Sun, cool nights and green grass Regalridge is lovley in the fall

Organization is moving forward and all is well.  Our Ken had a meeting in Tatamagouche so was off early and home late evening.  The report was that the drive is beautiful now with leaves turning, warm days and a cool evening.  The requisite deer was spotted on the roadside so all is well with the wildlife population.  Lee spent the day communing with her computer, shoring up the CKC's fortunes and working on trip reservations.  All has been finalized that needs to be finalized.  Then it was on to the HKC meeting and home by late evening.  Jonathan held the fort in fine style and all was well in the dogs' world. 

The kennel is full of Regalridge girls in season.  The females have decided that everyone should enjoy the time together so Piper, Lori, Marguerite and Trebia are side by each and unhappy together.  There will be payback.  Lucy is in residence and keeping an eye on her arch enemies - that would be any other Airedale girl in the world.  Riley is holding the fort on the Regalridge side and has a heavy workload being in charge of all of the Regalridge girls.  Ceilidh is enjoying her vacation, keeping track of all of the comings and goings and storing up stories to tell André on his return. 

The housedog number have diminished.  Dolly has put her name on the leather chair and settled in for the winter.  Heaven help any who look at it longingly - that would include Our Ken.  All are chased off in dolly style.  Patti is happy as long as Jonathan is here.  His days off are her nemesis and she mopes.  Charlotte was so worn out that she could hardly lift her head by the time Lee returned from the city.  Jonathan is a good ball player and Charlottte is homing his skills at every opportunity.  Rocky is himself and happy with his routine as is Billy. The only fly in the ointment is the roofers who have morphed into carpenters.  Window replacement anywhere but at Regalridge is an easy process.  With a two hundred year old house with additions, not so much.  The bedroom is complete, the whelping room has a lovely new window that was mismeasured so did not fit and was replaced of necessity since the old window and frame had been removed.  One left in the east side and the pantry - oh my. 

Dinner without Our Ken did not happen.  And we are on to mid-week.

Great weather and car trips -

Planning has begun for the annual fall Southern pilgrimage.  There will be puppies departing, Lee and Ken off to Southern climes and a good visit in Virginia.  There will be a stop for the Terrier Specialty at Montgomery County Pennsylvania and visits with friends only seen once a year.  So we plan.  There are appointments to be made, hunting and gathering to happen, orders to be placed and meetings to be attended.  There is paperwork to finalize and sorting to happen.  Lee made it to the city to sort through paperwork and bring folks up to date on CKC changes.  And, of course, all of this is done skirting the carpenters.  Windows are being replaced - some easily and others with rebuilding that will constitute a new house in the end.  The turkey has been ordered.  Our Ken managed to keep busy and factored in a health board meeting.  A visit to Truro is never a bad thing according to the alpha male. 

The kennel is busy enough.  Lucy is in residence and manages her yard in splendid isolation.  Riley is enjoying his vacation and has had lots of exercise.  Ceilidh the Wheaten arrived and has settled in easily.  And the rest are in season so not amused by their exile to the kennel.  Piper is plotting and Lori is abetting.  Trebia says that Barrett can visit any time. 

The house crew are not impressed with the return of the carpenters.  The blocking of the big yard during these last great days of weather is simply not on according to Charlotte the outdoor dog.  The older puppies shrug.  They enjoy their pen through the day, up close to the carpenters as they climb ladders and go in and out of the house.  Both will have their apprentice papers by the end of this project.  The baby puppies are doing very well.  They are growing, learning lots of new skills on a daily basis and are bright eyed early morning, tired and happy mid-evening. 

Dinner was Lee's spaghetti - Our Ken was happy.  Home made grapenut ice cream and squares finished off a fall meal.  And we look forward to tomorrow. 

Humid and sun

There is a rumour that fall has arrived.  The memo did not get to the weather gods here in NS.  It was hot and humid on this sunny day and the air conditioning called the names of most of the house dogs.  Considering the activity level, that was not a bad thing.  While the early part of the day was spent on puppy paperwork, the pace quickly built.  Janet, her niece, Piper and Abigail arrived from PEI.  While Piper visited with the Regalridge Airedales, the PEI contingent and Lee went to the nursing home to visit with Shelagh.  Abigail Australian was Shelagh's favourite of her dogs at the time of her stroke.  Shelagh alternately laughed and was teary as she examined Abby.  The little one, true to her breed, explored the room, charmed the staff and gave kisses freely.  She settled on Shelagh's bed as had been done when Tatamagouche was the residence.  Janet and Lee were agreed that Abigail remembered.  She is, however, firmly and without questions Janet's dog and delights in her Island life.  Piper managed beautifully at Regalridge, enjoyed a run around the big front yard with his relatives and was ready to leave when everyone returned.   Knowing where Abigail is and being able to put a face to the name and stories Lee tells is a plus for Shelagh - something to be able to think about and settle in her mind.  We are all grateful that the voyage to the mainland was able to be made.  Then it was on to more PEI visitors as the folks came to collect their puppy.  The little fellow departed, tucked happily in the arms of a wonderful little 10 year old boy.  His smile would easily light up the city.  There is no question the two will be fast friends.  This visit was followed be a tour of the property by the young woman who will be helping look after Regalridge for a week in October.  She is a well experienced dog person, having worked in a kennel, vet clinics and now in a training facility.  The dogs will no doubt benefit.  By early evening flowers were brought into the house and dinner contemplated.  There are still gardens full of glads, dahlias, pansies and begonias, unusual at this time of year when frost has almost always occurred long since. 

The kennel was also busy.  The two great Siberians departed with a wave and wag of those impressive tails.  Kody golden bowed and left late afternoon.  That leaves Miss Lucy in residence, eyeing the Airedale girls for a playmate.  Dewey and Savannah both had haircuts and look mighty fine as they await their owners' return.  Chantelle whipped through the kennel, finishing up her trimming commitments and flying out the gate, minus her sweater, to get to the office to tidy up some files.  Rest is not in her repertoire.  Mr Riley is in charge, enjoying the vacation activity level, exercising and surprised to see Melissa.  His little brain was working overtime assuring himself that he really is at camp and not at Fetch. 

The house dogs watched in amazement as the gates opened and closed.  Dolly decided that the leather chair in front of the air conditioning vent was the best bet for the day and parked.  That suited her just fine.  Patti claimed a bed and rose only to check out any visitor under the age of 40.  Chantelle didn't count in that number.  Melissa was approved,  Marguerite was in until she couldn't stand the activity level any longer and attempted to join the outside party in the yard - through the window.  She moved to the kennel.  Jack and Paula kept the back yard in order, watching the apples fall from the trees and keeping a close eye on the river.  The puppies thrive.  The older two are growing and having a whale of a time.  For the evening they were offered the run of the big yard with the older dogs.  That thrilled them and there was a ramping up of the activity level to the delight of Charlotte.  The young babies see their number dwindling.  Their response - more food for those left!  They are a happy lot with that glint in the eye that tells of mischief to come. 

Dinner actually landed on the table - amazing.  Grilled steak was accompanied by sweet onions and portabellos, baked sweet potatoes and chocolate squares.  Our Ken was sated.  And life goes on

To Digby To Digby to find a fat - scallop!

Thee rains came.   And the van left Regalridge for parts south west.  It was a day to visit with Bob and Luella, for Our Ken to get a better sense of Bob's progress and to offer words of encouragement (that would be lecture number 46).  To the delight of all, Bob decided that he could go out for lunch in the town and then encouraged a visit to the lake.  Up for seven hours, alert and engaged, it is very evident that healing has begun in earnest and the benefits are now showing.  Rascal doesn't leave his side for long and even when required to move, keeps a close eye on his favourite person.  Lunch in Digby included scallops and lobster and was not a challenge to choke down.  Chantelle held the fort, trimmed dogs, escorted visitors and sorted out the crew.  She was a wet puppy when the Regalridge-mobile returned mid-evening. 

The kennel is relatively busy for the week end.  Two lovely Siberians arrived early and settled in nicely.  They are lovely dogs, well mannered and happy to have a short vacation.  Kobe Golden arrived for a last minute stay and is his usual happy Retriever self.  The little Welsh are impressed that there is an increase in activity, have the beginnings of their fall 'look' and will be tidied up tomorrow.  Little Megan was  through the revolving door, had her hair cut and has returned home.  Riley Welsh is having a ball.  He loves the big yard, loves the heightened activity and is in charge - of what we aren't quite sure but he is in charge. 

The house dogs were happy to have Chantelle in residence.  Clem accompanied her and gave the puppies lots of good advice.  One puppy departed for her new home and was welcomed by a well experienced Airedale family.  May enjoyed a game of bite at Chantelle's heels with Abigail as her stalwart back up.  Patti is well and happy, eating and active.  The older puppies continue to develop, have moved to adult food and are enjoying life.  The younger family is poised to leave the nest, bright and active at this milestone in their lives. 

Dinner was Swiss Chalet chicken - it made May very happy. 

Dinner for ten and roofers - oh my!

It was a busy day, even by Regalridge standards.  With a less than early morning start, Our Ken opened the gates to  - you guesses it - the roofers.   It was 8:00 and they must have been dreaming of Christmas turkey.  Up went the ladders, in came the extension cords and the game was on.  On this day, it was the replacement of bedroom windows - who knew there was a building on the west side of the house that could be viewed from upstairs.  It took na full day, of course, even though these are inserts.  The builder who did windows when teh property was purchased appeared to consider airspace around windows a bonus and the water that entered that airspace even more beneficial.  Lots of replacement wood and shingle has now upgraded the situation.  More fun will be had tomorrow.  With the advent of the roofers, there was Our Ken's list to be completed so it was parsed and Lee was sent to the city to hunt and gather.  The van came home heavier with dog food jockeying for space with fruit and veg from Costco.  And with 8 Currens coming for dinner, that was only a start.  Our Ken dug in the garden, bringin up potatoes and proudly carrying in the evening's squash.  Stay with me here - there were roofers, there was gardening, there was a trip to the city, the dogs are in resdience and Lee had 10 people to be fed.  Some consideration was given A & W and if there had been any menu item that didn't look like fast food . . .

The kennel is doing well.  Dewey and Savannah are thoroughly enjoying their vacation, taking full advantage of the big yard and their place of importance.  The usual inhabitants are well and enjoying the great weather. 

The house dogs are delighted with the weather and less delighted by their roofing pals arrival.  That means gates are open and dogs are confined to barracks.  Marilla has thoughts on that.  Billy yodelled his way to the point that he was exiled to Jack's run - he has eyeballed the roof and is darned sure there is nothing left to be added.  Rocky moved happily to the west yard and the older puppies watched in amazement as the men levitated up the side of the house.  They have ordered wings for Christmas.  The baby puppies are well and happy.  Their growth at this age is amazing and their joy with all that they behold is delightful.  There is nothing much more fun than a litter of puppies. 

Dinner was large.  There was grilled beef tenderloin and grilled Coho salmon with lime butter.  There were new potatoes, squash from the garden, fresh green beans and a tomato casserole.  There was grilled pineapple and grilled Naan.  And there were two crisps- peach adn apple from our trees.  There were cappucinos and coffees and lots of laughter.  And there were stories of dogs - living and long gone.  The best are often of the first Curren Airedale - Jerry - born in the 1920's and proud possessor of the family famr (Magazine Hill) and all who set foot on it.  Jerry, according to Reg who remembers him best,  was the greatest dog ever to walk on earth - loyal, fierce in dealing with trouble and with good herding instinct.  He didn't climb the apple tree like Skipper the Spaniel who preferred that perch to better hear the planes coming.  And he was less benign than the Newfoundland who pulled the cart with Ken behind but he was totally devoteed to his family, his property and his jobs.  When these detailed stories can be recounted 80 + years later, that certainly is testament to the impact of the Airedale on our lives. 

Vaccination day for the babies - all is well.

All is well at Regalridge The weather continues to  be warm and sunny, the late flowers magnificent.  There was a trip to the Vet today to wave Eric good by on his trip to Italy and to have the puppies vaccinated.  All were pronounced hale and hearty, bravely stood on the high table for examination and had their needle without flinching.  Our Ken spent his day in painting mode, a mode that seems ever present with the combination of picket fence and large house.  On Lee's return, there were pictures taken of puppies and some quick machinations to ensure all were back in the city by dinnertime for a meal with the Curren crowd at the favourite Redwood Grill.  This is a visit with Al and Betty who are leaving for home, Reg was present as were Joan and Bob Short.  All questioned Chantelle's absence - there was need of someone to assist with the chocolate peanut butter bomb at the end of the meal.  Lee demurred.

The kennel is quiet.  Savannah and Dewey are in residence and settled in.  Both are well and enjoying the big run.  KC joined the party as Al and Betty arrived.  He is looking for a pal and has his eye on Lori as a potential. 

The house dogs had a good day although Marguerite mentioned that nailing Lee's feet to the kitchen floor might be in the offing.  There is considerable supervision taking place of the painting project and the odd white swatch is showing on several Airedale coats - to match Our Ken's clothing where the swatches are more even and prevalent.   There is a likelihood that there is more paint on the fence than on Our Ken but not a certainty.  The older puppies are thriving and bright, enjoying their growing up time.  Woody walks on the leash now and both are housebroken.  The baby puppies are now starting to look to go outside for their bathrooming and managed to wait until the little feet hit the deck this morning.  You have to love Airedales. 

Dinner was maritime in flavour and well presented.  All were pleased.

Sunny skies at the end of summer

There was little summer early but these shorter September days are filled with sun and clear skies.  It is a good season for late crops - apples, squash and tomatoes in abundance to make up for the lack of beans, peas and greens.   Lee is back at Regalridge after a week in Toronto.  Regalridge is breathing easier as a result.  The house is back in a semblance of order, meals return to a schedule that makes sense and the extra pair of hands is welcome.  The revolving door continues to swing as Our Ken made off like a bandit for his Health Board meeting in Truro and a visit to the car dealership.  That's a treat for Our Ken.  The major news of the week is the addition of a raccoon to the property.  Our Ken is not amused.  The big fellow is stealing his suet cakes that are out for the birds, sitting in the tree at the deck and generally being a nuisance.  There is a live trap in his future, it seems.  Ken is thinking he would be a good pet for Chantelle and has his eye on a run to Kennetcook.

The kennel is quiet and easily manageable as is generally the case in September. 

The house dogs' numbers are down.  Misses Piper and Lori are in season in the kennel and not amused.  That leaves a reduced crew in the house to keep track of Lee.  Marilla rises to the occasion, of course, and Abigail is holding up the Norwich end of the equation.  Marguerite climbs Lee several times a day to look her in the eyes and be certain that is indeed the same person who left a week ago.  So far, it appears all is well and Lee hasn't been possessed.  The puppies are doing well.  The older two are delightful characters - wonderful personalities, housebroken and bright.  They love the world and all that is on offer.  Chantelle took the little female home for a visit and regaled everyone with stories of her confidence and ability to keep the Welsh in order.  Rumour has it that Scout was not sorry to see her depart and had a party when the tail lights of the car glowed red.  The baby puppies are at the adorable stage.  Their personalities have developed in the past week; each is now an individual and doing well.  Vaccinations are in their future and the beginning of departures will be later in the week.  That hardly seems possible. 

Meals are coming to a regular schedule.  Dinner was grilled chicken with a lime butter, new potatoes, fried green tomatoes and new carrots with homemade ice cream for dessert.  Our Ken was much happier than when Lee is out of town. 

Shelagh is doing well and the weather is great

The weather continues to be stellar.  With sunny skies and warm days, outdoor activity is at its height - that would not include roofing.  Our Ken continues to do the finish work post-summer of '11.  That includes low painting, removal of debris and a lot of riding on a tractor.  As fall approaches the early mornings bring fog and cool weather.  The nights are notably cool and the dogs delight in new games to herald the season.  Lee put together a lobster roll and saddled up Betsy to make a visit to Shelagh.  She was in great humour, having just received her new electric wheelchair.  The chair is comfortable, custom made and able to be managed with Shelagh's diminished motor skills.   Look out, everyone.  She is speedy, enjoys bashing about and now has far greater control of her life.  Arriving to a darkened room, it was difficult to even find a resident.  Shelagh was watching one of Chantelle's movies on her computer.  On hearing a new voice, without turning there was a pause in movement and a bellow "Lee, hello - where have you been?"  And she was in motion.  Over to the light switch to brighten the room, back to the computer to stop the film, back to visit all in the blink of an eye.  This in a day of use.  What a remarkable difference in a quality of life.  Before this, without the ability to move her chair manually, Shelagh was a prisoner to staff and visitors.  This chair is long overdue.  It was a very good visit, language skills notably improved and great effort being made to use difficult words (October and Australian finally are able to be managed and with great pride|).  Inez and Charles have been loyal visitors and there is concern on Shelagh's part that Chantelle and Ken have been missing in action.  That will have to be remedied.  There is an eye surgery scheduled for September 22 and Shelagh has expectations that this will again improve her situation incrementally. 

The kennel now holds Trebia, Sarah and the few Regalridge dogs there for particular reasons.  Scooter is in charge and proud of it. 

The house dogs are tickled with life.  There is less coming and going at the gates, the yard has been repatriated and there is a new person to play with.  James began work with Ken on Friday and is learning the ropes.  Patti has taught him her requirements and if he doesn't know anyone else yet, he knows the top dog.  May continues to improve slightly and is back to marching with Abigail, trolling in the kitchen and sitting for treats.  This is a totally unexpected move forward and makes us smile.  Piper is keeping a close eye on Lee, sensing an imminent departure.  Marguerite is living in her own space and delighting in her universe.  Marilla keeps well, stuffs a toy in Our Ken's mouth every morning and barrels through the rest of the day with Airedale abandon.  While the others may sort out paths around situations, Marilla shakes her head and plows straight through, damn the torpedoes.  The puppies thrive.  The housebreaking of the babies has begun in earnest and already showing success.  It is always surprising to see the fast progress and quick uptake as these little souls learn the ropes of their burgeoning lives.  We can learn so much. 

It was a 'last supper' as Lee packs for another trip.  Scallops were on the menu - fresh and plentiful, it was decided that they would star.  A lime butter sauce was made, fresh bread produced and a tomato salad with cream of balsamic with fig.  Corn on the cob was a simple addition.  The end note was the home made grapenut ice cream.  Our Ken was happy and sated - until he remembered the open suitcase.  And life continues to unfold. 

Clear skies and good temperatures herald a change in season

Good humour abounds when the weather is this great.  Clear skies, sunshine and cool days offer opportunity for any job imaginable.  Our Ken spent his day in the yards, finishing up after the roofing project, hauling away the bits piled in strategic corners of the property.  This activity was interspersed with television coverage of the 9-11 stories.  Lee spent the day in the kitchen managing the incoming crops.  The dogs were delighted.  With little coming and going at the gate, progress was actually noticeable.  Lily sent a note showing her position with Ian and Glenda - poor Darby.  Lily is firmly in charge and the blanket box has a new owner.  There was regular news from the week end shows with Logan doing particularly well.  He is in great condition and at the top of his game. 

The kennel is quiet.  Chopper and Capone are happily looking after their yard, keeping an eye on the fruit stand activity and generally looking after all that needs to be looked after.  Sarah and Trebia had a few half hearted races - Trebia notes that without Barrett it simply isn't the same.  Sarah has an eye out for escape hatches, her newest and best trick and one that Our Ken does not find amusing. 

The house dogs are well.  With a busy kitchen, much management of Lee happens.  Piper firmly planted herself in the midst of activity and refused to budge.  You just never know when a morsel will need to be tried.  Dolly found herself a corner that ensured quick access to the table, secure in the fact that meals would be well spaced and plentiful.  Marguerite, ever the opportunist, sailed through at strategic times with a quick up and down at each counter.  Her name is rarely offered up in quiet tones.  She laughs.  The puppies are well.  The babies are enjoying both the deck and the regular food offerings.  Routine is important to them and they applaud well timed meals.  They are growing and bright, beginning their house breaking and in awe of the birds that are returning to the feeders.  Each has tried to fly and has been disappointed in the lack of agility.  Wings will be on order for Christmas, we suspect. 

Meals were reflective of the harvest.  There were apple muffins early in the day.  Lunch was tomato soup with focaccia.  Dinner was a beer can chicken with potatoes, the first squash from the garden, baked heirloom tomatoes and a dessert of meringues made early on this dry day with home made grape nut ice cream, local peaches and blackberry coulis.  Our Ken was content and a visit from Chantelle only made that better. 

Sunny days bring smiles and happy dogs

All is well at Regalridge.  The weather continues to be spectacular.  There are sunny days and cool evenings.  It has become fall in the blink of an eye.  Lee spent a couple of days in Toronto, bonding with the CKC lawyer and senior staff.  Reports include the full airports, full airplanes and overfull hotels.  Nobody has mentioned to Toronto that there is an economic downturn.  Our Ken held the fort, started a new employee and wrangled dogs.  The flowers throughout the property are in full bloom.  There are gladiola front and center with dinner plate sized dahlias competing for attention.  The begonias are startling in their depth of colour and the phlox brilliant white.  With the underpinnings of wax begonia, many varieties of daisies, the many rose bushes and the beautiful pansies and there is a sense of a colour uprising.  There was a visit from Ian and Glenda, some good laughs and departure with Lily in tow to keep Darby in line.  Poor Darby - life on the blanket box is due to change.  The word from the dog shows was that the weather was great, the dogs showing well and the handlers successful.  Logan managed a Group win in tough competition.  |He is in excellent condition so would be highly competitive at this stage of his maturity.  And Bella had a significant win so it is up to Chantelle tomorrow - we await word.  In the kitchen, there was canning activity.  Mint jelly made an appearance and Our Ken's yellow plum crop is now jam - a bright flavour to be looked forward to on a cold winter morning. 

The kennel is as quiet as it gets with Trebia in residence.  She and Sarah are on the look out for escape hatches, just to keep Ken on his toes.  He appreciates their efforts.  Chopper and Capone are managing the opposite side - favourites of Ken and easy going fellows in their American Pit bull Terrier garb. 

The house dogs are content.  The roofers have disappeared, normalcy has returned and the games resumed.  Piper has almost forgiven Lee for her departure.  Patti is thriving and delighting in the fall weather.  There was a visit from a teen age girl to really perk up her spirits - that worked.  We really do need to buy Patti a teen ager.  Abigail is bouncing and little May holding her own.  Jack is back in great form after a health hiccup.  And the puppies - all are thriving.  Marguerite's two are enjoying life to the fullest.  They are a great pair and smile with delight as we work with them.  There are games between the two and games that we must be part of.  They bounce and play and thoroughly enjoy all that is on offer.  The baby puppies are wonderful.  They are enjoying their expanding world, have been introduced to the great outdoors and love it.  It is great fun watching the world unfold through a puppy's eyes - we forget so often how fortunate we are to live as well as we do.  Each is developing a personality, each has a share of collegiality and independence and each has those smiling Airedale eyes that encourage you to pick him up and chat. 

Dinner was fabulous.  Our Ken decided that a charcoal bay b que was to be on offer.  Lee rose to the challenge - there was steak with  mesquite chip smoke, unbelievably tender and with a flavour that is indescribable.  Perhaps the best steak ever to grace a Regalridge table.  There were potatoes freshly dug from the garden and green tomatoes picked in the warmth of the afternoon and fried in southern fashion.  There was corn picked on this day and quickly cooked and apple sauce from Regalridge apples.  There are meals that will stay with you forever.  This may have been one.  And we look forward to tomorrow.

HKC Labour Day week end shows and more

Labour Day week end and the Halifax Kennel Club shows are behind us.  It was a successful week end of shows with many innovations.   Lee was show Chair.  The baby puppy class was highly successful, both for the exhibitors and the public who appeared to enjoy the little ones as much as we did.  There was a Sanction Match and there were Correction Matches; there were three days of shows accompanied by National and Regional Specialty shows and Boosters.  There was Junior Handling judged by an AKC judge - what a wonderful experience for our Juniors.  There was a Veterans Class at the all breed shows and there were Best In Show ranging from our important Best In Show at the all breed, to Best Baby Puppy In Show, Best Veteran in Show and our regular Best Puppy.  On Monday, there were critiques written by our highly capable judging panel on every dog shown.   There were judges' seminars and ringside mentoring. Timing was good,  We stayed on time all week end in all rings including Monday.  There were excellent Obedience and Rally entries and the judges were highly complimentary.  It was a pleasure to meet Isabel Hutton and is always a joy to have Michel Calhoun 'in residence'.  Having taken Michel and Carol Graham to the airport at the end of a long day on Monday, the last heard from Michel's somewhat strident tones was "Want to see my scars"?  Carol may not have had a lot of experience with our prized Obedience judge in the past but there is little doubt she will long remember him - as does everyone who makes his acquaintance.  There were lots of CKC discussions, explanations of the current situation and explanations of how the organization may benefit from the changes proposed in the current Referendum.  Chantelle, Dawn and Jim,, tony and Karen, Shawn and Kelly were are at the Park to enjoy the week end.  Dawn was in charge of hospitality for the shows and it is amazing to see how that role 'spreads'.  Oh my. 

The kennel was busy and has emptied out quite nicely after the long week end.  Chopper and Capone (two or Our Ken's favourites) are in residence.  Lori is keeping Sarah company.  Trebia misses Barrett. 

The house dogs managed with Ken's stewardship but would like a bit of normalcy to return.  Babies are growing and others may be brewing so lot of activity through the fall. 

Dinner included lemon potatoes, Boeuf Bourguignon and heirloom tomatoes baked with cream of balsamic and blue cheese.  Then it was time to collapse.

Perfect weather for the last day of August

Another great day in the neighbourhood.  There was sun, gentle breezes and, you guessed it, roofers.  Each day Our Ken offers that this should be the last and at the end of the day, as Lee looks hopefully at the departing trucks, the word is 'they will be back tomorrow'.  The painting stage has arrived, though, with only occasional tap, tap, tapping.  Elsewhere, it was a day of phone calls and paperwork, a quick trip through the village to visit the post office and bank and then home again for CKC chores.  Our Ken gardened, sorted through the property and surveyed on the tractor.  There was an early morning visit for coffee and the recounting of a tale of woe that included waffles and mustard sauce (thought to be raspberry so generously applied).  Have we mentioned Chantelle's cooking abilities previously - this would be quite typical. 

The kennel is readying for back to school week.  Mr Riley departed at the same time that Old Bailey gathered her things and packed her bags.  Miss Millie watched with surprise as her buddies waved their good byes.  She will be introduced to Trebia for a couple of days of running and chasing.  Lori also found her way to the kennel so Sarah will have a friend in residence for September. 

The house dogs are continuing picket duty with volunteers lining up to carry the sign.  The chant has become clearly Woooo  Woooo Roooofers must Goooooo.  Airedales can be quite vocal when it is necessary.  Perfect weather and the lack of a favourite yard do not make them happy.  The Marguerite daughter is now part of the big Airedale run in the early mornings and is delighted with her elevated status.  Lily shepherds her around the property and is considered her hero.  Marguerite watches closely.  The baby puppies are happy as can be in the den, play baby puppy games and enjoy their meals, requesting the addition of a noon repast just to keep them on track.  They are a collegial crew, typical of Airedales. 

Meals suited Our Ken.  Dinner was a particular favourite of his with sausage made by the market across the road, yogourt based pancakes, fried green/yellow heirloom tomatoes and ice cream.  May agreed that this was a dinner fit for a queen.