All is well in the Regalridge world. Christmas is in the offing and seems to be slightly more moderate in its approach than in other years. The trimming has happened, although Our Ken has determined that with the critical outside lighting program achieved, other trees, shrubs and bushes have potential. As long as stores have outdoor lights left unsold, the electric bill is likely to rise proportionately. The indoor activity is on track and less pressured than usual, so quite obviously necessary things have been totally forgotten and will raise their shiny heads at the last minute, requiring frantic manoeuvers to deal with the oversights. The weather has been particularly clement, allowing comfortable coming and going and safe trips for the travellers among us. The Regalridgemobile has taken numerous treks to and from the city, consistently returning heavier than it leaves. Consistency is good! Shopping is winding down, wrapping almost complete and baking barely begun. The tree has migrated to the den and a small version stationed in the living room. Tree trimming is emotional. Each ornament, here, has meaning. some were made by Lee's Mom. Some were purchased on trips throughout the world. Many are gifts from wonderful friends while others are annual additions, a tradition that started long before there was a Regalridge. Each holds a memory and each memory is a good one in its own way. Rushing the process would be silly. It is a big part of Christmas here and requires stories be retold and placements carefully considered. Beyond the big tree, there is a new festival of trees on the hearth and sparkly trees throughout the great room. Somehow, the trimming has changed completely. So far, Our Ken has not fussed. The birds are plentiful; There are Jays, the two pair of woodpeckers, chickadees, starlings, the total Nova Scotia population of mourning doves, the resident crows, grosbeaks, cowbirds and Phil the pheasant and his harem. Adding the squirrels and the little chipmunks, the seed supplier is not going to have to worry about Christmas cash. The addition to the feeding station this year is a peanut feeder. In the shape of a wreath, it was acquired in Ontario and is a real hit with the NS Jays. They party as soon as they see it move from its branch to the table to be filled and may soon remove Our Ken's hat in the competition to be first at the bar. Phil is spectacular this year, in fine feather and good weight, his greens, reds and bronze feathers gleaming as he trots about the front yard to his station under the chestnut.
The Airedales are enjoying the season, particularly delighting in the increased level of activity that brings friends and relatives to the doors. Even Marguerite and Trebia have put on their company manners and are welcoming. The little hound is Lee's shadow and has finally convinced the humans that a significant car trip should be in her repertoire. That worked well provided Lee's lap was present and holding a Cirneco. It was less successful when the same Cirneco was placed in her crate with her blanket and toys. Hounds can and do howl when annoyed, it seems. Her future as a world traveller is uncertain.
Meals are changed up in December. Fish is easy to come by - everything from lobster ('tis the season), to scallops and oysters. There is lots of haddock locally and salmon is abundant (but farmed). Our favourite fish truck is rocking and recognizes the Regalridgemobile from a distance. The week has included salmon steaks, roast sirloin of pork with an herb and apple glaze, beef tenderloin, chicken and spaghetti. Tonight scallops will round out the range. Baking has begun but not before Our Ken went hunting and gathering. It was when he brought home a box of 'Little Debbie's seasonal treats' that a stop had to be put to his fun. The wounded mutter was that "they can go on the tree as decorations". Think about that for a second - chocolate cakes hung by something? on the tree described above in a room filled with Airedales and the hound. Sure. Let's break them right out. The decision is whether or not to remove the cellophane . . .
The Airedales are enjoying the season, particularly delighting in the increased level of activity that brings friends and relatives to the doors. Even Marguerite and Trebia have put on their company manners and are welcoming. The little hound is Lee's shadow and has finally convinced the humans that a significant car trip should be in her repertoire. That worked well provided Lee's lap was present and holding a Cirneco. It was less successful when the same Cirneco was placed in her crate with her blanket and toys. Hounds can and do howl when annoyed, it seems. Her future as a world traveller is uncertain.
Meals are changed up in December. Fish is easy to come by - everything from lobster ('tis the season), to scallops and oysters. There is lots of haddock locally and salmon is abundant (but farmed). Our favourite fish truck is rocking and recognizes the Regalridgemobile from a distance. The week has included salmon steaks, roast sirloin of pork with an herb and apple glaze, beef tenderloin, chicken and spaghetti. Tonight scallops will round out the range. Baking has begun but not before Our Ken went hunting and gathering. It was when he brought home a box of 'Little Debbie's seasonal treats' that a stop had to be put to his fun. The wounded mutter was that "they can go on the tree as decorations". Think about that for a second - chocolate cakes hung by something? on the tree described above in a room filled with Airedales and the hound. Sure. Let's break them right out. The decision is whether or not to remove the cellophane . . .
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