Winter had arrived and it is cold outside! It has been an interesting few weeks - there is a reason smart animals hibernate. The best news in recent days is that Phil the Pheasant has returned. The missing male pheasant has given cause for concern since late fall. Today he has surfaced - in good form and happily chowing down under the chestnut tree. The Philomenas have been in attendance since late November but Phil has been MIA so his return is cause for celebration - heaven knows there has been little else to cheer about. Lee in intent on decluttering. Our Ken is concerned with the amount that is departing Regalridge and is finding his hours well filled as he turns to his raccoon side, diving headlong into the bags intended for the trash for evidence of treasure being wrongly disposed of. The cracked bowl brings sighs of 'I was going to fix that' (there are 50 uncracked bowls resplendent in their completeness) and the discovery of a sheet fitting no bed for decades a mutter of 'that would make good cleaning rags'. At the bottom of each bag is the 'Ken-stuff' requiring a concerted effort and deep insight to be unearthed and repatriated. The sixth sense often prevails but on occasion, it actually makes it to the trash on Friday.
The kennel is perking along. Sarah has company in the person of Marilla's sister - Scarlett. Marilla-like in every way, Scarlett is active, bright and ready for every adventure. Given the age of these girls, it is apparent they will never 'grow up'. June's crew have returned home, having learned new ways of viewing the world and all that it offers - much to June's continued amazement. Morgan is quite certain that he is an Airedale and has new manners to prove that concept. London approves. Talea hasn't noticed yet.
The house dogs are well and content to snooze winter away on the comfort of the dog beds in the warm den. Patti is revitalized, is running in the yards (in short bursts) and eating well - particularly when her favourite additions are prominent among the kibble. Jack is having a great winter, largely because of the addition of a large stuffed skate boarding toy that was received for Christmas. This fellow has become his friend, his confidant and his muse. A paw around his shoulders is standard but in sleeping moments and Jack holding the toy in his mouth (it is Jack size) greets the people of the house each morning. Admiration of his friend is necessary prior to Sir Jack deigning to depart his crate. He is occasionally to be found in Jack's water dish or food bowl - apparently when Jack is in the mood to share. Undemanding, Jack has taken on his responsibility for his pal with alacrity, keeping in mind that
this is the same Welsh who 'discovered' the joy of balls this past summer at the advanced age of 13. Madonna is not the only one who can reinvent herself.
Meals have been adequate. For Superbowl Sunday there was a lovely bourbon based sauce to accompany the chicken wings and a Guyanese rum cake to assuage the pain of the house as the Giants prevailed. Shepherd's pie has presented itself, much to Our Ken's enjoyment. A lovely cheese bread from The Bread Bible appeared on the week end, has been well enjoyed and is perhaps the most time consuming and finicky loaf ever to have been produced. Our Ken is uncomplainingly working his way through a batch of date squares. And the news of the winter - the meat market across the road has stayed open this winter, is busy, well stocked and an outlet for Our Ken's wandering ways.
The kennel is perking along. Sarah has company in the person of Marilla's sister - Scarlett. Marilla-like in every way, Scarlett is active, bright and ready for every adventure. Given the age of these girls, it is apparent they will never 'grow up'. June's crew have returned home, having learned new ways of viewing the world and all that it offers - much to June's continued amazement. Morgan is quite certain that he is an Airedale and has new manners to prove that concept. London approves. Talea hasn't noticed yet.
The house dogs are well and content to snooze winter away on the comfort of the dog beds in the warm den. Patti is revitalized, is running in the yards (in short bursts) and eating well - particularly when her favourite additions are prominent among the kibble. Jack is having a great winter, largely because of the addition of a large stuffed skate boarding toy that was received for Christmas. This fellow has become his friend, his confidant and his muse. A paw around his shoulders is standard but in sleeping moments and Jack holding the toy in his mouth (it is Jack size) greets the people of the house each morning. Admiration of his friend is necessary prior to Sir Jack deigning to depart his crate. He is occasionally to be found in Jack's water dish or food bowl - apparently when Jack is in the mood to share. Undemanding, Jack has taken on his responsibility for his pal with alacrity, keeping in mind that
this is the same Welsh who 'discovered' the joy of balls this past summer at the advanced age of 13. Madonna is not the only one who can reinvent herself.
Meals have been adequate. For Superbowl Sunday there was a lovely bourbon based sauce to accompany the chicken wings and a Guyanese rum cake to assuage the pain of the house as the Giants prevailed. Shepherd's pie has presented itself, much to Our Ken's enjoyment. A lovely cheese bread from The Bread Bible appeared on the week end, has been well enjoyed and is perhaps the most time consuming and finicky loaf ever to have been produced. Our Ken is uncomplainingly working his way through a batch of date squares. And the news of the winter - the meat market across the road has stayed open this winter, is busy, well stocked and an outlet for Our Ken's wandering ways.
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