Buds, tulips and bright days

Canada is in the midst of a federal election campaign.  This morning the news includes an overview of the Prime Minister's election rally in Ontario where he was met by protesters in chicken suits.  We Canadians are indeed deep thinkers.  And as the election stumping moves into high gear, the weather slowly improves.  Days are long now and the tulips are up but not yet blooming.  Without rain, the yard is drying quickly.  Life is better.  Allan Thoren arrived for a visit - he looks great and brought good tales of Annie and Higgins. 

The kennel is doing well.  Little Sherlock and Abbie waved good bye as Miss Penny arrived for her spring vacation.  She was delighted to move into Airedale heaven and enjoys every minute of her opportunity to commune with her relatives.  Savannah is enjoying life at the spa - she has the Airedales whipped into shape, expresses herself to all who will listen (and many who won't) and gives Dolly 'what for' at every opportunity.  Poe is happy and settled in to his home away from home.  Carter on his first visit is amazed at the activity level and enjoying every minute.  All are enjoying the big exercise yards and the opportunity to watch the activity at the fruit stand across the road. 

The house dogs are doing reasonably well.  Patti is thriving.  She has met and adores Felicia - our new member of the team at Regalridge.  That has given her an impetus to show off her "I am in charge" ways.  Nick has had a bit of a downturn and has an appointment for a visit in the city tomorrow.  Marilla is delighted to have Lee home and tortures the life out of her at every opportunity.  This morning it was taking the snake toy (thanks Chantelle) and carrying it downstairs with Lee, banging the end with the tennis ball on every step and swinging it ever so slowly, waiting as Lee waited to let her get ahead so that the potential to trip Lee was maintained. 

Dinner was grilled steak with potatoes and sweet onions and squash from last fall's garden offerings.  That went well and life goes on at Regalridge . . .

Spring anyone?

It was another cold day in Nova Scotia with the eternal spring winds.  Warmer days aren't far away, though, the tulips are up and the crocus are ready to bloom.  The songbirds have their feathers ruffled but they are back from the South and Our Ken is feeding constantly.  As a help, Paula worked on the mean squirrel.  On her initial trip out on her deck, the squirrel surfaced and Paula, thinking only of the birds' needs, groomed his tail.  Boy, was he ticked.  His language would have made a sailor blush as Lee went out to bring the little groomer in.  Lee spent much of her day on conference calls and has a tired ear as payment.  And Our Ken had Chantelle to assist with his projects.  The two were a blur as they moved from one end of the property to another, accomplishing who knows what.  There were ladders involved, the tractor was employed and much ado ensued.  That level of activity makes Our Ken a happy boy - almost as happy as a good fire!

The kennel is settled.  Little Sherlock is in charge and has a routine that he encourages everyone to follow.  He is perhaps the brightest little Toy Poodle we have met.  His 'sister' Abbie the Labrador puts on a long suffering countenance and trots along at his urging.  Barrett is doing well, racing with Trebia and staying in shape in typical Barrett fashion.  His singing voice is staying well tuned.  Savannah is well and of interest to all of the regulars - the new kid on the block. 

The house crew had a great day.  There is nothing better in their world than to have all three of their people in one place.  With Chantelle's arrival, life is complete.  Jack had a spa day, has his spring 'do' and is pretty darned chuffed.  Clint spent a few more hours on the table bonding with all who spent any time in the grooming room.  Ken finished up Scooter and by dinner time trimmed Patti who looks fabulous.  Spring does have its benefits. 

Dinner was fishcakes.  Lee hadn't made them for some time and they were much enjoyed with lovely greens, lemon wedges and last fall's tomato chow.  There had been lemon-cranberry muffins for breakfast and tuna melts for lunch so the day's fare was adequate to everyone's needs.  And we move on to Monday and Lee's packing yet again - this time for NB and appointments with lawyers and accountants. 

Spring hicupped

All is well at Regalridge.  Lee is returned from Toronto the Good and Our Ken is more content.  And there was activity while planes were flying the skies.  Ken's buddy Jimmy came to visit.  The back run that the Welsh use was demolished and along with it Paula's escape route - she sends Uncle Jimmy her sincere thanks.  That was day 1.  At the end of that day, on the regular evening telephone calls, all Lee heard was a groan and "I hurt - you have to talk.  I'm too tired."  Our Ken is not all that up for manual labour.  And we expect it might have been under someone else's direction - That would be a challenge.  The bet is Jimmy has had more willing staff.  And it wasn't over.  The next day the replacement fencing was installed by Our Ken and Jimmy.  What a difference to the back 40.  The view planes are totally altered for the better.  Jack the Welsh loves it.  He now has acres to watch and supervise.  That works well for him.  Paula has had an initial spin and is eyeing a couple of areas for their escape potential.  And then there is the kindling.  Jimmy cut and loaded the huge amount of wood into his pick up - and guess who unloaded.   Dawn, we hear there is a special on Minard's linament at Tack and Feed.  And it was Shelagh's birthday.  Heather Cook had organized a great party and Shelagh seemed to enjoy it.  There was lovely cake and cupcakes, Heather's fantastic oatcakes and lots of other treats with many friends helping her enjoy her special day. 

The kennel is doing well.  There was coming and going all week that resulted today in Barrett continuing his stay, running in his yard and racing Trebia daily.  His woo wooing still goes on daily as he catches a glimpse of his best friend. He was not, however, impressed by the change in weather and made a fast turn when he felt the freezing rain.   Abbie and Sherlock remain in residence.  Our Ken advises that Sherlock is a real Sherlock, full of himself and strutting around proud of punch.  He flies out through his inside/outside door and manages like a much larger version of himself, not missing a meal and in charge of all he surveys.  Abbie played with old Bailey every day until she departed at the end of the week.  She now has to manage the big yard by herself - a big responsibility. 

The house dogs are doing well but were dismayed to see snow in the air and the cold high winds.  They were pretty sure spring had arrived.  But, with freezing rain the center point of this storm mud should return soon.  The little Norwich are delighted to have their Lee home - bossiness just is nowhere as much fun with Our Ken.  Piper welcomed Lee with stories of lament and tragedy.  And Patti complained that Our Ken mixes proteins when making her meals - totally unacceptable.  Nick accompanied Ken to collect Lee at the airport and offered his warm and exuberant greeting as the PT Cruiser trunk door was opened - in Nick's world that means he turned his head and blinked. 

Our Ken did not fare well in the food department this week so any meal would have received approbation.  In this case it was chicken breasts with a light sauce, grilled potatoes and parsnips and Hagen Daz.  All is back to normal in Our Ken's world and we are ready for another day . . .