rain and perparations

The busy days of trip organizing are upon us.  Lee spent the day battling the city elements.  Working through appointments and the hunting and gathering raid, the banking and the vet visit just to let them know that their revenue stream would be taking a dip.  Patti's meds were replenished and Einstein's special cat food is topped up.  Calling the clinic was an adventure.  The usual 'Hi, it's Lee' didn't work - odd, Lee thought.  Last name was offered and a request that the Patti meds be put together. ' You do not have a file' here came the response.  Ummm try Regalridge Lee offered.  Nothing was the reply.  Hmmm - not likely it's under Ken since he thinks the Clinic is a charity . . .  Not sure where to go with this and hearing a bit of exasperation, Lee queried, would there be anyone else working that might be able to help.  And amid much hilarity, Miss Jenn came on the line to say 'Yes, you are really a client here, we love you best and you are under "Lee" of course.  Mollified, the less than charitable thought of nevcr again delivering baking went by the wayside.  At the initial appointment, there was a gathering at the desk on check out.  One of the young women was getting a puppy and Lee's input was required.  A half hour later, the escape to the van was accomplished.  And on to Costco where the masses had gathered.  Assuming that there was a significant saving to be had in some corner, Lee explored and turned over every item only to be told that it was rain that had driven the entire city into the one building.  Amazing thought the country person as she stood in line with several thousand of her closest friends, waiting to turn over copious amounts of money to the wholesale giant.  And on to Joseph who regaled her with tales of the upcoming nuptials of his neighbour - there will be a lock down fit for a queen and filming of the blessed event that includes Halifax's favourite florist.  Our Ken departed the property |(in Chantelle's vehicle - better to keep her nailed down) and returned with lunch plunder, his contribution to the day. 

The kennel ticks along.  Mr Riley has a new haircut and is justifiably proud.   Chantelle' offered that Welsh kisses and a day in the grooming room make the cares of the week evaporate.  Ceilidh is thriving and spent much of the day watching the coming and going in the kennel on a rainy Saturday.  Lucky Lab had a little spin with the Airedales and enjoyed the company, between rain drops.  Poe arrived for a long stay and settled in as Poe does.  The Regalridge girls are grouped in common misery in the kennel, in season and affronted by their banishment from the house.  There will be words. 

The house dogs are well but not amused by the water falling from the sky.  The couches were replete with Airedales, Jack and Paula snoozed and the Norwich looked for trouble under every bed.  Little was to be found except the odd chase of Chantelle's ankles as she passed through. 

dinner =  lasagne, grilled bread and pumpkin pie.  Sufficient unto the day . . .

Fabulous weather and construction continues

Between construction and organization, the blog has taken a short hiatus.  Some day there will be no major construction project occurring at Regalridge.  Our Ken promises that future.  Silly Lee thought things had stopped at the end of this week.  Apparently not.  Trip organization is a major undertaking with hunting and gathering occurring to shore up supplies for the weeks away.  There will be sufficient dog food to create a run on it in the Halifax area.  Maps are packed and files made.  Linda advises that weather in Virginia is cooling in anticipation of the arrival of the northern contingent. 

The kennel is full of Regalridge girls and Piper is leading an uprising.  To say that she is not impressed may be the annual understatement.  Riley, on the other hand, is in ecstasy.  He communes with each of the girls, offers his best Welsh wag and bow and is thoroughly enjoying the company.  Ceilidh is doing well in her Wheaten way.  Lucky Lab has met and is enjoying Rocky and Marilla.  He enjoyed their company and is very collegial. 

The weather has been fabulous and the house dogs are highly resentful of those construction vehicles in the driveway.  When the vote is taken next year for projects, there is a suspicion that Our Ken will be absent and his vote given to Piper or Marilla.  Clem was in residence until last evening (late) when Chantelle blew through and collected her tribe.  Prior to that, Clem led the ins and outs, ran into every truck on the property with a highly insulted 'hmph' emitted each time.   And since Our Ken was painting the pickets, she went home with racing stripes - zebra-ish in her own way.    Could be a whole new concept.  Lee is considering blue - perhaps Scout would like that while Chantelle is away.  And of course, the Welsh girls were in residence.  Jessie is well and truly pregnant and mellow for a girl named Jessie.  However, Viola has picked up the mantle and shared her thoughts freely.  Not a bad thing she is going to Montgomery with Chantelle.  The puppies are well and happy.  To this point with the good weather they have had long days outside on their deck.  Many games have been developed and tested, several making the grade and resurfacing on an hourly basis.  They get cuter by the day and have a zest for life that perhaps is able to be patterned by the rest of the population.

Dinner on this night was back ribs with scalloped potatoes, fried peaches and asparagus.  A favourite of Our Ken that brought minor accolades - those who know him can fill in that blank.  Dinner the evening before was fried ham with potato scallop, fried apples picked that afternoon from the Regalridge orchard, fried green tomatoes and squash from the garden.  Darrell's favourite Regalridge meal.  There was home made ice cream and the ubiquitous squares.