Here comes the - cloud

Well, the weather continues - showers, cloud, hot if the sun makes a five minute appearance then back to showers.  In spite of everything from the skies, Our Ken continues to garden.  Flowers are the order of the day.  He doesn't have the heart for vegetables.  There is some potential for tomatoes but seed would do nothing in this weather.  The tulips are in their last days (a month late) and the azaleas are blooming with the fruit trees and the strawberries.  And the swallows have returned.  The most industrious of little birds, they have put an addition on their nest (built on the eave over the back door) so we are in the dark until the babies depart.  The little male keeps us company in the early morning, sitting on the wind chime or the bell and singing his songs to the dogs as they go in and out under his beak.  He doesn't move as we go about our chores, filling water buckets and cleaning up as he chirps and gurgles not six inches away.  There is a great element of trust in that little fellow who was born here and returns annually with his mate.  There was a very well attended Atlantic Terrier Association dog walk in Timberlea in the afternoon and the weather actually co-operated.  There were Airedales and Welsh, Miniature Schnauzers and a Norfolk, Westies and Staffy Bull owners, all enjoying the break in the weather. 

The house dogs are not amused by the weather.  Even Charlotte is bemused and spending as much time in doors as out.  Marguerite has moved from upstairs down and is happily managing her family in the whelping room.  That gives her better access to the kitchen (her favourite room of the house) and better ability to cavort with her cohorts when the whim crosses her mind.  The babies are growing quickly.  That always amazes us. 

Dinner was a result of the Saturday voyage.  There were Digby scallops and they were fabulous, accompanied by asparagus and potatoes.  Dessert was a blueberry cake.  Life is good.

There is sun in the Valley

All is well and with a little travel, it is now confirmed that there still is a sun.  It was a day to venture forth so Lee and Ken departed early (for them) to the Annapolis Valley.  The search was for good weather and there it was - a well kept secret, even requiring air conditioning by times.  It was apple blossom week end so festivities were at their annual high in the center of the Valley.  The van carried on and found its way to the Annapolis market - a perennial favourite.  Stocking up on Austrian bread and pastries and some interesting varieties of tomatoes, additional finds included a pottery piece that incorporates a dog and a fabulous hand woven European tablecloth.  A little carnival glass rounded out the excursion.  Bob, Luella and Gail met us there.  Since Newman's has closed there was the question of a new restaurant.  A local favourite has new ownership and offered up great seafood.  A leisurely return trip up the Valley took the happy travellers to the great nursery in Berwick where yet more pansies and  ferns were added to the rapidly filling vehicle.  Then it was on to Kentville to torture Tony and Karen for a while.  They had lived in relative safety at the top of a hill, 72 rights and lefts off of the main road.  The lovely home is no longer safe from Regalridge - may have to move, Tony. Ever the excellent host and hostess, Anjin and Avalon shared their favours and showed off their new palatial apartments custom made by Tony.  Home by mid-evening. the greetings from the Airedales and Welsh were boisterous.  Chantelle eventually made her good byes and tawdled off home, only to have a close and personal encounter with some uniformed law officers - with Our Ken offering up his standard "hmph - told you so" high road response to her phone call.  Such a diplomat is Our Ken. 

The kennel is quiet.  Chantelle spent the day trimming dogs with a new Irish added to her mix.  Little Bella is partying hard, having heard the rumour that she will be going home soon.  She is the happiest character on the planet, we reckon. 

The house dogs are well.  Clem has enjoyed her Regalridge visit, is perking up now that the weather is improving and her seasonal alopecia is clearing to make way for a new Airedale coat.  Marguerite and the family are well.  She is a great mother and seems to enjoy her puppies in true Airedale fashion.  Watching the Airedales in the yards early in the day, there is always that moment in the year when the grass has greened, the leaves are new and bright and the beautiful Airedales look their best.  Felicia is trimming Atlas.  She has done an incredible job to this point and with his spring look, stood out as a true 'champion' against the bright greens. 

Dinner - well, it was collected based on what was open in Elmsdale.  Enough said. 

There are leaves with no sun - how could that happen

We are back.  Lee was away for a bit so the blog was interrupted.  The weather is not worth speaking of - wet, cool, damp, cool, raining, cool, threatening to rain, cool, heavy overcast and occasionally humid.  The brief glimpses of sun brought scorching heat.  Spring has been a mess.  The big news in Our Ken's world is a new lawn tractor.  He invested a fair amount for a more comfortable seat as far as anyone can tell when listening to him extol the virtues.  The sad part is that gardening is all but impossible with this weather.  There are flowers in - who knows if they will do anything but the many bags of soil and fertilizer certainly make the most attractive beds around.  There is some hmphing surrounding the solar lights that are giving up after years of stalwart service and even more on the fact that it's not worth planting vegetables.because of the ground conditions.  Interestingly, there is the potential for a significant strawberry crop.  Last year it was blackberries in abundance.  The year before raspberries.  Thank goodness the berry fairies alternate to give Lee some slack.  Chantelle is planning, planning, planning for her trip to the US in the upcoming week.  There is excitement mounting.

The kennel is quiet.  The end of May and June seem to be the quiet times.  Little Bella is in residence and has received her gold star for brightest little light in the kennel.  Our Ken is delighted with her antics and she is delighted with life in general, kicking up her little heels and always tickled to work with whoever it is that is speaking with her.  Laurel is here and in season. 

The house dogs are fine.  May has a new routine in the morning that involves soaking her favourite treats , following those up with potion.  She is a happy Norwich.  Abigail needed some hair attention and is sporting a Silky Terrier look that is highly interesting.  Laurel has us dancing attendance as she stalls in her season.  No point in making this too easy.  Marguerite has babies and is looking after them with Airedale aplomb.  They are a beautiful litter.  

Dinner was the Redwood with Debbie.  It was a fabulous meal - ranging from haddock to Crepes with everything imaginable in between.  All were impressed as is usual at this restaurant. 

Rain - now and forever

Guess what - it is still raining.  The water table is now so high that the ground is offering up pools of water.  All rubber boots are at the ready and so well used that the odd one springs a leak.  Duct tape to the rescue.  Piper has enquired about boots and Jack now flatly refuses to go down to his run, preferring the solid deck to the squishy ground.  The resistance is expanding.  Lee managed a trip to the city with Marguerite.  Ken went the opposite way to Truro for meetings.  The Toyota got it's spring shoes on and they are a good fit.  Our Ken is pleased.  There is lots of organizing as Lee gets ready for a trip West.  And life continues to unfold. 

The kennel is emptying out.  Barrett departed with a most interesting procedure - one known only to elite trainers, perhaps.  It seems to involve a bouncing Gordon departing without a leash or a person, returning happily when called and then doing a dance that any Dancing With the Starts contestant would envy.  This manoeuvre is followed by a routine that seems to require the dog going underneath the elite trainer, another that shows off his big ears particularly well and finally there may have been a sit (not an obvious one but a sharp eye may have picked it up) prior to the collar slipping over the head.  Leashing a terrier sure is boring by comparison.  Old Willie left with a spring in his step and a wave.  His owner was mighty impressed by his new mobility.  Jax bolted off of the property with his owner, complaining about the terrible weather and Ken's exercise program.  His owner was laughing.  Margaret and Shillelagh remain in full voice and Lucy Airedale is keeping an eye on them.  She can't imagine what it is they talk about with such clarity but agrees that it must be complicated since ti takes such long and detailed conversation.  Ceilidh has now settled into a run next to her hero Sarah and is as happy as a little Wheaten can be.  The outdoors holds great allure since she can actually touch Sarah when they are in the exercise yard.  That is just perfect in Ceilidh's mind. 

The house dogs remain indoors as much as is possible.  Paula, Jack and the Norwich were out on the deck before dinner and Abigail stomped back into the house claiming that we are trying to drown her.  She has ordered picket signs.  Marguerite is well and truly pregnant.  There will be Airedale puppies in the near future.  And Laurel is in season and is coming for a Regalridge visit.  Billy is enjoying the run of the house in the evening and has a routine developed to amuse Lee that includes a roll on the couch, his head on her head, a run around the den and incremental bouncing.  It is quite a production - perhaps a run up to a Cirque de Soleil audition. 

Dinner was lovely chicken with Lee's grandmother's pasta and tomato casserole.  Since Ken did not recognize it, this may be its' first appearance in 30 years.  It was as good as Lee remembered and Our Ken approved.  And dessert was a Ken favourite - Girl Guide cookies . . .

Showers are not considered an improvement

Our Ken has given up and is digging in the mud.  The forecast is for rain, rain adn more rain so he has decided to ready flower beds and put in his annuals come what may.  Finding a dry enough period, he even manged to mow.  It is amazing that grass grows without sun.  Lee managed a full day with the morning at REgalridge, early afternoon at the dog show and mid-afternoon through early evening at the nursing home visiting with Shelagh.  Shelagh was in good spirits, watching oen of Chantelle's videos on her computer when Lee arrived.  Pausing the movie, they had a great chat about Shelagh's dogs (with specific and pointed questions about Abigail), the wins at the dog shows and the advent and lineage of the Reserve Best In Show award.   Shelagh reminded Lee of the background of several exhibitors, dogs they had previously shown and the evolution of the individual's dog show history.  It was the best visit in a very  and testament to Shelagh's progress in speech and strength.  A lobster roll from Regalridge rounded out the visit.  Shelagh was highly pleased.  The winning photo for Avalon's Best Puppy In Show arrived and is incredibly well done.  She looks fabulous.

The kennel continues to be busy.  Margaret and Shillelagh are in charge of advising the perimeter of the presence of the visitors.  Old Bailey departed with a wave and promise to return.  Ceilidh and Sarah held the fort in yard four with Nemo.  They were supplanted by Trebia and Barrett for the afternoon at the races moments.  There is the Derby, the Belmont and the Barrett and Trebia.  Old Willie continues to do his miles and is in good form as well as excellent spirits.  He enjoys the pot pie and had brown rice cooked to accompany it for tomorrow's breakfast.  That and his Glyco Flex have turned him into a new dog - at 18 that is a feat.  Mischka departed for the next while with the intent to return for a very long visit as a result of his owner's leaving the country in the next couple of months.  Jax is happy to remain inside and rest up for the next meal..  Our Ken believes in exercise so Jax is encouraged and cajoled, making it outside on a regular if grudging basis. 

The house dogs are well and happy.  Marguerite is broadening and as happy as she can be.  She looks to Lee to be the accompaniment to her team of two and ignores Ken unless she has a particular torture developed for him.  Most recently, it was the customization of his favourite hat that he brought up from Virginia.  Two points for Marguerite.   Patti is well and keeping everyone in line.  She is not a fan of wet weather so exerts her authority sporadically in this weather.  The herding Norwich continue their heel nipping ways. and all but Marguerite ignore them. 

Dinner was grilled pork with potatoes, grilled apple and new carrots.  That worked. 

Of cats and dogs

It was a busy Saturday at Camp Regalridge.  Lee had a date with some Toy dogs at Dartmouth's Kennel Club show.  Our Ken had a date with the garden.  Good thing Felicia was here to keep things under control.  Chantelle had a wild party in Kennetcook (On checking late evening to ensure the village was still intact, the report was that all six beer had been consumed by the two wild partiers and that a pizza had been consumed).  No doubt Scout was not impressed.  He has rules after all.  Annuals are now planted and the flower beds are perking up nicely.  There is some consideration being given to moving the bedside tables to the foot of the bed.  While it would seem an unorthodox treatment in the bedroom, it might offer some increased sleep.  Sir Einstein has the regular need for a drink during the night and why would a cat go downstairs to his own water, or into the bathroom where there is always water for a cat or to the dish in the bedroom when he can simply walk on the heads of the people taking up too much room on his bed and drink from their night table glasses.  Our Ken has decided to become a bit more vocal in his objections to this nightly ritual (seems the cat feet pulling his hair are a tad bothersome), waking Lee, Billy and Piper.  Billy is not over fond of the tabby so generally supports Our Ken's protest and then the whole house is rocking.   Lee is considering the nightstand move. 

The kennel stays busy and Lucy Airedale arrived to add to the levity.  Related to Naomi, she expresses her opinions freely, joining Margaret and Shillelagh.  The little Welsh are back in charge and have rested up so are in full voice  Old Willie spent the full day marching around the kennel interior perimeter.  He seems tickled with his new found ambulatory abilities and is practising with a big smile (and to top his great day, he had his favourite chicken pot pie for dinner).  Old Bailey, Ceilidh Wheaten, Nemo and Sarah are enjoying each others' company.  Ceilidh will not go out without Sarah.  Her reluctance to leave her own run for the larger yards has vanished and she flies to the yards to find her hero.  This is a collegial is a disparate crew of short and long leg, dark and light coat and long and trimmed hair.  It is an interesting exercise yard.  Barrett and Trebia are having a whale of a time.  Ball games abounded because Felicia was here on this damp day.  Jax is a real character.  Trying to get him outdoors now elicits a sit with his paws up in the air - quite a manoeuvre for a huge Labrador and one that elicits a laugh every time.  Mischka is in residence and managing nicely, a very active senior OES.  He is sociable with Jax but misses Raggs.  Raggs is a real draw with the other dogs. 

The house dogs are thriving.  Piper has had a good start on a haircut.  Felicia is now queen of the stripping comb after a short lesson from Ken.  Piper has benefited greatly from that knowledge.  The great Norwich hunter remains chuffed and early morning brought our her herding abilities.  A la Sheltie, she nipped at the heels of each Airedale, hurrying them on their way outside for the first spin.  Marguerite was not amused.  She now has both Paula and Abigail in her sights.  The rest ignore her.  May provides vocal accompaniment. 

With Lee gone for the day, the kitchen was quiet. 

The sun still shines in parts of the world

There was a slight interruption in the blog as Lee and Ken drove to Yarmouth to give a Town Council presentation and Council's regular meeting.  And guess what - there is still a yellow orb in the sky.  It just doesn't seem to shine over the center of the Province.  The weather in Yarmouth and environs was fabulous.  The lobster was plentiful and in Yarmouth fashion was served in a white sauce over toast, in rolls and in the shell, in a lighter sauce in a bowl and in eggs at breakfast.  The grocery store sells lobster for 5.65/lb and the happy travellers did their best to support the local economy.  Council was welcoming and the Council chamber magnificent.  An early 20th century building houses the Town Hall, renovated but retaining much of its character.  The Annapolis Valley is well behind in planting.  The fields remain muddy red and a tractor would be swallowed whole before any tilling could occur.  The only crop in evidence is the dandelion. 

The kennel is still rocking.  Mischka is managing well but not amused by the weather.  His ins and outs are much quicker than would usually be the case.  That is a situation that is emulated by the Labrador Jax.  Jax is quite simply an indoor fellow.  He loves his indoor run and simply plants his considerable girth when encouraged to go outside - whether it is to his outdoor run or to the exercise yard.  You never know when food could appear and you wouldn't want to miss is is Mr Jax credo.  Barrett is here and woo wooing his way through life with Trebia.  He is always tickled to be at the kennel and his Gordon Setter feathers are flying as the two race around yard four.  What a pair - the sleek and lithe Cirneco racing the elegant Setter.  Miss Ceilidh is still the shadow of Sarah Airedale  and seems to enjoy any thought that Sarah decides to share.  Old Bailey joins there rambles through the yard, offering Golden sentiments once she is bribed to go outside.  Now ti takes both her own leash and a treat to convince her that the walk is worthwhile.  Nemo enjoys Bailey but is pretty sure that he has heard that his dear love Lucy is coming to visit soon so is saving himself for that blessed event.  Old Willie has become so mobile that he now prefers to stay outside as long as is possible - this with a dog who could barely stand when he arrived.  Glyco Flex is working its magic and Willie's ambulation is remarkable.  Giving Chantelle his back on more than one occasion as she tried to close the kennel on Thursday night, she finally resorted to picking the old fellow up and carrying him in to bed.  Willie was not amused.  He is pretty sure Raggs has simply been misplaced and that if he looks hard enough he will find her. 

Monday is the day for the x-ray for our pregnant Marguerite.  In the interim, Piper is certain she is pregnant (the fact that she isn't bred means nothing, of course) and tried to convince anyone who would listen that she needs to be somewhere special to have the puppies that she doesn't have in her tummy.  All were happy to see the return of Ken and Lee, if only to tell of their adventures.  It is always interesting to reconnect with the Regalridge crew.  They respond with huge affection if we have been away a night or a week.  This return brought little dog stories - big stories.  Now think about Abigail - she weighs about 8 pounds and is very close to the ground.  She is 11+ and has more enthusiasm than capability.  Well, she now has a Great Hunter badge to add to her sash.  Felicia went out to check on her charges on the deck off of the kitchen to find Abigail prone on the deck glaring fiercely at Paula Welsh who was dancing around her in full voice.  May and Jack were ignoring the entire scene.  Picking the anxiety filled Paula up, Felicia was rewarded with a Welsh talking to as Abigail stood to give her little toothless Norwich self a shake and reveal her prize - a squirrel had succumbed and it was Abigail's prize.  With almost no teeth, no height and no previous hunting experience, little Abigail had her a squirrel and was hoping Felicia might have a tasty recipe that she could offer up for a special dinner.  Paula was incensed and Felicia taken aback.   The prey has now been given a proper burial.  Abigail is furious and Paula says she tells fibs.  Who knows what happened. 

Diner was catered by Swiss Chalet - it was late.  

Rain simply won't stop

And it rains.  No sign of a change - the front is stationary and how that can be with the winds that are constant is hard to say.  Phil the pheasant and his girlfriend still come daily for Ken's meals.  They spend a bit less time under the chestnut tree but are a constant in the morning.  They seem to be the only critters around who are accepting of the miserable weather.  Nobody has shared with Phil that his feathers aren't quite as resplendent when wet.  Our Ken managed a trip to the city to collect several shrubs that had taken his eye on his earlier voyage this week.  Betsy was full as she drove back into the yard.  Gardening will have to move into high gear if the weather co-operates.   

Raggs departed and Willie is bereft.  He is very uncertain that Ken would be cold hearted enough to lose the love of his life but did approve his meal of fettuccine Alfredo and chicken cutlet.  There are compensations.  Everyone waved to Raggs and went back to sleep.  Bailey is at a stage where ever her own leash is not enough motivation to get her to go out to the exercise area so a bribe has been instituted.  That works.  Poe is managing the inside area of the kennel and takes a very short spin outside.  Jax the Labrador who should like the water form the sky is underwhelmed beyond words.   Moving to the exercise area creates a need to sing his "let me back in' song.  Ceilidh is a fast friend of Sarah and adores 'her Airedale'.   She is a lovely little character and easy to manage. 

The Airedales and Welsh are spending their days on their beds in the den, keeping Patti company and thinking of the summer days ahead.  Spring has been a wash out.  Jack is not a water dog and resists mightily as we encourage him to take a spin in his yard.  Only Lily seems to shake off the elements and enjoy life as only a puppy can.  Marilla has planted herself firmly on the couch and opens one eye if anyone is silly enough to encourage her to move - people included.  The Norwich are occasionally found perched on top of her (they eventually move because Marilla is going nowhere).  Ken thought he might sit down - she encouraged him to go elsewhere.  Marguerite has moved into the house and is delighted.  She keeps Lee in line and plots against Ken - at the moment, she is ahead. 

Dinner was a lovely fettuccine Alfredo with a chicken cutlet with a great tomato and Parmesan sauce.  Life is good. 

Oh Lord, don't let the rains come down

And it continues.  Even Charlotte is now saying 'enough already'.  It was a day of rain and wind - steady, on going rain that was worse on the coast.  Our Ken left late morning, muttering about hunting and gathering since there was nothing else that could be done in the weather.  The report on return was that there were so many cars in the Costco parking lot that it looked like a convention.  Interestingly, the store itself didn't seem that crowded.  Shopping has commenced for a new lawn tractor.  Now, there's a fun spring venture - watching Our Ken develop a dialogue with strangers about a machine - admission could finance the project.  Phil and Philomena are arriving daily in the downpours and snack for a few hours.  Seems we are down to one favoured girl pheasant.  Phil is now the size of a small greenhouse and magnificent (as compared to his appearance at the start of Ken's feeding regimen last fall. 

The kennel remains busy.  Wee Margaret and Shillelagh departed mid-afternoon amid a flurry of clapping from the other dogs - we are certain it was approbation for their sustained yodelling talents.  Only Old Willie supports the wet weather.  He is so focused on his new found ability to stroll (we have added Glyco Flex with his owners' agreement to his burger and it has made a huge difference for him) that he no longer wants to return to his kennel area.  The rest have to be towed out to the exercise yards and are ready to return immediately that they have finished their ablutions.  Poe is well and settled, in charge of his own area and happy to rest in this weather.  Raggs agrees with Poe's method of dealing with the elements and perks up only as Old Willie, her erstwhile suitor wanders past, gazing at her in adoration and wagging his tail.  Felicia decided that a major high level cleaning was the answer to the day's offerings so had an afternoon to chat with the assembled masses.  They like that.  Old Bailey  settled in and slept much of the day away with a nod to the weather, going out only under protest.  Ceilidh has bonded with Sarah Airedale and is looking up to her bigger friend in adoration.  Jax agreed that rain is not a good thing, had a quick spin under protest - all 90 pounds of Labrador, protesting getting his feet wet -  but approved the meals and treats.  Lacey departed early in the day so Poe will have to find another soul mate if the weather ever breaks.  Mischka has never enjoyed bad weather and with his new haircut is happy to stay inside and keep his short hair dry.  He likes Raggs as well - she has a way with the boys. 

The house crew are muttering about moving to Arizona - wherever that is.  We remind Piper that she doesn't like heat but are getting some push back.  The Norwich spent the day in front of the fire (yes, mid-May and the fire is still on).  The Norwich were happy.  Paula was beside herself when put out in the elements - noting that if the Norwich want to wet on the floor inside, that it's good enough for her.  Marguerite is getting larger by the day and looking to have a nice litter developing.  Puppies in a week and a half will be a wonderful addition to the house. 

Dinner was grilled steak with onions, riced potatoes, fresh squash, chow and Hagen Daz and chocolate cookies.  Our Ken was a happy boy.

Th

Weather is the community focus

Someday there will be a day without rain.  Not for a while though.  Forecasts carry umbrellas, grey skies and winds.  Unfortunately, they are accurate.  There is no difficulty in watering in the plants.  The challenge is to find a period between rains to put those plants in.  There was a report on the strawberry bed - potential for a good crop notes Our Ken.  With blueberry bushes planted and the apple trees now offering up a yield, fruit could be abundant this year, augmented by the high yield blackberries.  The question will be the raspberry patch - dormant last year so perhaps preparing to offer up a better crop.  Our Ken managed to get some annuals in.  It seems a bit early but most are hardy little characters - pansies and a new larger daisy cousin.  The little violas are proudly blooming in the rose garden and daffodils are everywhere.  All of the shrubs have colour and leaves and the roses are showing this year's growth.  How all this has happened in monsoons and winds is beyond us. 

The kennel was full on the week end.  By last evening, Jack had departed with his spring hair cut and Brunswick followed suit shortly after.  Dewey was also here for a spa treatment and departed looking very spiffy.  The big exercise yard was filled with the interesting pairings - the Cirneco and old Welsh, Nemo; the old Golden Bailey and the Wheaten Ceilidh; Sarah Airedale kept order with Chantelle shaking her head in amazement at the many colours, shapes and sizes happily playing.  Poe and Lacey were next to each other in the separate yards and got good exercise as they chased up and down the common fence.  Mischka enjoyed his time in the big yard and checked all corners to ensure his predecessors hadn't messed things up too badly.  Jax arrived and in Lab-fashion cleaned his dish and then focused on bedtime milkbones, noting that his owners had left treats in an amount equal to two a day and that the Regalridge milkbones should be considered an addition to those, definitely not to be subtracted from the total!  Brunswick departed with a wave to her friend Mischka.  Old Willie is totally smitten with Raggs.  As she is taken to the exercise yard, if he is out for his strolls he perks up and goes trotting after her - not an easy feat when you are 18.  If Raggs has noticed, she is being quite coy. 

The house crew is well.  |Patti is eating well - today it was pizza for breakfast and burger and potatoes for dinner.  Potion, of course, is dessert and large milk bones an addition.  She is thriving on her interesting diet.  Piper is not amused and questions her plebeian fare.  With Chantelle here for a visit, there was lots of coming and going.  Charlotte enjoys that change in life and managed to elicit several belly rubs as her reward for good behaviour.  Paula explained to Chantelle that she is not an outdoor dog and Lily noted that her place in the car must need to be filled - by her - pretty darned soon.  Viola was here for a play with Lily and was well pleased.  Jessie was here - we're not sure why - and was less pleased when she discovered that she wouldn't be fed until she went home.  Not funny, she muttered - repeatedly. 

Dinner was a feast.  Our Ken had gone hunting and gathering, finding lobster for the basis of a great meal.  Adding fresh asparagus with fresh Parmesan and baked potatoes rounded out a wonderful meal.  Eton Mess rounded things out nicely.  And we look forward to a new week. 

The week end is here and the kennel is busy

All is well.  There was lots of activity; Felicia came to help out and Patti was tickled.  The weather improved slightly.  Our Ken's thoughts turned to gardening and all was well with the world.  Consideration was given to beds that were to be enlarged or augmented.   Holes were dug and fertilized.  Roses now have a plot of their own and a rose garden is in the making.  A little spruce was added to a corner and the magnolia had its new abode developed.  The showers that were actually a full fledged downpour certainly watered them in well.  Gardening days appeal to the dogs since supervision is their strength in all things revolving around dirt.  Charlotte, of course, excels.  Chantelle arrived late in the afternoon to start her trimming week end.  Jack is now roughed out and set to be finished up by tomorrow.  That will allow it to be a Welsh day on Sunday. 

Mischka had a good play with Brunswick.  Both bounced through the exercise yard and Brunswick was delighted with Mishcka's proffered friendship.  Sir Willie the ancient now is able to hop out of his run and walks around the kennel perimeter.  He approves of Raggs and sidles up to tell her geriatric dog stories each circuit he makes.  "He also has determined that large milk bones are in his repertoire if they are broken up - a plus that can be added to his burger and rice meals. Raggs enjoys that.  Bailey, Sarah, Nemo, Ceilidh and Raggs are a team.  They all have number four yard together and have a whale of a time.  Margaret and Shillelagh take an active interest in all of the kennel activity and have not missed anything at any time.  Poe is eating well but would like the water from the sky to cease and desist.  Jack arrived for grooming and settled in.  Lacey is here and happy to look after her area of the world.  She enjoys her yard to herself and has that ownership next to Poe who enjoys the adjoining yard in similar fashion. 

The  house dogs are fine.  All are happy to see at least a brightening of the sky and intermittent cessations of the deluge.  Charlotte notes that the ground has enough water that it will maintain through July for endless hours of digging pleasure.  Piper spends her time keeping a close eye on Lee - as much to avoid being stepped on or tripped over by her slightly unsteady and still recovering owner.  Piper's ability to move quickly has greatly improved.  Paula is checking Jack's new yard at every opportunity and is greatly disappointed that the escape routes have all been closed.  This will take more thought and some planning. 

There is a little more kitchen activity these days.  A banana-orange bread was put together with a nod to breakfast and dinner was the ubiquitous baked ham but still enjoyed by all.  And we look forward to Sunday . . .

Something brightened the sky for a whle - and then the rains returned

It was a day of hunting and gathering for both humans and off to the Valley the van took them.  Yes, remember that when Our Ken is in a vehicle it is the 'good' one.  Waving at Tony and Karen as we passed the dealership, there was a slow cruise through New Minas, Kentville, Cold Brook, Waterville - you get the idea.  You see, Our Ken was in fish and chip mode, the little hand had passed the 12 and then the 1.  But, the 376 restaurants that we gave a thumbs down were not prominently displaying a haddock so on we went.  Finally, after passing our destination (and yes, there was one) Our Ken succumbed to a restaurant with the tantalizing name of "Driftwood" undeterred by the hand printed, prominent sign on the outside door proclaiming "No food or drink allowed from other establishments".  Life with Our Ken is never dull.  And don't even go there as you wonder about food - after the slowest cruise through New Minas of any vehicle that was actually achieving forward momentum, he pondered the menu then read every word (including the Mother's Day menu) on the five blackboards before settling on the two piece fish and chips.  Now, the menu cautioned "very large fish portions" but Our Ken felt sufficiently chastened by Lee's gentle reminders and dug in his heels.  Well, the wheelbarrow was buckling as the two servers pushed out the plate and Our Ken blanched.  Lee sat back and enjoyed the show. 

The kennel is pretty much full.  Felicia held the fort for the day and held it well.  Joining the crew were Brunswick and Mischka as well as Lacey.  Poe misses the challenge of the big Shepherd.  He enjoyed a side by side exercise run with Lacey and each made the acquaintance of the other.  Mischka arrived with a spring look, a spring in his step and settled in - looking every inch the Old  English.  Brunswick is bouncing and chasing adventures, eating well and enjoying the bed bones.  Raggs is enjoying the company of Sarah, Trebia, Ceilidh and Nemo.   That is a happy crew and all play happily.  Willie is doing amazingly well, is much more mobile than when he arrived and is strolling the perimeter of the kennel on a regular basis now.   Margaret and Shillelagh are enjoying their vocalizations and have had a good spin in the big yards where their voices are secondary to exploration. 

The house dogs are well.  Patti is eating dry dog food for her hero, Felicia.  Piper had a brush out and looks like a large Lakeland at the moment - not, perhaps, her best look but a work in progress.    Paula had Marguerite have called an uneasy truce but if Paula has any sense, she will sleep with one eye open.  Jack is thoroughly enjoying the run that Jimmy built for him.  Trotting down the steps, he completes a thorough inspection each morning, checks out the kennel to ensure there are no invaders and returns to the top step to admire his view.  Then it is back down for a day of analysis of Ken's plantings, clocking Trebia's speed as she races by in the exercise yard and keeping a close eye for low flying geese or marauding squirrels.  His entire world has opened up - a real boon for an old dog. 

It was a late return from the Valley replete with a vehicle full of plantings so dinner - was pizza. 

Rain

Cold and rain - why does it take the weather channel 24 hours to repeat themselves - point to ponder.  Even Charlotte seems to find the constancy of this chilly damp season less than thrilling.  Our Ken manages a few hours a day moving about the property but is chased inside by mid-afternoon by the deluge.  There are flowers, hardy little souls offering bright patches of colour and defying the tenet that sun and/or warmth is required.  Lee watches from the office.  The CKC keeps her out of trouble and chained to the computer, much to Einstein's delight.  Jo and Mary shipped a box to buoy Regalridge spirits - a new lead for Ken that found its way to his pocket in a flash, books to occupy Lee, teas to warm the weather (everyone needs orange tea with chocolate cookies just out of the oven) and a great bright blue addition to the pot holder family - Jo took pity on Lee who uses the red and green holders daily that were Christmas gifts a while back.   What a pleasure to receive a gift box apropos of no holiday.  Other gifts have been received as well including the caring phone calls and emails.  We both appreciate your concern.

The kennel is rocking.  Poe is managing his area in |Poe-style and is in charge. Ursey departed but |Poe really thought they should have a chat prior to her leaving.  Ursey demurred.   Bailey has teamed up with Ceilidh Wheaten and is reminding her of the ins and outs of the exercise areas.  Both have watched Nemo wander with them and Trebia streak past as she does her laps and thinks of Barratt.  We have assured her that he will be back in due course.  Margaret and Shillelagh are in full voice and seem to be trying to outdo the peepers in the early evening.  No little frog is going to get one up on well practised Welsh.  Raggs is settled and seems delighted to be back to manage yard number three.  Even the weather does little to take away her joy in bouncing around the yard, checking the corners and keeping an eye on the local geese.  Sarah Airedale shares her yard on occasion and Raggs herds Airedale with a smile.  Sarah humours her.  Old Willie has decided that he needs no lead to take him outside.  He has a route around the kennel perimeter, keeps a close eye on the other dogs and is happy and well. 

The house dogs are forming a union and taking notes from the news stories they are listening to - over and over again.  They have drawn up their demands headed by improved weather and including additional treats, more fires in the den, more lap time and better consistency in kitchen prep.  Paula appears to be the spokesperson - heaven help us all.  Why does it always have to be the most shrill of the company?  Spring haircuts abound as Felicia sorts out a dog a day.  Piper is lined up and waiting.  Maybe tomorrow.

Meals are improving.  All appeared on a reasonable schedule and included baking that made Our Ken almost smile.  Anadama bread appeared to support the request for 'that bread that you make that is brown but not really brown'.  Time will tell whether this suffices.  And mid-afternoon there was a flurry as chocolate cookies were produced.  Lee's mother's recipe seemed to be just the thing to accompany that lovely orange tea.  Dinner had to include hamburger.  That was a minor challenge.  Our Ken had noted that the burger Lee had produced for Old Willie in the kennel was the rather pricey extra lean ground beef.  Hmmm.  Not to be grilled ( not enough flavour and falls apart too easily leading to vocalization a la Ken|); not to be in a sauce since sauce is made and at the ready in the freezer - perhaps a stand alone meal.  Salisbury steak was Lee's solution.  With an onion and mushroom ''milk gravy'  Our Ken had his portion of the beef and is unlikely to fuss in future.  Bread pudding with the whiskey sauce better supported Ken's wonts and boosted his flagging spirits as he went to close the kennel.  And we are on to the end of the week.

We're back

Regalridge has returned to semi-normal.  Lee had a tumble.   Life changed.  Our Ken is now able to cook - and interesting repasts they are.  Chantelle filled the breach, of course, keeping Lee up to date and keeping Ken moving in the right direction.  And now we continue.  The house is being readied for warmer weather, the people in the house are more than ready for warmer weather, the old dogs in particular can hardly wait for warmer weather and only Charlotte is delighted with endless days of rain that offer up a protracted 'muddin' season'. 

Old Bailey, our geriatric Golden Retriever, arrived for a good visit and to keep anyone company who is worrying about fitting in. Collegial is Miss Bailey and ever ready for new pals.   Raggs is here and delighted to see her several  friends also in attendance.  Poe is here and very interested in the large Shepherd-in-residence Ursula.  Poe has more concerns than likes but he likes Shepherds.  Ursy shrugged.  The two little Welsh are here and in good voice - Margaret and Shillelagh are happy and sharing thoughts with the peepers at the river.  Old Willie is chugging along.  At 18 he enjoys our cooking and now has determined that a stroll around the kennel perimeter is in his daily plan.  That is an increase in exercise for the old fellow and he seems to thoroughly enjoy the meet and greet opportunity as he surveys each area and nods at the various dogs who are his housemates.  Ceilidh Wheaten is here and settled.  She replaces Rosie Wheaten who departed several hours earlier.  Ceilidh is a lovely girl, self possessed and interested in the comings and goings.  She will be a playmate for our Trebia and Nemo.  Storeis of the threesome to follow. 

Felicia is working through spring haircuts on the Regalridge dogs.  Spiffy in their new look, Charlotte, Marilla, Rocky and Marguerite are chuffed.  Piper is in line and not amused that anyone, much less this crowd, is ahead of her.  The little Norwich have paws up for their updates and Chantelle has been eyeing Abigail - that may well be the story of 'be careful what you wish for . . .'.   Marguerite is well and truly pregnant and getting larger by the minute.  She is enjoying this pregnancy, is taking her broadening girth in her stride and wags non-stop.  It will be great to have an Airedale litter after such a long hiatus. 

Meals are returning to normal if not quite there yet.  We did manage Easter dinner a week late - replete with baked ham, scalloped potatoes, turnip and fiddleheads with bread pudding and whiskey sauce for dessert.  Nobody complained.  This day, it was crab cakes with potato and fresh green beans.  The bread pudding continues to make cameo appearances.  Our Ken is relieved.