The weather is fabulous and all of the Regalridge inhabitants appear to be agreed that everything thrives in the spring. Being more in sync with the property than is usual, Lee concentrates on the puppies, with the opportunity to watch the resident avian life more closely than is usual. Baby birds and squirrels seem to be the order of the month. The swallows are staying close to the nest, the baby squirrels are ranging further from the chestnut tree, playing little squirrel games and kicking up their heels. And there is a woodpecker family close by. There have been three Hairy Woodpeckers at the feeder next to the kitchen window and on this day the indicator is that more are to follow. The senior male was working on the suet and caught Lee's attention. Giving his activity more than a glance, his mate was noticed on the trunk of the tree, below him. As he took pieces of suet and seed from the cake, he passed it to her and she ingested. On occasion, she found the suet a little much and wiped her bill on the tree. This activity continued for several minutes before the two headed off for the nest to feed the babies. On the opposite side of the house, the swallow pair are awaiting their brood. Marguerite and Clint are not the only parents at Regalridge. Our Ken gardened, taking a hiatus only for a run to the village to collect fish for dinner. Apparently the hardware store beckoned, returning Our Ken with prizes, a successful stop at the pharmacy - and a slightly bemused expression when Lee queried the kind of fish he had decided upon . . . it was burger night at Regalridge.
The kennel ticks along, urging Ken to greater gardening feats. Annual beds are being prepared and weeding continues in earnest. Beets are above ground now and lettuce is plentiful. Local strawberries have appeared at the fruit stand two weeks ahead of schedule. Life is good.
Patti is thriving, heading outside each time the thought enters her mind and searching first her favourite toy followed by a search for Ken to throw it. The ancient one is enjoying this phase of her life. Piper is tolerating Lee's focus on Marguerite but lifts her Princess lip in what she thinks is a subtle rebuke each time she thinks Lee is not watching. No teenage girl could do it better. Marguerite is beginning to distance herself a bit from her family, content to keep an eye on them from a distance and to encourage Lee to up her game and increase the bottle feeding. The time to wean is definitely closer. The babies are growing steadily and really are a lovely litter. Billy is fascinated by the little ones and dances around their pen while Lee feeds. Marguerite trusts the Airedales and allows all comers to admire her handiwork.
Our Ken grilled the burgers, there were herbed oven potatoes and rhubarb pie. It could have been worse . . .
The kennel ticks along, urging Ken to greater gardening feats. Annual beds are being prepared and weeding continues in earnest. Beets are above ground now and lettuce is plentiful. Local strawberries have appeared at the fruit stand two weeks ahead of schedule. Life is good.
Patti is thriving, heading outside each time the thought enters her mind and searching first her favourite toy followed by a search for Ken to throw it. The ancient one is enjoying this phase of her life. Piper is tolerating Lee's focus on Marguerite but lifts her Princess lip in what she thinks is a subtle rebuke each time she thinks Lee is not watching. No teenage girl could do it better. Marguerite is beginning to distance herself a bit from her family, content to keep an eye on them from a distance and to encourage Lee to up her game and increase the bottle feeding. The time to wean is definitely closer. The babies are growing steadily and really are a lovely litter. Billy is fascinated by the little ones and dances around their pen while Lee feeds. Marguerite trusts the Airedales and allows all comers to admire her handiwork.
Our Ken grilled the burgers, there were herbed oven potatoes and rhubarb pie. It could have been worse . . .
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