Christmas requires light - and lots of it

All is moving along at Regalridge.  Our Ken marched through the house muttering something about shopping.  When queried, he confessed that the crocus purchases got out of hand.  Having bought one package of ten, he had decided that was not quite enough so went back for another.  Problem was that the second package contained 100.  Chantelle noted on her departure that the front lawn looked as though it had been gone over with a pogo stick.  The alpha male's list still includes the wrapping of the roses (a parade theme in the making or perhaps a horse race) and the turning on of the outside Christmas lights - always an event.    Lee managed more indoor trimming, the Airedale Angel and the birds are on the Christmas tree and the mantle is lighted.  The kitchen continues to welcome addition and is officially seasonal.  Chantelle was in residence to trim some visitors and Atlas Jr. arrived for a trim and set by Lee.  He is a handsome fellow with one of the most beautiful heads we have seen.  Marguerite is producing beautifully. 

The kennel is quiet.  Ruari and Finn are aware of their heavy responsibilities managing the West side and are taking it quite seriously.  Well, Ruari is taking it seriously.  Young Finn is just being silly. 

The house dogs are well and continue to enjoy the mild days.  Supervising Our Ken is a full time job and the Airedales are just the dogs to do that.  His comings and goings are of particular interest and are heralded if particularly noteworthy - like when he morphs from a bent over bush-like looking entity to a full sized man who has taken on the resemblance of - Ken!  Marilla finds that particularly disturbing.  Jessie spent the day apart from little Trevor.  The youngster is being weaned and has decided that puppy food may be palatable after all, provided there is lots of goat's milk to wash it down. 

Dinner was the end of the pot roast and well and happily consumed.  With a date square to finish the meal, Our Ken was replete and ready to watch the Wizard Of Oz - well almost  . . . 

Outside work is easy in good weather

Another mild day with sun and cloud offered lots of opportunity for the dogs to have adventures and for Chantelle to be educated into the ways of wayward Airedales.  In residence to do a little trimming, Chantelle was led on some merry chases and departed muttering something about no need for a Wii at Regalridge.  Our Ken continues to put flower gardens to bed, sort garden equipment and generally find reasons to be outside.  The garden tractor was heard throughout the property, sporting a man with a Patriots cap and a big smile as he motored under the chestnut tree.  Lee spent the day encouraging the Christmas tree lights to be dutiful - with mixed results.  Our Ken also managed to fix something.  Remember, engineers are not handy by nature - that seems to be why they go to university for eight years.  Up early, there was a call to Bob the font of all technical knowledge to discuss the dreaded pump.  Now, waking Bob up to discuss the pump and expecting a deep discussion is folly.  Several calls later and with Bob in pump-mode, the fix was in and success was had - or at least, there was an aha moment after many pauses at the top of the stairs with exasperated sighs and 'where is the phone' comments.  And yes, a plumber does exist in Elmsdale but that, apparently, would be saying 'uncle'.  The evening ended with "It's a Wonderful Life" - a cornerstone of the season at Regalridge.  Jimmy always comes through.

The kennel is well under control.  Ruari is well and bright, taking his meds and happy in his palace of beds, blankets and paraphernalia.  Finn couldn't care less about the trappings and still gazes down the hallway hoping Chopper will reappear.  Ruff is settled in and taking life easy as Ruff has wont to do.  Trebia kept an eye on her area and was a bit ticked at missing the adventures with Sarah and Lola.  There is always hope for a sequel. 

The house dogs had a wonderful day.  Marilla began the adventures with a quick toy exchange on her way downstairs.  Lee expertly removed the pink dog before it met the fate of other stuffed toys in the great room as Marilla set her sights on Chantelle.  Lo and behold, there was a package of Cesar in the feed room.  That was expertly snatched and headed for the outside door.  Again, Lee made the catch and Marilla made her way outside with an empty mouth, much to her disgust.  A half hour later, all came back in to be fed and with slight of mouth and quick manoeuvres, Marilla managed to get to the feed room, snatch the Cesar package previously positioned in that Airedale mouth and get to her crate before Lee reached her.  Marilla's imagination is second only to her guile.  Keeping up with her is a full time profession.  Puppies, Patti and May are all well. 

Dinner was a t-bone.  Yes, "a" steak.  Our Ken went shopping and came home with a steak that Bedrock would have been proud of.  Well grilled on this lovely evening, it was accompanied by baked potatoes, onions and mushrooms and turnip.  All was well in Our Ken's world - particularly after all was washed down with chocolate for dessert. 

The return of the Regalridge-mobile

The return of the Regalridgemobile happened just at dinnertime after two days of warm and sunny weather.  The unloading was easy given that it was a quick two day trip to Woodstock.  Lee's brother was glad of the break in routine and the descent of the Regalridge activity level.  That seems to occur wherever Regalridge touches down - go figure.  There were copious amounts of packing and unpacking, work on the estate (coming to an end perhaps) the requisite trip to Houlton for milk and King Arthur flour, Girardelli chocolate and Christmas soft peppermints for Our Ken.  Sorting and a little Christmas decorating happened (a few surprises for Greg).  And it was home again home again within 36 hours.  Our Ken managed the driving with aplomb, even the detour to Costco for collection of Vito's lasagnes for Woodstock dining pleasure.  As unpacking occurred, it was evident that at some point there was also a side trip made to the Woodstock bakery for Our Ken's favourites.  Chantelle was waiting on the doorstep as the van returned, Christmas music playing and the weary travellers ready to regain the routine.  There was a dinner and Christmas movie to follow.

The kennel is quiet and manageable.  Chantelle's dogs are in residence to keep Ruari and Finn company.  Ruff is holding the fort nicely and keeping an eye on the little dogs.  It will be reasonably quiet until the descent of the Christmas canines. 

The house dogs are well.  Little May suffered through Chantelle's cooking and Marilla shared her thoughts with Lee about the mean beloved older sister.  This is generally the coming home ritual.  One of the other of the Airedales feels hard done by for some reason.  This trip it was Marilla who walked over to Lee as soon as she landed in the leather recliner.  Then it was Airedale head on Lee's shoulder and big sigh, long suffering gaze into Lee's eyes and then a fast head turn to Chantelle who had landed on the couch next to the chair.  More expressive sighs and gazing and the head turn to Chantelle.  The story was told - Chantelle is a meanie.  The back story is that Marilla was playing 'monster on the couch', a favourite game of hers.  As the Norwich came past, she growled and leapt up to make them run - Marilla likes to see Norwich run.  Chantelle mentioned to Marilla that enough was enough - and the 'I'm telling Lee' story was written.  Poor Marilla.  Piper came over with chapter two but only out of Piper-ownership of Lee, not because a real story was necessary.  And there was the June-update
"l was out at your place today. Sarah and the dogs were doing well. The pups were fantastic. Izzy was up first and was determined to win first prize. Then Breezy took the stage. There was a bit of hesitation in the beginning but she soon started to strut her stuff. I was getting tired after the the 2 girls but the boy dog was not going to be left in their dust. Gabe and I had a few words at the start and when he realized it was in his best interest to trot like a champion, the girls watched in horror as he took top honors today.
See you when you return "  Progress continues.

Dinner was Atlantic and good.  There were pan friend fresh scallops and risotto with peas.  All is well.