.  Logan displayed great patience, particularly with small dogs with big ideas - good on him!  Morgan the Welsh heard through the grapevine that there were other dogs on the walk - but didn't believe a word.  And the Schnauzers were obedient as is their wont - the rest of the dogs shook the collective head. 

The kennel is well and hopping with Piper in charge.  Not considered the best of Sergeant Majors by the rest of the dogs, all will be glad to see her repatriated to the house.  Lucy Lab was allowed to stay another day - her owners were delayed in their return so will collect her a day late.  Lucy partied on.  Scarlett is due to return and Trebia is looking forward to a long visit with her boyfriend. 

The house crew, with their diminished numbers, are thriving.  Haircuts for spring have been the order of the week and continue.  Patti is now bathed and coiffed - looking pretty spiffy.  That leaves final touch ups on Billy and all will be complete for a while.  Handsome young Gabe suspects he is the best looking until Dolly disabuses him of his notions and delusions of grandeur. 

Dinner was burgers - not impressive at first glance but with lovely pancetta and some asiago swelling the innards, they seem to suffice.  The fast disappearing sea salted squares sufficed for dessert.  And we are on to a new week . . .

Spring days and a road trip of sorts

With the spring equinox came sunshine and warm weather.  Now, it is understood that there will be spring rains, spring storms with sleet accompaniment to knock on the windows and spring mud up to our knees but at the moment, we enjoy the spring sunshine and warm temperatures.  The high was 12 C with sun - a perfect day for a turn of season adventure.  It was off to Summerville for dinner with the Marshalls, Dawn and Jimmy.   A bit off the beaten path, ok a long way from anywhere, really, Doris served up a local fish extravaganza.  There was maple glazed Char, shrimp (sans Lee), mussels and sea bass with a lovely butter velouté, scallops and smoked whitefish served in baked apples (fabulous).  Salad, potatoes, spinach etc and finally a hazelnut cake - Doris is German after all.  Now, our Ken does not covet hazelnuts.  And there was a carrot cake alternative.  Everyone else gave Doris' specialty a nod.  Our Ken waited patiently for his carrot cake.  And it arrived - the size of a silver dollar, one little morsel in the center of the plate.  Our Ken looked left at his wife's dessert, across at Louella and on to Bob.  He looked right at Dawn's plate resplendent with a large two layer portion of the famous cake and back at his morsel.  Lesson learned. 

The kennel ticks along.  Lucy Lab is happily barrelling around her yard.  Scarlett's run awaits her imminent return.  Rozzie waved a cheery good by and all is well in Sarah's world.  Piper is ticked and sharing her thoughts.  All of Nova Scotia is aware that a terrible injustice has been done. 

The house dogs are well and happy.  They had company aplenty and that is always a good thing in their minds.  Patti is smiling from ear to ear as is Abigail.  Gabe happily showed his charms and Marilla was thrilled to advise that, in her opinion she is well and truly pregnant. 

Lunch was popular panini.  Dinner at Doris'.  Life goes on

Wind and warm days - we are blessed.

Life is ticking along.   Our Ken's family MD saw him yesterday - the doctor well rested after a week's sojourn south.  Confirmation was received of the diagnoses by the pretenders seen previously - assuring Our Ken that he is healing as well as can be expected, that the massive bruising is normal and that there will likely always be a 'knob' as a reminder of this experience.   And there endeth the lesson.  It was a day of opportunity in the city with a trip to Costco, lunch with Our Ken's brother and an opportunity to torture their favourite waitress.  Turns out she is a daughter of a contemporary of Our Ken and is the only person to ever manage to get our stalwart alpha male in trouble in school - it was elementary school and Our Ken recounts the story of the carving of initials in a bathroom as if it were yesterday . . .  with righteous indignation.  A new washing machine for the money hungry kennel was purchased and it was home again, home again jiggedy jig. 

The kennel is hopping and Piper is seeing to the activity level.  Her time in that building will be as short as is possible, we suspect.  Sarah will not be sorry to see her return to the house.  Lucy Lab is well and happy, enjoying the fabulous weather and her exercise yards.  Rozzie is sitting perfectly in her inside run, awaiting her return home but also enjoying the kennel buzz - on the sly.  Scarlett went home for the week end with a promise to return the first of the week.   Her owner is finishing up in PEI at the end of the month but has agreed to go on to NB to assist there in April.  Scarlett will enjoy the full unfolding of spring at Regalridge. 

The house dogs are delighted with the great weather.  Somewhat more clement at 12 degrees Celsius, the wind brought a change in circumstances that made the Airedales dance.  Young Gabe is thoroughly enjoying the increased activity level of the older dogs.  Billy's collar was a victim of that enthusiasm, much to Our Ken's disgust.  Patti has a new lease on life as a result of the warmer weather and expects a ball game daily.  Jack en enjoying his marches on the kitchen deck, making the yellow Grosbeaks fly is a particular pleasure.  The beautiful flock is still with us and brings daily joy.  Billy and Clint had a warm chat about the girls in season - Clint may have been a bit boastful and Billy had perhaps been touched by the green-eyed monster - it was quite an exchange from either side of a solid fence. 

Dinner was the remains of the pork roast with the apple based sauce and a chunky applesauce, potatoes and peas for Our Ken.  The lovely caramel squares with the dark chocolate ganache and maldon sea salt flakes ended the meal - to Our Ken's pleasure.  and we look to another lovely day tomorrow. . .

Temperatures in excess of 80 fahrenheit

Belnan was warmer than Richmond Virginia.  Perhaps that is enough said about the weather.  Linda was incredulous and the rest of us scrambled for summer clothes.  Our Ken is digging trenches between bouts of icing his leg.  The water table is high and drainage is a challenge.  With rain forecast and the real spring yet to come, it will be interesting to see how that precipitation falls away.  Bulbs are breaking the ground, the snowdrops are blooming their little hearts out and an early spring seems to be the order of the day.  There is colour in the shrubs and buds are beginning to swell.  Everyone seems more awake and Tony will soon tire of "House', come out of his burrow and rejoin the game. 

The kennel is perking along.  Piper is absolutely disgusted with this accommodation and has offered in all ways possible to share her digs with Lee.  The rest of the dogs would be happy to advise Piper on alternate housing.  Marguerite is separated from the rough play for the moment and is managing a yard of her own.  Airedale puppies are due the third week of May.  Trebia has bonded with Lee during Our Ken's convalescence and had a lovely carry back to her run after a spin around the property.  That pleased the speedy hound and made Our Ken humph.  Rozzie is enjoying her vacation, is managing her area as only Rozzie, yodelling in counterpoint to Piper.  Lucy Lab is eating well and holding up her end of the equation.  Scarlett is looking forward to being repatriated for the week end. 

The house dogs are well and enjoying the unusual heat wave.  Charlotte would live outside if it were permitted and has even offered up her favourite bed to stay out a few minutes longer.  The boys are focused on the kennel, noses working overtime.  Little Gabe has joined them but has no idea why!  Marilla is doing her best to take Piper's place in the kitchen.  Dolly is not amused and moves her as often as is possible. 

Dinner was spring fare - salmon steaks grilled by Our Ken, asparagus, squash and potatoes.  Caramel chocolate shortbread finished the repast with a nod from the alpha male - best that can be expected.  And on we go . . .

summer weather is here

The weather is really not credible, but there it is; 25 Celsius with bright sun.  And even higher temperatures tomorrow.  The dogs are tickled and have determined that the end of winter is something to look forward to.  Mud season, of course, is in full swing.  There is intimate familiarity with the front part of the property since much of it has been tracked into the den.  Our Ken is contemplating projects as he surveilles his leg.  It is sporting all colours of the rainbow and a few the good Lord has yet to design.  While there has been time spent in the kennel, there is little walking about so a nod to the injury continues.  Lee has discovered that excellent vision may not be all that it is cracked up to be.  Where did all of this cleaning requirement originate? 

The kennel rocks along.  Piper is completely underwhelmed and is using her considerable talents to reach out to anyone who might understand the predicament she finds herself in.  That ratchets up the overall activity level of the kennel  by about 100%.  Scarlett is carefully watching Sarah and Lori, thinking that they are slightly more sensible than Miss |Piper (or that it is far easier to emulate the less vocal among them).  Marguerite is in the process of being bred and is less than amused that her beauty sleep is being interrupted by Piper's yodelling.  On the opposite side of the building, Rozzie manages her domain with alacrity.  Lucy Labrador has the exercise yard firmly under control and is enjoying the wonderful weather noting that it could be made better only by a free-feeding station set up under the canopy of the run. 

The house dogs are torn.  Lee is busy in the house and requires careful scrutiny but the sun and warm weather calls.  Charlotte gave up and spent her day basking in the sunshine.  Gabe was not given an option so trolled his yard hoping for victims  - Rocky occasionally obliged.   Billy took on his yo-yo side, certain that the girls in the kennel needed his company but equally certain that Lee needed his supervision.  It was a tough call for Sir Bill.  Abigail encouraged Jack to great heights as the two wandered on the kitchen deck.   Patti was in and out and managed a ball game as did Dolly. 

There were pear and cranberry muffins to start the morning.  Our Ken approved.  Lunch was grilled ham and Swiss on rye panini. Dinner was the opening of the season's bar b que with grilled beef tenderloin, potatoes, sweet onion, mushrooms and fresh asparagus with parmesan followed by ginger pound cake with brandied peaches.  Life goes on

The weather is fabulous

Regalridge is safe and sound.  It has been a while and your concerns have been appreciated.  There were winter events in 2012 that mitigated to require a blog hiatus.  Lee has new eyes.  What a revelation.  Having had serious eye issues for a while, a new procedure offered hope for improved vision.  With a few hiccups along the way, the surgery was undertaken, recovery managed and voila - who knew the world was so interesting.  With kudos to a tremendous surgeon, the operation was far more successful than had been envisaged (it had to be typed) and the world is now a new place.  Phil the pheasant's feathers are brilliant, the sky is blue and there is writing on those green signs along the highway!  Our Ken managed Regalridge and Lee with aplomb - well, the food part of the winter may have suffered a bit - and the house still stands.  Fortunately, the winter project became replacement of the heating system in the kennel, not because there was anything wrong with it but because government regulations had made it obsolete.  So, a wonderful new high tech propane system is now in place and Our Ken did not have to be a project manager but for two days.  Thinking back to the winter long flooring, painting, reorganization projects, this was an expensive walk in the park.  And then Our Ken decided that a little attention was in order.  Taking on the winter's recycling, he bumped his shin on the way to the depot.  Returning home, there was a lump the size of a fist and significant pain.  A trip to Emergency was followed by a visit to one of his contemporaries - yes Our Ken went to Dalhousie with a fellow who is still practising medicine.  His leg (two weeks later) remains black blue and yellow from the shin to the foot.  The lump has reduced but remains.  He was unable to weight bear for several days.  It has been an event. 

The kennel was quiet in January, busier in February and is going strong in March.  Scarlett (Annie of walkabout fame) has been in residence for the winter as her owner has taken on a new challenge a province away.  She is highly approving of her winter vacation as a sister of Marilla would be.  Every adventure has delighted her and each new dog is a friend.  Sarah has had a good winter, has become a close friend to Our Ken and a manager of Lee.  These jobs suit her well.  Harvey the Westie has just departed with a wave and promise to return.  He's a great little fellow.  Lucy Lab is in residence at the moment, enjoying the fine weather and her friends at the kennel.  A particularly collegial lady, Lucy welcomes all comers to her exercise yard.  Rozzie is perhaps the antithesis of Lucy.  As pretty as a picture, she is all sweetness and light in her own area and doesn't brook invaders. 

The house dogs are well.  Miss Patti continues to bounce along, enjoying visitors and playing ball at her advanced age.  Poor Piper is in season and calling out to Lee to spring her from the building housing dogs.  Marguerite is in the process of being bred to Clint.  That means Regalridge Airedale babies in May.  Billy is teaching the puppy tricks and nobody but the puppy is approving.  The puppy has taken on the role of intrepid reporter, no doubt as a result of Billy's urging.  He climbs the ladder that Ken has leaned against the fence next to exercise yard one and gives news of the goings on.  Clint and Billy urge him on.  Abigail is looking for a little playmate.  Jack is squarely in her sights and, although somewhat bemused, he is taking on her adulation without rancor. 

Dinners have been improving as Lee has returned to the kitchen.  From Sole Amandine to Boeuf bourguinon and last night chicken in a shallot-mushroom sherry cream sauce, Our Ken is looking happier by the day.  Brownies have been abundant, a ginger pound cake appeared and supported various fruits and creams, apple and pear crisp followed some meals and cranberry orange bread was available for morning coffee.  Brussel sprouts are always enjoyed through the winter (by all but Chantelle and Piper) as is asparagus and squash.  Potatoes are occasoinally supplanted by a risotto much to Our Ken's disgust.  And we persevere.