Another hot day

All is well in the world of Regalridge.  It is moving week for Chantelle, the week of the Atlantic Terrier Association Specialty Show, the week of the Halifax Kennel Club largest show in the region and Our Ken has meetings, meetings, meetings.  Bob is in residence, working on fencing for Chantelle's new home and organizing the activity.  There was  a morning trip to Chantelle's so that Lee and Bob could get the lay of the land.  It is a great house and perfect for one person.  With its apple trees and outbuildings, bright and airy rooms and great charm, it seems to have been made especially for Chantelle.  Her neighbours have checked in and given her the once over so all is well in Dutch Settlement.   Alex and Sarah are keeping everything and everyone somewhat centered and Sarah has been given special duties relating to Bob and rest.  She takes them seriously.  Bob likens her to the Sergeant Major.  Sarah would like that.  The garage is the center of activity.  When the heat gets the better of everyone, there is rest.  A process has been developed to paint with efficiency and it appears that Alex does much of the work with a LOT of supervisors, including the dogs.  Good thing he can take life in his stride and finds these 'seasoned' men amusing.  Lee is moving among a million tasks including the delegation this week of Billy's trimming.  That is less than amusing to Lee.  Billy is amazed.  There are 5 - 7 for all meals and the regular organization questions surrounding the shows.  Sleep comes easily to all.

The kennel is busy and Chantelle's little crew are adding to the excitement.  They will enjoy getting to know the new house and all decisions are being made with the little crew in mind.  Barrett departed with a jaunty wave as did the Tollers.  Poe is holding the fort in his area. 

The house crew are delighted to have Bob in residence.  A new victim to sit on, rub against, share a mouthful of water with and generally keep in line is always appreciated.  Gabe, the mechanic, found something wrong with Bob's windshield wiper and, being the helpful young fellow he is, took removed it for inspection.  Apparently it did not pass muster.  Bob went to the garage.  Wipers are Gabe's specialty - ask Alex, or Ken.  Patti had a Sarah bath and clean up and feels a million times better.  Sarah has her eye on Scooter next.  Trebia had a spin, a period in the house, watched Wheel of Fortune with Bob and repaired to the kennel.  The baby puppies are growing and enjoying life.  They are soon to be tattooed and have vaccinations.  That is hard to believe. 

Dinner was grilled salmon with scalloped potatoes, fresh corn and a lovely salad with fresh berries, glazed nuts and feta.  Blueberry pie was finished up and all is well  

 

A busy Friday with an even higher than usual activity level

All is well in NS - well, relatively, at least.  There is no rain and none on the horizon.   Long, sunny summer days with highs in the high 20's and cool nights.  Everyone but Our Ken is happy.  The summer painting project is in full swing with Alex and Sarah wielding brushes and rollers with abandon.  With Alex's eye for aesthetics and Sarah's 'can do' attitude, there is even relief of the white with the odd blue accent.  What a difference.  Even the dogs are impressed.  Patti is supervising closely, white hat firmly in place.  Sarah is not to be left alone for more than a moment.  Chantelle landed for a painting party and shellacked pickets, mollifying Our Ken but making the entire Rona employee pool shake its collective head.  Next come primer.  This will be a long lasting, well planned fence.  Bob and Our Ken will see to that.  Engineering math is coming into play.  And Chantelle's move is now scheduled for Tuesday of this week.  That will keep everyone entertained.  On this day, there were six for lunch and then it was off to Cape Breton for Dawn, Chantelle and the boys.  There is a 50/50 chance they will make it in anything close to a pattern anyone else would follow.   Keep in mind, this is the duo that found Pictou en route from Elmsdale to NB. 

The kennel is busy with folks fitting in a last trip before school goes back in session.  Boarders abound and Sarah is happy.  While Ms Charlie departed, Mr Charlie is keeping her company and well occupied.  Barrett is in residence, keeping Trebia company and crooning his tunes.  Maxifer is happy and well - looking after number two yard.  Poe arrived and is contemplating life in his own way.  Fern arrived and settled in.  Ken's report - she is a lovely dog and a testament to Fraser and Marilla. And speaking of lovely dogs, Chantelle's crew are in residence muttering loudly that somebody is going to pay for this indignity.   Scout is almost at a loss of words, having checked and re-checked to assure himself that she did, indeed, take that rotten puppy and not him. 

The house crew are a bit put off by the painting project.  It is disturbing their revolving door approach to enjoyment of summer.  The plan (put together by Dolly, Marilla, Lori and Charlotte) is to go out to check the perimeter of the property, bark at the coming and going of the fruit stand (if you can't find anything of more interest to speak about) and then return to the air conditioning to cool off your belly (how your belly got hot is anyone's guess).  The lack of access to the walk coming to the back door is putting a wrench in the works.  And painting of the railings and pickets on the deck itself simply put paid to the normal comings and goings.  There was a sorting of the guard, with some agreeing that to be outside is worth confinement in number one yard (still accessible to fruit stand views, shade and playable).  Others demurred and preferred full time air conditioning.  In the midst of it all, Lee and Ken corralled Charlotte and marched her to the grooming room.  Half a Charlotte walked out several hours later. 

It was a day of sorting.  And the first victim was the box of wild blueberries.  There is blueberry jam to be taken to the cold room and a blueberry pie is resting comfortably.  Dinner brought the great lemon-garlic-sun dried tomato chicken, grilled to perfection; augmented by Ken's potatoes and fresh corn on the cob.  The pie lived up to expectation.  And we are on to the week end. 

A summer day with lots of activity

The weather is holding - hot and dry.  The ferns are growing like weeds, the hosta are happy.  That's about it.  The apples are small and numerous.  The blackberries continue to arrive in the kitchen.  One batch of jam has resulted.  Another is likely to appear.  There is lots of coming and going at the gate, in the yards and particularly in the kitchen.  With upcoming shows, Lee's schedule is tight.  All is falling into place and last minute items are working through the system.  Painting projects are the order of the day, with Our Ken determining on an hour by hour basis which area is of most interest.   Alex is flexible and able to bend with his grandfather's whims.  That is indeed a good thing.  The older puppies are most interested in this painting project and are voicing their encouragement when rollers are in their vicinity.  Patti is concerned only when Sarah is involved, donning her white hat and keeping a close eye on Sarah's progress - progress that appears to include painting herself as well as the closest fence.  She's pretty darned cute with her dark tan and white speckles, stripes, spots and splotches.  June was in residence for work with Gabe and Alex.  Both are doing well on the leads and are benefiting from their tutelage. 

The kennel is in summer mode - with the boarding dogs enjoying the big exercise yards and hot days.  During the middle parts of the day, they are happy to be in their cool runs.  Early morning and evening, the yards are the preferred playgrounds, with Maxifer keeping track of his area, Bella in charge of hers until her departure and the others moving through available spaces.  Barrett is due and Trebia is thrilled.  Charlie Airedale is enjoying Sarah Airedale's company.  She approves of him. 

Lola's puppies are doing very well.  They are growing, eating well and enjoying the kitchen deck.  Learning the ins and outs of the outdoors is a major leap for baby puppies and this litter is taking the change in circumstances in their stride.  They trot along for a period, play with their new toys and then pile together for naps in the shade.  All is well in their world.  The older two puppies are enjoying life in their big yard and developing a routine.  Patti is eating well and keeping an eye on Sarah when she is in residence.  Piper is relaxed now that Lee is home and life has returned to normal.  Marilla, relieved of the thunder storm worry, is enjoying her evenings and has toys at the ready to share with Ken in the early morning.  He particularly enjoys the large yellow duck as it, and Marilla, join him once Lee goes downstairs. 

Lunch supported many.  There was a fresh bacon, asiago and tomato fritatta, salad with plum dressing, feta and glazed nuts, sourdough rye from the German bakery and ice cream bars.  Dinner included pork shop sausages, sauerkraut, sweet onions and Ken's freshly dug potatoes with apple pie for dessert.  All is well in everyone's world. 

Summer continues hot and dry

There was a slight change on the week end.  The Regalridgemobile departed the property without a dog.  It was on to Digby County for a week end with Bob and Luella sans canines.  Of course, there were dogs aplenty on arrival, with Rascal and Daisy delighted to see company at the lake house.  Chantelle managed property, puppies and all things in between, finding a bit of a disconnect in having Lee and Ken at her house and her with all of her dogs at Regalridge.  The south end of the province is beautiful and never more so than in August.  There are loons, geese and ducks on the lake in great abundance.  Days are long and mornings early.  There are lots of people from all over the globe, enjoying the bounty of the area.  Scallops are plentiful and markets are overflowing with produce.  Saturdays bring the Annapolis market - a favourite of the Regalridge family - with its European breads and fabulous pottery and linens.  Lee found yet another hand woven Swiss tablecloth and supplemented this with scarves and the ubiquitous bread.  Our Ken was found with bags muttering 'Christmas' to anyone who would listen.  There were a few odd stares.  Bob found a Coonhound trolling for attention and remained stationary for quite a while.  This was his first major outing since the hip surgery and he acquitted himself well.  A new restaurant was pronounced a success and it was back to the lake for the duration.  The weather was perfect and the vintage single malt the perfect counterpoint to the laconic setting.  The return home brought the staples for the fencing project now in its infancy.  Chantelle gave in to the water on a rock torture and called the new landlords (in the midst of their packing) and she and Ken ran off to Dutch Settlement for a tour of the property and a planning session.   Our Ken has approved the new abode, turning over in his mind the picket requirement to build a solid fence for the wayward Welsh and single Airedale. 

The kennel was busy.  Chantelle took it all in stride, playing kong with the older puppies and sitting with the babies in her lap.  There was grooming aplenty, with Abigail sporting a new and impressive summer haircut.  At her double digit age, she still resembles a puppy and all who meet her are charmed.  Charlie Airedale is in residence and delighted to see his old friends.  He and Penny bonded and had a great Airedale play in the big yards.  Bella Sheltie is taking charge - an unusual Sheltie mannerism and one that is startling to behold.  Chantelle's Welsh were in residence in the kennel, much to Scout's disgust.  The likelihood of this slight being overlooked is remote and the possibility of his hearing that Billy spent the night in Chantelle's room doesn't even bear thinking about. 

Piper was not amused that Lee had again managed to leave the property.  She may not be Chantelle's favourite canine.  There were thunder storms to keep things perking along and Chantelle discovered the joy and efficacy of the thunder shirts.  They are amazingly effective for the middle aged Airedales.  Virginia and Alex were taught to chase and return the kong.  The results were mixed - the chase easily outweighing the return.  The babies are growing rapidly and Lola has returned home to Helen and Kenzie.  The five little ones are eating well - no hold outs in this crowd.  They are a collegial crowd, enjoying people and other puppies equally. 

Dinner was a new production.  Accompanying the fresh beans and potatoes from the Valley markets was a marinated lemon chicken.  It was well received by the Alpha Male.

The road to Halifax is long with many a winding turn

The weather is unchanged.  Not unusual for us, there is humidity.  It is August.  But this long stretch fo humidity and heat is uncommon.  The lack of rain is simply annoying.  There is a forecast change for the week end.  Time will tell.   Piper has requested upstairs air conditioning.  She has been advised that this too shall pass.  Lee spent the day chasing her taillights back and forth to the city - three times.  There was a three hour dentist appointment - altogether now - OHHHHH.  This was followed by a trip to the Vet for Abigail and collection of Patti's pills.  And then back for an evening meeting.  The Toyota paid its dues.  Our Ken held the fort, ably assisted by Alex.  From unpublished reports, there was painting, KC was trimmed, there was mowing and everyone is exhausted.  Entries for dog shows were organized and delivered.  Chantelle has found a great house, 10 minutes from Regalridge and perfectly suited to her needs and her dogs.  Life does seem to unfold as it should, given time.  So there is a move in everyone's future. 

The kennel is well and happy.  Bella Sheltie is now in charge.  Lily Lab pup is becoming more Sheltie-like by the moment.  Scottie Shih-Tzu is holding down the Shih-Tzu summer position.   KC Airedale is content to watch all of the activity and had a good spin with Sarah and Trebia.  KC had his usual coat and offered it up happily to Our Ken's ministrations. 

The house crew are well and content.  The air conditioning is much enjoyed in their den.  Patti doesn't move from the cool orthopedic bed and Our Ken has now positioned a fan to ensure she receives maximum benefit.  The star continues to shine.  Piper greeted each of Lee's appearances with solid whacks on the back of her legs.  Unamused  by her person's absences, it mattered not that there were three other people to cater to her whims.  Lola tells stories of her puppies, her ability to care from them from a distance and her thoughts that have turned to her 'real life'.  She is certain that Helen's business is going to go into receivership without her management and notes that Kenzie is not at all responsible.  She is homeward bound soon.  The puppies are thriving, moving easily into the den and soon will be introduced to the deck.  The older two are growing quickly and are enjoying their summer.  Virginia has finally come to terms with stairs - thanks largely to the education provided by Alex and Sarah. 

Dinner was a quick meal of lamb chops, potatoes, tomato and blue cheese casserole and fresh new carrots.  There appeared to have been blueberry-lemon cake for dessert.  And on we go.

The heat remains in NS

Cactus may be the gardener's next foray.  An entire bed is being developed with perennials.  Annuals will soon be a thing of the past from Our Ken's perspective, too water-dependent.  And the forecaster on the evening news simply says, with the grace to look miserable, "more of the same for tomorrow".  Humidity in August is the norm.  The long term dry conditions, not so much.  Lee had appointments in the city.  And McDonald's saved the day.  Stopping through the drive through for the requisite beverage for the trek, the wallet was reached for, only to come up wanting.   Having taken it out early in the day, it rested comfortably on Lee's desk.  Scraping up a few dollars from the ever-able handbag, a package of chicken nuggets was taken back to Ken as Lee whistled through the house, collecting the errant credit cards and money then scooting into the city, hoping to stay under the radar - literally.   The appointments were followed by a Costco run.  Christmas paper and decorations abound.  And a roll of paper came home, not needed, not on the list, not even chosen as Lee recalls the trip.  That darned stuff simply leaps into the cart on its own. Our Ken held the fort, made a mess in the kitchen and complained to the dogs since there were no people to nod sagely in agreement.  Chantelle, it was reported, surfaced and departed without chatting with the Alpha Male.  And he had a list of Chantelle questions at the ready.  That girl is nobody's fool. 

The kennel is ticking along nicely.  Bella Sheltie is a real favourite, keeping track of Lily the Lab and teaching her the ropes.   We reckon Lily will be herding soon and retrieving will be a thing of the past.   The little Shih Tzu, Scottie, is settled and Bella Shih Tzu is making him welcome as only little Bella can.  Sarah is pining for company and has heard a rumour that Penny is coming to visit. 

Lola is now spending time with the rest of the Airedales as her family is acclimating to the den.  They are learning to eat puppy food, considering it a poor substitute for Mom but approving the goat's milk formula.  It is a sturdy litter, uniform in size and temperament to this stage.  The house crew have welcomed Lola into their midst with true Regalridge hospitality.  She is back among friends.  Piper gave Lee a good whack across the leg on her return from the city, noting that permission had not been requested to leave the property.   Gotta love Piper.  Patti is well and eating up a storm.  Ken's grilled burgers are the favourite offering at the moment. 

  Dinner was lovely grilled salmon steaks, potatoes and green and yellow beans, blueberry lemon pound cake and a little wine.  Life ticks along.

Hot days, meetings and city happenings

Another hot and dry day in the NS desert.  Our Ken is not amused.  There is lots to keep everyone busy, in spite of the heat.  Maintenance jobs are waiting patiently; painting of fencing is an on-going delight that awaits anyone who remains stationary and is in Ken's sight line.  He appears to be giving passing thought to fixing a paintbrush to Gabe's tail.  This, too, shall pass.  Lee manages to barely keep a lid on her activities, scheduling meetings, managing dogs and maintaining warp speed activity in the kitchen.  Piper is having a little difficulty parking on her feet but gives it a go at every opportunity.  There is peach jam on the counter - a nod to the season and sandwiched between paperwork and a meeting.  There was a great ATA show committee meeting with good friends and lots accomplished.  For those in the area, the bi-annual Specialty Show for terriers will be at Exhibition Park on August 31.  There is lots schedule including all-terrier Obedience (yes - Obedience) and Rally as well as the Conformation show and Junior handling.  Then it was on to the Keg for dinner.  That was the first time in decades that the Regalridge people had enjoyed the Keg.  It was a great meal courtesy of Logan's wins and gift cards.  There didn't appear  to be any 'doggy bags' going home to the Tufts' residence so Logan may not be amused.  Fortunately there was no bacon served so Lexi may be more forgiving.  Now, country folk are not often in the city proper, unless for specific appointments.  As a corner was turned, the car that passed sported a man with a buffalo head - we are not city people.  In the country, buffalo heads are not a common sight in the back seat of cars.  Parking rituals were also observed.  There was the challenge of finding a spot, sorting out the process of yet one more underground, unmanned lot and finding a space.  Better still was the leaving routine.  It took Dawn and Jimmy considerable time and some additional exercise to get out, including a walk around their van as it sat behind the barrier and next to the recalcitrant exit machine.  There is some question about what was actually happening but the barrier keeping the line of cars hostage was unbroken when the Toyota's turn came so apparently Jimmy didn't have to have a physical altercation with the stationary object - or if he did, he lost. 

The kennel ticks along.  The resident Cocker Spaniel departed, to the waves of his pals the Lab puppy and the old Lab.  It had been a sporting dog party in yard three.  Little Maggie is in residence and greeted Little Bella.  Now, Bella is in charge of everything so the appearance of another little critter next to her was not amusing.  She is considering her options and has advised Little Maggie that she is in charge, that her orders are to be followed and that her rules must remain unbroken.  Little Maggie is pondering this edict - since she was here first and has stayed here for many years.  Amy departed and Sarah is disconsolate.  That was the best friend she has found in her time in residence at Regalridge.  Amy felt the same way.  Linda and Charles may have some thinking to do.  Trebia awaits Barrett's return and is quite certain she can hear him singing his way north. 

The house dogs are well and happy.  Patti is thriving, enjoying her days on her favourite bed and moving in and out to keep an eye on the youngsters.  Piper was not amused that Ken and Lee had a meeting and dinner out.  Her displeasure could be measured by the number of times she whacked Lee on the leg on re-entrance.  The older puppies are well and happy, although little Virginia still pines for her kitchen deck.  Alex (who loved her deck chair) seems to have made her feelings known.  The chair that had been on the kitchen deck has magically appeared in the puppy run . . .  When her wand appears, there will be a better understanding of that feat.  Abigail has been a little under the weather with a tummy upset but is on the mend and has Ken firmly in tow, dancing to her whims. 

And dinner was at the Keg. 

Hot days, air conditioning and happy dogs

No water fell from the sky.  Our Ken pouted.  Mowing is not a daily chore as is the wont with regular rainfalls.  Our Ken does not consider that a bonus.  Projects continue.  Even without mowing, the tractor is pressed into service.  On this day there was a usual hiccup of detritus wrapped around the mower blade, taking the morning to repair.  One step forward, two back.  Weeds like the dry conditions and are removed regularly.  Learning to love weeds would be a great thing, in Lee's opinion.  Our Ken demurs.  There was paper moving on the desk and runs back and forth to the village.  Our Ken had a yen for haddock for dinner.  His fish monger was among the missing, a crisis in Ken's life.  That meant a mission for Lee, scouring grocery stores for a replacement.  And vehicles were filled with gas in advance of a major price hike. 

Sarah and Amy have bonded.  Airedale games abound and Amy's addition is perhaps Sarah's favourite ever.  The two girls really enjoy the other's company.   Bella Sheltie, Bailey Spaniel and Lily Lab had a great play.  All are great dogs, easy going and well settled.  With their collegiality, all are enjoying the company of the others and are playing well.  Little Bella is managing the kennel as is her wont - keeping order and torturing Sarah.  Trebia misses Barrett. 

The house crew are thriving.  Patti is returned to her old and garrulous self.  Orders are given, especially to Piper and Marilla who circle like sharks as Patti eats her meals on her bed, perched soundly and in charge of her fiefdom.  Jack is thoroughly enjoying the warm summer days, keeping track of activity on the property from his outside yard.  Chantelle added Viola and Clem to the mix so Jack had company.  She is one of the few he actually enjoys.  Clem managed the property from behind her eyelids, getting up for a wander every now and then.  The older puppies (Alex and Virginia) are doing well, Virginia somewhat more interested in her food but still pining for her deck off of the kitchen.   Alex, more tractable and equanable, is enjoying the new and larger run.  Lola continues to manage her family very nicely, shares her thoughts freely and has a schedule that must be followed.  The puppies are solid on their feet, are enjoying their new freedom and will begin a weaning process this week end.  That will be interesting given their great care by Lola and their well filled tummies.  As yet, there are no teeth so Lola remains solicitous. 

Dinner included pan fried haddock, divided so that Sarah could enjoy her fish in Chex crumbs (gluten free).  That worked.  Potatoes, Hants County corn, yellow and green beans accompanied the main course.  Rice pudding followed (with sorbet on the side for some).  Our Ken approved. 

All is well in the NS countryside.  Well, except for the arid conditions and Our Ken's grumbles.  There was a visit from the Calgarians just before they headed to the airport.  Adventures continued - the flight was delayed several hours after the airport arrival was achieved.  Toronto pilots of Air Canada strike again.  There was coming and going and the male among us trotted off to Truro for a tour of his new hospital.  Dutifully reporting, the initial reaction is highly positive, calling the building state of the art and impressive in its forward looking construction, aesthetics and sensibilities.  The new chief of staff is an impressive fellow so there is hope that the staffing of the facility will benefit from his background.  There is a little gardening occurring - watering strategically, analysis of offerings and much head shaking.  Berry bushes are offering up their yields and the birds are happy.  The flocking is starting so there will be migration occurring now that August is here.  These flocks manage to clean the little berries quickly.  Local cantaloupe is on offer and Our Ken is making short work of one of his favourite fruits.  Early apples have also arrived at the fruit stand. 

The kennel is buzzing.  The old Spaniel is in residence and settled nicely.  Barrett is packing his bags and singing parting songs to Trebia - there seems to be a military bent to the latest - something about an old kit bag - Trebia thinks he is a little nuts but lovable.  Amy is packed and ready to rumble.  The Sheltie has arrived for a stay and is considering options.  Little Bella is dolign out orders and advice in equal measure, much to Sarah's amusement.  The new Labrador is happy to be among friends and is assessing the potential of the exercise yards. 

The house crew is well and happy.  It was a hot day so much time was enjoyed in the air conditioning, followed by romps outside as the weather cooled through the evening.  The babies are up, trotting around with eyes opened.  Lola continues to feed them well and all are 'substantial'.  Weaning is scheduled to begin on the week end.   Ms Lola has regained her girlish figure and has upped her demands for food, treats and attention.  All is well in her world, provided she has staff to meet her needs.  The older two puppies are growing and learning to enjoy their new digs.  Virginia is a bit less tractable and spends much time on the top step, nose pointing to the house and her former deck.  Alex is more accepting and enjoys the freedom of the larger area, the little house that offers space to snooze in the shade and the additional activity offered by the older Airedales who check on the little ones now and then.  Having misplaced Lee on the week end, Piper now sits on her feet as often as is possible, causing some degree of difficulty but ensuring those feet don't go anywhere without due notice being given.  Patti is well, enjoying the cool house and the occasional spin in the yard.  Her Ancientness is happy with the service and with the food on offer. 

Dinner was late (the hospital tour was at dinnertime) and offered up by the local pizza shop.  The old girl was thrilled - pizza is a food group in Patti's lexicon. 

Heavy mist but no water

Arid conditions continue to be the order of the day.  Our Ken is not amused.  The weather gods are toying with the gardener among us, offering up rains on the coast, the Bay Of Fundy and worst of all, in Digby, enabling Bob to gloat.  Blackberries apparently enjoy dry conditions.  The word of the day is that the crop is doing well.  There will be jelly.  The Olympics have become a bit of a sorry affair, with officiating/politics taking precedence over sport.  Having become a bit jaded, there is diminishing interest and increased acceptance of CNN.  Lee has returned from Newfoundland, the well run Avalon shows and the great exhibitors.  Listening to the judges, there is certainly a strong commentary surrounding the pleasant shows with great people. 

The kennel ticks along.  The Schenk crew returned home, with waves and barks.  That settles the building.  Barrett is singing his songs to Trebia - much to everyone's enjoyment.  And the week end will again be busy.  Bella is in residence so rules are not a problem.  Bailey the Spaniel is taking life in stride.  It is the week of the 'B'.  Rounding out the crew is Amy Airedale, here for a spa treatment and a few days of exercise at Regalridge.  Sarah keeps a close eye on all.

The house crew are well and perhaps the only inhabitants happy with the weather.  Charlotte notes that with the misty, foggy days, the digging is superb.  Gabe agrees and points to the speed that can be achieved on softer ground, allowing him to almost catch Clint on the straightaway.  Piper shrugs and settles on Lee's feet.  Patti is improving by the day, stronger and happy to enjoy the air conditioning, with short spins up and down the yard to ensure all is going according to her plan.  Lola and her babies are thriving.  The little ones are up on their feet, trotting around the whelping room and enjoying the new found ambulatory experience.  The eyes are bright and there will soon be food in their future.  By the week end, they should be ready to begin the transition to the den.  The older two puppies are making a transition to crates, are playing in a new yard and are growing into lovely young Airedales. 

Meals are returning to normal after Lee's absence and Ken's efforts, supported by Chantelle.  There were fresh scallops for dinner with hodge podge.  Rice pudding rounded out the menu (Gourmet recipe that is perhaps more labour intensive than is really necessary).  All is well. 

Rain

There was rain.  That's news in the NS desert.  The rain barrels were filled; the flowers perked; Our Ken is marginally satisfied.  With any luck, there will be more rain in the days to come.  The Regalridgemobile departed the property for an excursion to Denmark.  Furniture will be delivered in due course.  Our Ken chose a red leather chair - anyone surprised?  And it is identical to the chair in which he currently rests his eyes.  That poor piece of furniture was purchased 12 years ago and owes nothing.  Still, the worry of the hour as Denmark faded was 'what will we do with the navy chair?'.  Sometimes 'tis best to remain silent.   The rest of the acquisition will pale in comparison to the red.  ?That will keep Our Ken happy.  A visit to Denmark would not be complete without a stop at the Pork Shop.  Home came the vehicle, passing the NS Steam museum and the Grist Mill, replete with sausage, mustards, brochettes and sauerkraut. 

The kennel ticks along and all is well.  The little Schenk crowd is perking - enough said.  It was a wet day so the parties were somewhat less enthusiastic than has been the norm.  Barrett is enjoying his vacation, crooning to Trebia who delights in his songs.  She is absolutely certain that nobody but her hears his dulcet tones.  Add to that the counterpoint of Margarets' Welsh and Margots' Norwich  . . .Scooter pales in comparison. 

The babies are growing like little weeds and Lola is expressing her satisfaction.  Patting herself on the back, she preens as the babies are admired.  There is the beginning of sound from the little ones, the eyes are opening and soon they will be up on those sturdy little legs.  Progress.  It is about two weeks to the weaning stage.  Given their girth, it is not anticipated that weaning will be a major challenge.  The two older puppies are thriving, enjoying the attention they demand and doing well.  Their deck is their castle, toys are everywhere and both are finding their voices.  Games are being played that only the two understand.  Patti continues to improve, eating dog food for Sarah when all other offerings stop.  Dinner was her package of Cesar, meds, a grilled hamburger and a dish of dry dog food.  It is an amazing recovery for the ancient one. 

Dinner was a summer pleasure.  The pork brochettes were grilled; there was local valley corn, picked this morning.  A tomato and blue cheese casserole was added to the new potatoes finished on the grill.  Life is good.