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