We just don't value November enough

It is Christmas in the city. Ken had an appointment so we were off to the city early, greeted by Christmas decorations and stores with full seasonal displays. The only nod to November was the sale of poppies at entrances and the bright flash of red on the coats of frenzied shoppers. The birds and dogs were looked after and our pantry refilled as two large carts found their way to the Costco check out. The good news is that tortiere has arrived for its' holiday appearance and fresh dates are available along with persimmons. Sophie would like to announce that she received a new bolster bed and that it is very special! We may be able to get her off of it by Christmas.

It was a bright and breezy day so the dogs were content to be outside playing terrier games. We watched the rope toys as they flew through the trees with Georgie, Clint and Lola in hot pursuit. Baby Viola is growing up and still looking to her Mom for advice on that major undertaking. Paula continues to dote on the little character, supervising her activities through the day and teaching her all of the essentials - how to put your feet in the water dish when you are done drinking, how to bark when the wrong birds are at the feeder and the latest, how to get a running start to jump on the high couch. Little Viola is challenged by her short legs on that last one and is struggling to figure out how that levitation thing works as her nose hits the cushion time and again.

The kennel is doing well with the geriatric ward ticking along. Willie really enjoys his baked chicken so we are satisfied that he is thriving at 16. Savannah and Bear think he is an old dog and treat him with the respect due a senior. The circus is the circus.

Ken is sorting his projects for the late fall, getting the property ready for winter. We are tip toeing around the holiday season and will ease into it soon. Shopping is well underway and dates for parties are being added to the calendar. Somehow we do hope to slow things down a bit this year but I think we tried that last year and the one before - and perhaps the one before that. Dad called to ask about Christmas lists and also to provide a weather warning. His weather channel (coveted by Ken who feels it is far better than ours) forecast a nor'easter for Thursday night for Halifax. Time will tell.

Wet weather and squash soup

Warm and wet was the order of the day and the dogs think it could be worse. They like the warm weather and don't mind a wet coat - the people are a little less supportive of that environment. Nick and Piper spent the day with Ken in the spa at Regalridge. They look great and are ready for winter! Nick is proud as punch of his haircut and bath; Piper a little less so is much more focused on things moving in her tummy.

The kennel is rocking and all are eating. Willie requested chicken so we baked chicken thighs for him much to his approval. We fear for his next thought. Savannah is less demanding and Bear just goes with whatever is on offer. Old dogs rule. The 'Circus' on the other hand is active and well settled. They all take to kennel life like ducks to water.

The weather slowed Ken's outside project and drove him to the grooming room. Lee worked on paperwork and a meeting with one of the Vet clinics for the CKC. Dinner was a lovely chicken with mustard-wine sauce with Ken's potatoes and vegetables. Squash from the garden was turned into a nice fall soup and will appear on a menu this week.

PEI was a success

All is well the first week of November. We are back from PEI with ribbons and points on the babies. Clint and Georgie were great little characters at their first show and loved every minute. They were a little concerned as they were parted for the drive over but Clint settled well and enjoyed his first road trip. He was reunited with his sister when we all got to Covehead and the two partied - most of the night. They were likely the only two in the house happy to be facing the adventure of a dog show the next morning. Logan won all three terrier groups and a Best In Show. Jessie Rachel looked great and showed well in very tough competition. Georgie even managed to snare a rosette as Best Puppy In Group on Sunday. The weather was great all four days - warm, easily navigated and a true bonus for early November.

The dogs at home were content to look after the property, not missing the energy level of the missing puppies. Sophie had lots of ball games and ate well - bonus! Billy was bemused - where the heck was Ken - a grievous error had occurred and it didn't even bear thinking about that Nick was missing as well because Ken could never be that much of a traitor.

The kennel was busy with Old Willie teaching John that feeding included hamburger and hamburger and don't be worrying about dog food because it doesn't work when you are 16. Nova Boxer came for exercise and ran to her heart's content in the big yard. Savannah is doing great - as Welsh generally do. The Nangreaves circus is thriving and happy. We are anticipating Anjin's arrival since he needs to have his tune up now.

Arriving back at dinnertime, we managed a bar b que with the addition of Ken's potatoes and squash. It's always good to get home (although the strip loins, lobster and scallops in PEI at the farmhouse weren't exactly roughing it). And it's on to the routine as the week unfolds.