The weather is warm and grass still green

Regalridge is back to its usual semblance of normalcy.  This year there was a trip to Florida sandwiched in to the Christmas season.  That makes an interesting challenge with December 25 such a finite day.  Now, if Christmas could occur when each of us is ready, the season at Regalridge could extend through much of the winter.  Isn't that appealing?  And then there is the reality.  This week Christmas will be celebrated.  The outside gifts are wrapped and some have found their way to recipients.  The house is reasonably trimmed.  Our Ken has finished the outside light show and has outdone himself with the blue spruce trimmed in red with two deer outlined in clear lights feeding and watchful, respectively.  The center island in the yard is glowing red and white as well.  And then there is his garden - with blues and yellows and silver - a kaleidoscope that only Our Ken would even consider.  It makes you laugh to look at it and that, perhaps, is the point of the season.  Florida was a revelation to Our Ken.  He managed four theme parks in as many days and may never be the same.  There was Epcot (The Land was the hit) and Magic Kingdom (thank goodness for the Electric Parade).  There was Animal Kingdom where Our Ken was the magnet for the giraffe (the truck stopped an Ms Giraffe stopped to have a good look at Ken and drool on him), followed by the next stop where a white rhino wandered up to the truck to make eye contact - again with our Ken - to the amazement of all except Our Ken.  The baby gorilla had a great game of peek-a-boo with us and rolled on the ground laughing at his own creativity.  Animal Kingdom was more of a success than its precursors.  Then there was Sea World.  There was a question whether Chantelle and Ken were going to volunteer, leaving Lee to run Regalridge into the future.  With Chantelle's management of the adults in the party, shows were seen in preferred seating. occasionally in the 'splash zone' to Lee's expressed and ignored concern.  The whales were so close that they could be touched and the Dolphin smiles were viewed up close.  Even restaurants were more than adequate due to Chantelle's focused marches throughout the parks.  Then is was on to Orlando proper and the Eukanuba Dog Show week end.  That was enjoyed by all - great dogs, great people and much accomplished.  Lee has determined that Spanish lessons, though, will be a necessity for travel in the US in the near future and is considering her options. 

The kennel is filling for the season.  Naomi and Moses are in residence, managing well and settled.  Brunswick is here for the week but departing for Santa's visit.  Ceilidh the Cocker has settled in, is eating well and enjoying a run in the yards.  Old Bailey is in residence, sorting out the people dealing with her and reminding everyone of her schedule and her equipment - she will walk only on her own leash.  Fiddler has come to visit for a couple of days.  He has a new baby sister and is looking forward to meeting her asap.  Gemini is also here for her Christmas vacation and enjoying her time in the big area.  More arrivals over the next couple of days will make a busy season. 

The house dogs are looking forward to Christmas with an expectation that Lee will spend a lot more time in the kitchen than has been the case to this point.  . Piper is delighted to have her people back and her bedroom sorted out.  Marilla was relieved with the return of the natives and shows her delight by hitting Lee each time she passes by.  Abigail had Alex so would have been just as happy to have everyone remain in Florida.

Dinner was in the city with grandchildren and parents.  Tis the season.