A Missing 4th BDAY Photo

Hi Darlah and Nathan,

Hope all is well with you and the family.

Thought I would send you an updated photo of Leonardo (Leo)

He is doing very well and is as spunky today as the day we picked him up. Always on the go!

Can't believe that he is four years old already. Time flies for sure!

If I'm not mistaken Darlah is also celebrating a birthday! Happy Birthday Darlah.

All the very best,

Leo and Family

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Thank you, Mary!!!

No Groom Day

Thought about not doing the blog but I haven't missed a day since I began the blogs even when I was not on a website but instead on blogger. So, why ruin a - can count on- thing.

As it's the birthday I decided not to groom anyone. I have a ton to do tomorrow on dogs departing that I need to start at 730am but I am not grooming today. Plus I had something strange happen to my hand where it locked in place with my fingers pointing up. It took me over 10 minutes to get it into a fist. Yes - overuse. For the 1st time I thought oh my shave all my dogs and not do any grooming any longer. But I got this way after a dematting so I think after these last 2 demattings, I will have to say no. Some knots, okay - down to skin mats - can't do it. My body is telling me no. Having my hand lock up like that was scary. So - after these 2, no more. No one can allow their dogs to get this matted and I have had many this last month. So, no more. I want to be able to use my hands. If they are starting to mat and you can't do them, bring them. Do not wait till they are bad, Tell me they are starting to mat, I need them in right away. 

Here is the uncombed look. 

I did lie above. I did comb out Willow and Sage as they couldn't see and I just couldn't handle it. LOL

I have had an amazing day. I was able to sleep in. I wasn't even sick so wow. I took a leisurely shower which most people would think yeah so... Well on a normal day I lather up fast, rinse off and get dressed as I do not have the time. Today, no rush. I am not going to have to do the dog dishes, laundry, cleaning up the pen, cleaning bums on dogs that may need it etc. If you knew what I do in a day. Sometimes at 10pm, I sit down or 1030pm and go ah sleep time. Tomorrow, hopefully I don't pay for it but I do have a ton of dogs to do. 

We will go out to eat after Nathan's nap. I may have a gin and tonic. I may opt to go to bed early and treasure each down moment this day gave me. 

I thank everyone for the greetings. I got cheese cake from Tenshi's mom and dad, a bottle of gin from Lynda, flowers from the Maissals, tshirt, garden tags and a cheese steak from Sherry and beautiful flowers that lasted till today from Walter and Marion. Did I forget someone? Please forgive me if I did. Profuse thank you. You made my day. My birthdays are usually a bust. This one is outstanding and I will remember it truly.

Dennis usually gets up about 11am these days. Nathan takes naps in the afternoon. I start in at 7am and finish at 10-1030. So these little down times are so golden. 

The dogs gave me hugs. They were excited to see that I finally got downstairs by 10 - how decadent. 

I am doing the blogs at leisure. I had wonderful puppy time. 

Wow... best birthday yet... thank you!

Happy 4th

Taking a photo of these 2 is rather comical. Tenshi came over to celebrate and even brought snacks to share. These 2 are having a grand day. 

Happy Birthday to Murphy, Saffron, Maggie, Leo, PJ and Olive. Forgive me if I missed anyone. It's been a busy day but a fun one!

You can see our attempts in taking their photo in the main gallery of all the crew. You can also see Charlie Puppy from Raven's crew having a blast.

Tomorrow will be short blogs as I am taking a semi day off for the birthday. 

Hi!

Olive says she misses you on her 4th birthday!

Hope all is well!

Still Ice

It was bloody windy today and cold. It was like blow you away weather. brrr But the dogs still managed to have fun. I have started to comb them out before they go home or before bed. I am seeing how that works as it is driving me crazy to see them messy 5 minutes later. At least at bed time they stay that way for a bit.

Here is a small gallery.

Sherry took me shopping and out to eat for lunch for the birthday. I managed to get out but now need to play catch-up grooming. So the blog will be short.

We - my choice had a Phillie cheese steak - just like they make them in Philadelphia and I have had them there. It was Sherry's first taste of one and I think I have her wanting another too. Wonderful lunch and laughter. 

Tomorrow is Murphy's birthday - can you believe it. I will have to give her an extra special dinner. Maybe she can find Charlie's toy. LOL

What a Mess

When they are perfectly groomed, they aren't being crazy busy with play. They tend to do that around here. Ali gets the messiest but she plays with everyone but really loves the Charlie.

Here is the gallery.

In the morning they all mill around waiting for Nathan to cook up veal or something similar to add to their food. They can smell it and they know the rituals. At night Nathan adds ground chicken. They are spoiled.

When I comb them out they stand and wait as they know they get a special treat. 

Its wet and mucky out there. I have had to clean feet already. What will the weekend bring if it gets even warmer. 

Siblings and Pals

Chloe - a Cinnamon pup from her 1st litter was here hanging out. She is Ali's sister and they played a ton. 

Here is the gallery.

Chloe and Brady departed today and I am positive they are going to sleep as they are both play monkeys. 

Ozzie arrived and is filling in for them getting the crew playing. 

Ali is also very close to Charlie.

Its warmer today. It's not hot but it gives us hope of warmer things to come. 

Sunday, someone is gracing my birthday with perfect weather. Let's hope they are right. Itr's supposed to be sunny and reach a high of 13c. If that happens - how lovely that will be for all. Here is hoping!

Getting Warmer

Charlie says, it is warm out but my feet are still cold. We are starting to see a melt in back. The front of the house has the walkways and driveway clear. No more complaints that it is too slippery. I think we bought 20 bags of salt this season. That's crazy. Gardens still have a mound of ice. 

It was warm today but not no coat warm. It will come.

Here is the gallery.

I missed the St. Patty's corned beef ritual that I do so I bought some today to have ready for tomorrow. A slow cooker comes in handy for busy times. I like to celebrate other people's holidays. 

Brady and Chloe departs tomorrow. 

My actual birthday is Sunday so I may ask to stay in bed in the morning. Do you think I can get away with it? Reduced blogs?  I had to celebrate it with the daughter early as she was not going to be around. I also had to get a dress for her wedding. She will be staying in Niagara this weekend. Adele and River will be spending time with us. The daughter travels all over the place. Not sure how she ever has downtime. Look at me talking.

Charlie's departed today and Lina brought me the loveliest orchids. Thank you! They are stunning!

Teshi just departed and  she gave the most wonderful kisses to Saffron's chocolate. Did I have a camera at hand - nah. Just Tenshi's dad William, Nathan and I got to see such an ahhhhh moment. It really was one.

I can't believe tomorrow is Wednesday. 

Ice Still

We still have solid ice out back but we are getting double digit weather for this weekend. Wednesday brings spring after all. Will we have a pond? is it time to get the pool opened? LOL

Here is the gallery. This gallery contains photos from yesterday and today.

Want to say thank you to Marion and Walter for the wonderful flowers. What a nice splash of colour. They are still gracing my desk in great health!

Marlee, Sadie, Charlie and Frannie arrived today. Harlow, Oscar and Coco departed. Tomorrow little Charlie departs. Wednesday Brady and Chloe. 

Dogs are having fun. It's not wet outside so my grooming is not futile - hooray!

2 Updates: From Beau the Furry Leprechaun

Hi Darlah and Nathan,

Wishing my fur mom Leti and the rest of the Talemaker family a Happy St. Patty’s Day!

Love Beau and his human Yan Family

No Gallery Day

It is so nice that Stone welcomes a puppy spooning with him.

Some of these photos may have been in yesterday's gallery. No time to sort it out as I am going out.

Here is the gallery.

Ajax, Red and Socks departs today. All have had baths. It is a crazy schedule that I have to do to get a day off. LOL

Dogs are playing like crazy in the kitchen.

I am looking at a pantsuit online that is available at Vaughan mills for the wedding. Can I get away with it? It's super dressy. We shall see. What it looks like online and in a store is often different. UPDATE: Pants were too long so I got a dress, and shoes and a purse. Oh boy.

All I know that after the wedding we will be close to all puppies departing that are. Weather hopefully will be better than now. So much to do but swimming is in the cards - visitors to get their dogs swimming and good company. I so need downtime to a degree. This will be the 1st summer off - whatever off is in a long time. the projects are scary but I hope to take the classes I paid for but never find the time for. Revamp my middle garden bed. This year is reduce garden so I can relax more. Catch up on shows recorded from my bursting at the seams PVR. Wonder how much I will get done? Maybe not much but the pool, visitors, dogs - YES!

Oh My

We had a pond in the backyard literally and now its ice. You can't win. 

Here is the gallery.

The dogs still manage to have fun and I am removing hair from any visitors pads to make sure they have traction. 

Ajax, Red and Socks depart tomorrow. I will be out with the daughter as she is in Niagara for my birthday. So, short blogs all across the board.

Having Fun

Ajax from Stormy's litter is visiting and he goes home Sunday. I will tell you little pups, big pups, adults - bring it on. He is a riot. As you will see in the gallery, he has been having a ton of fun and all the dogs are enjoying him - even the ones that are older and say 'really young thing' are giving into the play.

Here is the gallery.

Its sopping wet outside. Been going non stop. 

I go out Sunday so no grooming. Sorry folks. I earned it in a huge way. I will have dogs going home on Sunday ready before I depart. I hope to eat something good as Nathan has to shop. We had Popeyes tonight. Not my idea of decent food.

Dogs are coming in SOAKING wet. Thank you for the gazebos or it would be worse.

I have a knee bothering me but I am determined to shop Sunday even if it still hurts. Knee brace and away I go. I so need a break. Lately I go from 7am till bedtime with no breaks - no tv...nada. 

Checked out Akasaka and they now have new owners. I decide where the birthday meal will be. The prices have gone up and the menu is not the same. So we are heading to Kobe Teppanyaki. We have never been so I am so hoping its good. 

Tomorrow night I have 3 dogs to wash and do haircuts on after the puppy visit. That means blogs will be late. Sorry and hoping Sunday they take photos or the blogs will be short again Sunday. LOL

Hoping everyone has enjoyed their March Break. Tomorrow Murphy gal arrives. Barney, Scout, Coco and Charlie departs. 

It's a weekend - what's a weekend. Hope everyone is staying dry and having a fabulous time!

2 Entries Today

Nathan and I received this gift today from Sue Edwards in England. It's a wonderful applique of Spicy and on a little flip up fabric it says Talemaker's Spicy. I am going to frame it and treasure it immensely! What a wonderful early birthday surprise. Wow and you can't see it but its such high quality.

I love the card so much that when we frame it we will include it too. 

Thank you ever so much, Sue. You captured the essence!

Yikes You Want Me to Walk in THAT

Tenshi was not a happy camper with pools of water. She would walk in them and freeze. So you would have to take her out. She wasn't the only one. 

Here is the gallery.

As we have the first family visit this saturday, blogs are short. I am off to do 2 dogs. Tomorrow 11 pups and 4 dogs. Sunday 2 dogs before the daughter takes me out for my birthday as shes not around for the day. Two dogs after I return.

We are looking for a dress for her wedding. I guess shoes I will never wear again will be part of the equation. I hate dresses as I never wear it again. Formal attire is never worn here. In another lifetime it was. 

I gave Nathan a list for the kids for my birthday. Some stupid but useful things on it like cord condoms. Last year not a single thing was purchased off the list. The biggest thing I want is not to groom or do any chores nor have to pay the next day for that break. Yes, I am calling for a miracle. LOL

Dogs had a better time playing inside. No one said they were stupid. Smart dogs here! Can we skip spring and jump into summer? Off to groom a dog or 2.

The other blogs will be done late. Sorry.

Messy Mess

I grow weary about this weather. By tomorrow it is supposed to be 10 or 11c out. That means even more melt will occur. I have decided to do the moms tomorrow but I may regret it. How will they last till Saturday with the great meltdown. It was hard to keep the dogs departing today clean and dry. What a riot. 

Here is the gallery.

Bria and Toby departed today. Tomorrow Simba and Peppi, maybe Clarity and Farley and Charlie arrives for overnight. 

It's a busy March Break but a fun one. If it wasn't all the grooming due to wet muck and 11 pups and 3 moms to do on top of the rest, it would be so easy. LOL But we manage to have a ridiculous amount of fun despite mother nature and the dogs saying I am EVER so tired of those blow dryers and brushouts. 

Till tomorrow!

Sopping Wet

We are on meltdown and by Thursday we are going to have a lake. LOL

Here is the gallery.

Dogs are messy. I brush. I comb. I give up. 

Maggie and Murphy departed today. Bria departs tomorrow. Charity and Farley arrive tomorrow. It's March break.

We are busy but we are fun busy. 

Short Blogs Across the Site

It's March Break. We are busy. That means I have more dogs to brush and comb out, more groomings and yes even some demattings <sigh> I seriously need to say no to demattings. Sorry... just frustrated.

As it was wet the last 2 days, I have spent a ton of time grooming. 

This week is the puppy visit so moms will get baths, 11 pups will get baths. I promise I will find time for showers each day too. LOL Yes, just teasing.

Here is a small gallery.

Everyone is having a blast. I am exhausted but the dogs make me smile.

Gallery Wet

I am not sure what I am going to have as a way of a gallery. Okay, I managed to pull one together. We have ice and rain and I am afraid of the dogs going anywhere except under the gazebos. 

I am spending so much time trying to make the dogs - well if they were human I would say trying to make them look human but I guess I have to say trying to make them look like strutting canines. LOL

Okay, I give up. They roll all over and act like the wet is no concern. But then they are soaked. I feel inclined on drying and then it starts again. 

On the good news front, we all slept till 8am which was really 7am, our usual time. I hate the time changes. 

2 Updates Today

Murphy Boy and ElvisDogs just want to have fun and boy are they. 

We are experiencing ice from melt then melt then ice and on and on.

It has been a truly icy winter. I am still waiting for spring. This is the start of March Break so we are busy so short blogs. Notice the time I am updating. 

it's tv time and Nathan is loving it. Me, I am still blogging it.

Happy 1st Birthday: Beau, Felix and Sage Photos

Hi

Today we celebrate Beau’s first birthday - having a little sister was the best gift we could give her.

Wishing her siblings Marcie, Mabel, Felix, Charlie, and (wild) Sage a very special day.

So happy to be part of the large Talemaker family.

Anne-Marie

Unfortnately, Felix is spending his time recovering from his snip, snip neuter. He's a brave boy but says really what a way to celebrate. LOL

Sage and the Talemaker crew says a very happy day - wow 1 years old already! Yes, Sage is 1 today too. Sage had steak tonight. She told us she wants a birthday every day.