Wasn't it a party

Company occasions parties.  The day unrolled with 'dog talk' dominating conversations and pedigrees becoming the center point of discussions.  From the early fruit salad to lobster rolls at lunch, Shirley and Susan manned the kitchen table, surrounded by Regalridge dogs.  Shirley's popularity increased as bits of bread floated to the floor at regular intervals - when she thought Lee wasn't watching.  After a bit of contribution to the local economy, dinner became the focus of activity.  Ken performed a few circus tricks as he maneuvered three different gas tanks around the bar b que in an attempt to find one that suited his requirements.  It happened with only one fall down the stairs, tank in arms, and a bit of juggling of burners.  How we lived through this adventure without burning the house down or calling an ambulance, we are still not quite sure.  Tony and Karen, with Anjin, arrived to enjoy the evening with our American guests.  Newfoundland meets New England is a highly entertaining confluence, just in case you are skeptical.  Best to stay out of the line of fire, we discovered and simply enjoy the proceedings.  And if you are wondering about the Canadian shortfall in wood pellets, well, now Tony has the answer.  Scout and Chantelle went to Agility and learned new tricks of the trade.  They have new and different  practice sessions to be added to the routine this week. 

Briggs and Brady are thriving, managing their run and enjoying spring.  It was the warmest day yet and every dog on the property thoroughly enjoyed the sun and beautiful weather.  Maddie the JRT and Liard arrived in the morning.  Maddie is adorable and her owners get the March prize for best communication surrounding her booking and drop off.  Timing is everything.  Liard is not getting any smaller and is his usual outgoing self.  Sophie, Abby and Shadow looked after number four yard and played much of the day.  They are great friends now and really seem to enjoy the company of the others, an interesting triumvirate.  Jasper and Maddie are the tag team and keep a close eye on the new GSD Ziggy.  Ziggy is doing amazingly well - a person in a dog suit we have decided - easily sorting the routine into something that works for him, enjoying the weather and the comings and goings in the kennel.  Raggs the OES is a bit tentative but relaxing slowly.  She is easting well though so isn't all that concerned about her changed circumstances.  Little Maggie is looking after her corner of the kennel, watching out for her buddy Nemo and keeping a close eye on the people moving around her. 

The house dogs are delighted with company.  More hands to pat them and extra food to be handed out.  Shirley is highly popular with the crew.  Nick is so enthralled that he was unable to accompany Ken on his hunting and gathering afternoon trip.  Clint is delighted with the visit and now lives in hope that every arrival may bring him a new friend.  

Dinner was Chantelle's bruschetta (excellent), beer can chickens,  homemade cranberry sauce, asparagus with asiago and balsamic reduction and baby potatoes with sea salt finished on the bar b que.  Dessert of individual cranberry apple crumbles didn't go to waste.  All is well and we look forward to another bright and shiny day tomorrow . . .

Monday and the city calls - lobster anyone?

Susan and Shirley are enjoying the offerings of Nova Scotia.  They are amazed at our spring weather and deigned to wear jackets as we went from stores to restaurants in Halifax, our beautiful city by the water.  A visit to the vet resulted in another progesterone test for Diva and Susan's approval of the shopping at Four Feet On The Ground.  Then it was on to Costco for the levelling out of the height of the pantry - replete with 20 kg of flour, milkbones and Cesar, vegetables, fruit and Susan's Breathe Right strips (at Shirley's behest) we loaded the van and set off for Jim's for lunch on the water.  It was a beautiful day, the water was sparkling and the Ocean Limited chugged by on its' way to Montreal, evoking lots of memories of trains come and gone.   From clams to seafood chowder, all was pronounced fare fit for a king, and it was back to the hotel for a rest prior to the return to Regalridge.  Ken and Lee got home to Tom's next phase of The Project - coat one of polyurethane on the treads - Lee lives in hope that the hall will not continue to be a spring project and might be finished by the end of the month. 

The kennel is almost full.  Briggs and Brady have a big round dog bed and the two were curled together asleep after dinner.  They are just great dogs that bring a daily smile.  In number four yard, Sophie, Shadow and Abby held the fort, with Shadow herding the big dogs who look at him indulgently and go through the motions as they hoot 'Game On'.  Maddie and Jasper have number two yard and know the routine inside out.  They are very attentive, respond to any call we use and do very well.  Ziggy the German Shepherd is doing amazingly well.  Not the norm for this great breed, Ziggy has settled in immediately, goes in and out without question and enjoys his bed inside as he watches the coming and going.  That is absolutely amazing for a first time German Shepherd Dog in a boarding environment and we tip our hats to his family who have him so well socialized.  Barrett departed much to Trebia's dismay, leaving his pink bone for his next visit - never fear Barrett, we value those bones and will keep that one just for you.  Susan was watching out the window as Barrett departed and commented on the lovely Gordon - not a usual sight.  Little Maggie is doing well.  She has a new game with Chantelle, knocking on her door from the inside to the outside when she wants to come in, then changing her mind and waving.  Raggs the OES is lovely.  She is well trimmed and carries herself like a herding dog.  On this, her first day, she was out by herself but we are thinking Shadow would enjoy her so will make that introduction tomorrow.

The house dogs are ticking along.  Patti is eating well as is Clem and Clint is delighted with his changed fortunes, vocalizing that delight through the evening as he serenades his new girlfriend and all else within hearing range.  Nick was not amused that Diva had his place in the Regalridge van and suggested that didn't need to recur.  The little crew found their way onto Shirley's lap before dinner and highly recommend it to anyone who finds it in the future.  In fact, the Regalridge dogs have all adopted Shirley and have told her that she is just the best person they have ever met and that nobody understands them like she does . . .  Gotta love loyalty.

Dinner was an East Coast occasion.  Lee made bread early in the day before the van left for the city.  A salad of nectarines, spring lettuce, almonds and snap peas accompanied the lobster dinner and the artisan bread, lovely wines and a chocolate dessert that Susan approved highly followed.  The lobster was outstanding - hard shelled and full.  Ken supports the meal by cracking the shells for all of us - that makes it just darned perfect when eaten at the dinner table.  There was even a quiet moment or two as we all savoured the fine meal.  It's going to be difficult to top this one - we can only try.

Party Day

It was party day and the house benefited.  There was lots of kitchen activity but other rooms benefited and things got sorted yet again.  While Lee cooked, Chantelle and Ken worked with dogs.  Those to be shown are getting polished while others are simply having spring cleaning.  With guests as audience, Scout showed off his Agility routine - enjoying the accolades as much as he enjoys the equipment.  Susan and Shirley arrived, after a little tour of NB, and enjoyed dinner and the company.  They were in good form after two days travel and have weathered another New England winter.  Dawn and Jimmy joined us for the evening - always a pleasure. 

Jake departed much to Abby and Shadow's surprise.  He had such a great time with these two that his reintegration to the city could be a little longer than usual.  There has been a new set of alliances.  Sophie needed friends so she is going out with Shadow and Abby.  Being herded seems to suit Sophie - she thinks Shadow is charming.  Abby loves everyone so a change is a good thing in her world.  Jasper and Maddie have their own yard and work as a team.  They enjoy their big beds.  Briggs and Brady are doing amazingly well.  They are such a different combination and are best friends.  As is always the case, dogs boarded in pairs really do thrive.  Little Maggie is looking after her run and keeping an eye on the kennel.  She runs out to say hi to her friend Nemo and is doing well.  Barrett is enjoying his days with Trebia.  He is insistent that his little friend come with him.  They just add to the odd combinations this week. 

The house dogs are going along - always happy on the day of a party to help in the kitchen and remain under foot, avoided as much as possible as they stand behind us or settle under our feet.  The little crew are as troublesome as ever - barking us through our days and critical of many of our activities. 

Dinner was lovely and we all enjoyed the prime rib, Yorkshire pudding, roasted squash, onions, roasted potatoes and turnip followed by a nectarine shortcake with blueberries and cream.  Nobody left the table hungry.