New Swimmers

This is Meadow swimming/

This is Ollie swimming. They are both VERY strong swimmers. I am impressed!

Here is today's gallery.

It was a long day for me as I brushed and combed all and did many baths. I almost washed someone that isn't going home till Wednesday. LOL I checked the calendar and shook my head at myself.

It's been a very hot today. I did take a grooming break to take photos of the new swimmers today. i like to do this just before they go home otherwise its two baths, which happened with Meadow today. That's okay. 

Tanner arrived and is having a complete blast. He is loving and kissing momma canine.

I bet you Meadow is fast asleep watching how she played.

Now it is tv time early. My knee is still killing me and I need to ice and get it up with the dogs on top of me, of course.

No washing Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Sink is going in and I need a break after the holiday weekend. We shall see.

Everyone is having a truly outstanding time. Makes me happy when they are!

Hot Today

This is Murphy and Fitz hanging out.

No one went swimming today. We had a lot of humidity so the dogs really, really appreciated the indoor air. I am feeling bad for anyone without air. I hope humans and dogs are all in good shape.

Remy is visiting and he is Saffron and Murphy's great, great uncle. It is wonderful to have him here and he is still playful. 

Here is a small gallery.

We also have Benny here. The older generation rules are here and the younger generation is playing up a storm. The older ones don't mind all the play either. How nice!

Years ago I did step aerobics and really screwed up my knee. Today is a bad day where I am hardly able to walk on it. It's hell getting older. Ice packs, tylenol 1s and a leg brace that doesn't quite fit. Here's to the next day when I hope it magically goes away. I say this as some of us are getting older - dogs and humans and arthritis sucks. But there are worse things. 

Here's to a wonderful long weekend for all. Lots of brushing this weekend and it seems it is just me. But better than dealing with knots later on, I say. 

Ollie and his canine mom have been playing quite a lot. It's nice to watch!

Today and Rain

Oh Saffron you are such a cutie. Your daughter is going to be bigger than you by far.

I washed a bunch of dogs today. I combed out Ollie who wasn't impressed. LOL Planned to take him in the pool but it rained. Oh well we will see what tomorrow brings.

The faucet is on its way. They say fed ex and it will get here by 5pm Tuesday but handyman can't come till Friday. I had no faith and this better work out. Photos when it is all done and you will all sigh relief - oh my gad she's not going to be talking about THAT anymore!

Here is the gallery.

The dogs are truly enjoying this fine holiday weekend. We hope their humans are enjoying it as well. 

We are already watching tv in the family room vs. the tv room. It's larger. Misty is trying to jump on the couch and every now and then she gets up on it and Spirit flies and leaps off of it at her. Harlow just looks at them like they are nuts. Perhaps they are.

All the dogs are laying on both of the couches. Chillin at the end of the day is the best!

Short Blog Tonight

Ollie Chillin'As this is the holiday weekend it is a full house but a fun one. Not many photos. Here is the gallery.

It was too hot today. The dogs complained and didn't want to swim. I wanted to. Nathan wanted to. Funny dogs.

The sink arrived today but the faucet has not even shipped from Maryland. They say it ships out tomorrow. Believe it when I get a tracking. Looking more like the end of next week, if I am lucky.

Dogs and I are waiting for Nathan to get out of the pool so we can chill and watch tv. They say a thunderstorm tomorrow afternoon. We shall see. I have many dogs to do this weekend. So, I will jump in the pool when I can and if it rains, if I don't have time, I won't be too upset. Greedy thing wanting pool time. 

We have a truly outstanding bunch here this weekend. It's going to be busy but fun, fun, fun!

Misty is turning into an outstanding dog, as I knew she would. Glad she stuck around. What a water dog!

Exhausted

What do they do after playing all day? This is the usual stance till they get their 2nd wind.

Here is today's gallery.

Dennis and Nathan took the photso so if your pup is not in this gallery, blame them. LOL

The faucet saga continues. I spent a ton of time trying to find one. I found shut offs are no longer available. You have to do them yourself. It has something to do with a makeshift bidet. More than you want to know. At least that is the story we were told.

The original faucet I was told was the best choice for a groomer but Amazon can acquire them from the manufacturer at the moment. So I cancelled that order. they had no clue when they would get them in. I called Global Industrial and the faucet suggested by one of you is not in stock and has a high pressure on it that is used to clean pans in restaurants. So, essentially a pressure washer in a faucet. After calling 20 plus plumbing suppliers, it all went back to no one had anything in stock that would work except a threaded faucet with a hose and sprayer attached. It is what I had. I never had enough pressure but I can't have too much pressure. Both Powell and Hudsons and Noble and many other places suggested I contact T&S directly. That was fun but they did tell me a place that had it in stock.  So, I did call them. They only do orders online - not on the phone - yikes. So, we will see if it arrives. I have no faith any longer. I will feel better when I get tracking - they say shipping won't happen till Friday. With the holiday, it won't arrive till who knows when. I will be glad when this chapter is over. If I end up hating the faucet, remind me I get what I deserve. 

Dogs truly enjoyed when we had shade today. Me, I kept waiting for the sun. Tomorrow I start doing serious grooming. I believe I am busy all weekend. I did get the liner for the cabinets. It's a two minute job now that I have something to size it to. 4 shelves out of 6 are done. I also have a step stool so I am not swaying. LOL

Dogs are laying all over Nathan outside while I am typing inside. I think it is summer and the dogs think so too! Time to watch tv and maybe have a gin and tonic! I best brush Tenshi again as she looks like I never washed her. 

Good News and Crazy News

It was a tad cool this morning with cloudiness so we didn't swim but when the sun came out, Charlie decided to jump in. 

Here is today's gallery.

I groomed and then lined my cabinets with liners. I have to do 2 more cabinets. 

Pixie and Leo's mom came over and we were so excited to see them but didn't take photos - darn. She brough cilantro/coriander. Seeing all 3 of them was the best present ever. 

The sink ships tomorrow and they say it will arrive in 2 days. The faucet won't be here for 3 weeks so we are going to a plumbing store to find a solution and cancelling the fancy faucet. yikes - always something. Who knows when the handyman will be available to put the sink in. So maybe I will have time to find a solution - maybe not.

Tomorrow will be hot so we are hoping to get some swimming in. It's the time to wash my own dogs too so lots of grooming to fit in this week.

The dogs truly enjoy the lounging business outside. They had steak added to their dinner tonight. They ate rather well.

I hardly got any sleep last night. I didn't eat anything spicy and didn't overeat. If anything undereating and I had a terrible bout of Gerd - solution Tums. That was okay then the ^%$# squirrels ran across the window and the dogs started barking at 530am in unison. Then about 6am they went the other way. About 630am, I gave up. I may buy blackout curtains. Someone told me they are cheap at Costco. 

I do believe we have a truly fun bunch here. With the long weekend coming up, it will be busy but a ton of fun. 

Patches and Radar are here. I caught Radar with his head on Stone's back. Where was my camera but it made me smile. 

Who is Next?

We have been feeding outside just for a change. The air is so nice and when it is not raining, why not? 

Here is the gallery.

Jeannie has terminal bed head and as soon as I fix it, she ruins it. She's so funny. She pushes herself through the gate to make sure she gets to stay with me in the office. She is very pushy about it. LOL

I need to cut liners for my cabinets so I can put my product back. I hate our step stool. I have to find a sturdy one that doesn't take up too much space. The one we have sways. Yes - really it sways. I think it needs to go in the trash and I can't see any way of tightening it up. I think its just breaking. You see I must stand on it to cut the liners. 

I had a bunch to groom today and tomorrow. It rained while I was grooming, I was told. 

Charlie departs tomorrow and Tenshi, Radar and patches arrive for overnight. Harlow came running in to claim her fave spots. LOL She does that the first day like a game. the others don't mind.

Misty is in class tonight. We forgot about it and I was in the pool when Ruth and Willow showed up so off Nathan went with his wallet and phone left at the front door. Got to love it and I bet he doesn't even realize it. Next week I will go. I didn't want to race around with my head cut off drying and getting dressed as they were already going to be late otherwise. I will have to hear the stories when he arrives home. 

That's it for tonight. I look forward to watching tv and relaxing with the dogs. 

I planted some bean seeds - I know late but gave up finding. They will either grow or not. Time will tell.

Oh and I have been starting to put herbs in my regular pots vs just the trug. It is working out well.

Huge Gallery and Departures

Coach and Sassy from Wasabi's first litter departed today. Above is Pingo who swam and swam and then I got him all groomed up. He loved both. I have to laugh. Pingo has been great to have around. Charlie dropped in. Amy departed and I missed her going. <sigh> I went to redeem my card I got from Canadian Tire. I got this tumbler that keeps drinks cold for 18 hours so no more warm water out back when swimming. They also have planters on sale 14" ones for $9.99. I also found two teeny weeny cilantro plants that I haven't been able to find this year. It won't supply my salsa but  its better than nothing. If anyone sees cilantro plants, let me know.

It was hot. The dogs swam. I think Nathan even snapped me in the pool. tsk tsk I am a little burned but that's okay as its supposed to be cloudy then rain at night. 

River, Adele and Stormy jumped in the pool. River and Adele are here till tonight. Scruffy and Pepper, Coco and Doozie decided - not for me. Cali and Fenton and Charlie opted out too. Next sun day...

Here is the gallery.

Got lots of grooming to do tomorrow so thsi is a no groom day other than Pingo and it sort of reflects that. LOL

Now off to plant and weed though its rather hot still.

Chill Day

Stone and CaliWe were too busy today to have a pool day and by the time we had time, it was too chilly and the sun went down. We vow to change that tomorrow. I told Nathan I need a complete weekend off to just chill. Here is hoping.

I did get a fun morning with Sherry and I thank her for it!

Here is today's gallery.

I did brush all the dogs although it doesn't look like I ever took a brush out on some. We have new visitors today. Sparky departed. Lexi departs late tonight. Tomorrow Amy, Pingo and Coach and Sassy departs. Only Pingo gets a baths and spruce up. The rest just comb-outs then it is pool time. 

Waiting for a rain day to weed the middle garden path. I did have fresh cucumbers - not as tasty as I desired and tomatoes that were unbelievable. Thank you, garden. I have ugly netting over the tomatoes and cucumbers and no one is eating them now, Hooray. I save on getting a trug. Maybe next year. It seems the grooming room is getting all our monetary issue and I feel guilty. Who knew so many extra costs. 

We rearranged the lower deck to give the dogs more room to play and Nathan loves it best. What makes me happy is fine with me. Nathan had his sandals eaten and somehow I got blamed. He was just teasing but when he laughed when they ruined my beloved Taos sandals that I can't get again, well now he gets it. Puppies - well visitors and not are chewing and chewing. This too shall pass. 

Murphy loves the couch the best. Pingo loves her and he kept jumping up at her. She turned her back to him and ignored him. He listened. See, us humans can use the same methods the dogs do. 

No one is in heat. We celebrate. LOL Kat seems to be back to being mega relaxed. It was time.

Tomorrow sun. I do so hope you enjoy it!

Thirsty

Take a drink... lol. I was trying to find a stand and use it as a bird bath but the dogs have something else in mind.

Here is the gallery.

Nathan asked me if I wanted to swim at 7pm. I said I think not. I have to do a blog. <sigh>

It's been a day. We are having a tough time finding a faucet that works as a grooming sprayer. Shoot me now. Helen told me fun stories about Ali and Hugo. It was fun!

I brushed all the dogs today - visitors and my own and my arm feels like it belongs on someone else. hahahahaha

I did a fair bit of clipping so people could walk down the paths today. I also use a product to disinfect outside that is safe for pets and plants. It is so easy to use and one bottle does my whole yard, decks and pathways.  I do that every 2 weeks. Dogs tend to pee and all and urine is not what we want to smell. Even people with 2 dogs every once in awhile it's great practice. What a subject.

We had Ella's puppy Charlie here - the one with the black head. She's a tiny thing and so delicious. She played and played and played. 

Brewer decided he wanted the recliner today and he was often laying on his back comfie as ever inbetween play. 

Well, I am tired. Need a mindscape. May sit outside with dogs and not do anything. I need to weed the path but not today. I have fresh cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce of all types already. Since I netted my tomatoes and cukes, no nibbles. I am pleased and cheaper than another trug - which a faucet takes precedent.

Till tomorrow!

Happy 8th

Hi Nathan! 

It's so nice to hear from you!! I hope that all is well with you, Darlah and the family (both fur and not lol).

It has been a while... I'm so sorry we haven't kept in touch but life just gets away from us somehow. We are all doing well - we have an almost 3 year old and a 1 year old who both absolutely adore their big sister Mia. Three years ago we moved to Nobleton where we have 2 acres for all of them to enjoy. 

Mia is doing very well! It is indeed her 8th birthday today but she still has lots of "puppy" in her and she is so wonderful with the boys. Honestly, she's really the most amazing dog and one of the loves of my life. I took some photos of her playing with the boys today which I have attached, and also a photo from our Christmas card and our younger sons newborn photoshoot last year.

Say Hi to Darlah for me! We would love to connect sometime - are you doing the picnic this year? 

Stella turns 8 today , how time flies. She’s the sweetest dog ever and I’m thankful to have her in my life. We start our sick kids hospital visits on July 4 . Thank you for my precious girl. - Val

Siblings are Stella, Mia, Molly, Jenkins and Murphy. Did I forget anyone?

This will be the only blog entry up. I have way too much on my plate, at the moment. I am a blog failure. We will play catch-up hopefully tomorrow. 

It's raining and Sparky needs his bath next. He's seeing his mom and dad tomorrow so he needs to look a little less unkept. LOL

Painting Day

It's a crazy day. The original cabinets that I wanted, our handyman said didn't fit and I had to get ones that lifted from the bottom. He knew the sizing etc. He said the others were way too big. Well, he tore them open and didn't retain the packaging and they are too small. So I had to go pick up the original he said wouldn't work and now all my tip money is gone. They won't take the ones that don't fit as its lacking packaging. So, this is getting costly. I am not happy but it was an honest mistake on his part. Now to figure out what to do with them. I just wish it didn't cost me as I truly didn't make the decision. I wished I didn't listen. Oh well, mistakes... and we have a faucet that we need to figure out too - a 4" deckmount that has a sprayer that turns on and off. Oh boy - most are 8" or wall mounted.

Paint is drying slow as we have high humidity. The cabinets had to be assembled. I have a full day grooming tomorrow. Am I grooming out in my entry way? Time will tell and we go through this again when we get the sink. I had an argument with them too. What a day. Sink is supposed to be done in a couple of days then it takes 2 days to get a crate and 2-3 days to arrive here. I said then order the crate today so it is ready when the sink is ready. Oh, you want me to do that? Yes! Why didn't they think of that?

My sliding doors may have to wait till the sink comes in so I may be working without closing the closet. No biggie except it will be a hair magnet. It's almost 8pm and he doesn't have the cabinets up yet. 

Here is today's mini gallery.

Dogs had fun. I ran all over town as one place had 1 cabinet, another had yet another - not all at one location. I thought this was going to be a swim day - yeah - right. Dogs don't mind any of this and love not getting combed. Tomorrow I have solutions to find.

Ali is in her forever home. She is busy getting Hugo to remember play and he is. They are in love and I certainly understand. We felt that this would help them with the loss of Milo and help Hugo find his play again and he is but the first few days was difficult on Hugo's part. I said 3-4 days and it was that.

But now Hugo is melting as he has a girlfriend. LOL We miss her and had no intention of doing this but we knew this would work. It is what everyone needed. If it didn't work out, she was coming back here forever. A part of me didn't want to lose her but how can I not help fill a void and well they dote on her like she's a princess. I am happy for her journey. It is the most difficult part of breeding and the best part of breeding knowing you made others tell stories and get excited with every new experience. Nothing better and they have filled me in every step of the way. 

Tomorrow we get a 5 year old havanese back. He will stay here for a bit and get rehomed. With a new baby, a full work schedule, he needs more attention. More in a couple of days. We will always take our dogs back. We realize life sometimes is what it is.

So, lots of changes around here. We do what is best for the dogs - always. It's not about us but them. when they are happy, we are.

Long Day

Rusty is home and tired just like me. LOL He is such a lovee!

This is Meadow watching the videos. Check them out.  I took a few videos of the swimming.

I have my grooming room ready now to be painted. I will have new cabinets installed. The sink is not here but we have to do this in stages. The room looks so large when my equipment is not in there.

It was a ton of work. Walls had to be washed. Appliances pushed out and cleaned behind, cabinets and closet emptied and cleaned. The floor washed. All my equipment had to be moved out. Then when this stage is done, I get to put it back and groom. I need to groom on Thursday - yikes.

Here is today's gallery.

It was a lot of work and that is why I am blogging at this hour. 

I want to go to sleep but back to it. 

Warm But Busy

This is the Gucci gal!

Here is the gallery.

I just finished grooming and I have a very full day tomorrow. I have to empty my grooming room out, wash walls, pull out all my equipment, empty a closet, move out my shelving unit that holds towels to have it read to paint Wednesday. Dogs had a great time today. Me, not so much and I suspect it will be like that for a bit. So - short blog. Enjoy the gallery. 

Happy Cool Father's Day

For Father's day - no feeding, washing dog dishes, cleaning up after the dogs and nap and read books and do what you want. This is Nathan's day. I am glad he is having it.

Here is today's gallery.

It's a no swim day. Nathan tried to lay outside with the dogs but he found inside warmer. 

The next few days is going to be slow blogging. After I am done here, I am starting to box up all my shampoo, conditioner, dog supplies etc and I will be taking each out as I need it. I have overhead cabinets, a shelving unit, a closet - all to empty. Tuesday night I need to wash the walls and make sure my table, cabinet, dryers, grooming wheeling cart etc are all out of that room. Come Wednesday morning the room will get painted. The cabinets will come down, the doors fixed (daughter broke the mirror doors when she lived here). All of this will be done and when the sink arrives, we get to do it again. I say we as its just me. I am not looking forward to any of this but it will look great when it is done. 

We have a few pups here and they are playing like banshees. Oh are they having fun!

I hope all of you are gaving a wonderful Father's Day.

To Meetings and Fun

Look who met each other in the park today!  

What a wonderful surprise!  

Actually Meadow surprised Pablo!

 My girlfriend, Petra, met Michelle in the park recently and she noticed how beautiful Meadow was then started asking all about her.   Michelle starts telling her about Talemakers. My girlfriend put two and two together and said "My friend has a dog named Pablo that I think is from the same breeder!"

OMG!

We were coming over for lunch today.  So they made a secret plan to surprise us.  

Petra says "I have a sweet surprise for you."  I'm thinking...Yummy she has done some baking!

So fun!

-------------------I was out today but the dogs did play. Here is the gallery. Tomorrow I play catch-up grooming. Though I did brush Scruffy and Pepper who departs tonight. Teddy and Moxie tomorrow. Everyone is getting along like crazy. 

Much to my surprise, I did buy two large planters of flowers - 2 for $40 in St. Jacobs - mighty cheap. I vowed not to buy anything but veggies. LOL You never know. 

Now - Father's Day tomorrow!

Not Warm Enough to Swim

Here is today's gallery. Elvis is just chilling.

No one went into the pool. It was warm but the wind brought the temps down - or it felt cooler. I had a lot of grooming anyways. Dogs went home today or just came for grooming. Dogs going home tomorrow that needed to be groom. I am finally getting my Mother's Day present from my daughter. She finally has time to take me to St. Jacobs. I am looking forward to it even if it rains. 

Charlie pup - Raven's boy was here and had a blast!He has such silky hair and a personality that said - oh my its party time. He rather enjoyed having Pingo here and of course that Misty gal. Pingo is full of fun always! It was a fun day!

Stormy is out of heat and is being her usual fun self too. Spirit and Sky are segregated till the 21st - 1 more week. When will we have consistently hot weather?

Oh well, I did clean all my grooming stuff - bottles, supplies etc getting ready for a sink that was supposed to be done this week. Have the paint now for the room and the cabinets. It will be a huge undertaking and painting will have to occur on a day that I am not grooming as all my equipment will be out in the hall. Still haven't figured out a faucet that will work for my needs. Boring stuff to all of you. 

We had the pest guy here again. He said it looks like the rodents are now under control. Chewed electrical cords are not fun. They are also quite costly. 

Moxie, Elvis and Murphy, Scruffy and Pepper departs tomorrow. they will be missed but we have new ones arriving. It's going to be a wonderful weekend. Happy Father's Day to all. Maybe Nathan will get his Lobster sandwiches again. 

Short blog tomorrow as I may be home late and it will depend on the camera taking.

Rainy Day

Here is today's gallery.

This rain needs to go. It's hard keeping anyone clean and hey it's supposed to be warm. We have Pingo here and we are excited. He's a Stormy puppy. Stormy is finally out of heat so she is able to play with him and play they have off and on. But Misty thinks she is the one he must play with. What a pushy thing. LOL He doesn't mind. 

Tomorrow I have a scary busy grooming day so tonight I am going to relax. 

For all the dad's out there for humans or canines - I do so hope your weekend is a fabulous one that brings you smiles. 

New Swimmers This Year: Gallery Added

Pablo came for a visit and swam but didn't jump in.

Sage jumps off the side or diving board.

Misty jumps off the side or stairs and when she jumps off the stairs, she jumps up high. 

I had an extremely busy day grooming today. 2 was unexpected but it was for a good reason. It was a no swimming day for me. It wasn't that hot and they say rain is coming. 

I believe Saffron is out of heat today so she survived this. 

We are looking at doing a picnic in August at Yvonne's new place - next door to her old one, Stay tuned. It will either be the 10th or 17th. We are solidifying the date in the next few days. 

Dogs have had fun and love chilling outdoors in this weather. 

Just learned a new way to organize socks - gad help me. 

Here is the gallery.

Lazy Day

It's a big stick day and no we didn't buy it for them. Someone thinks they need to garden around here.

Here is a tiny gallery.

It's Father's day this Sunday and the daughter is taking me out to St Jacobs on Saturday. It's the 1st free day she had. So far its supposed to rain but after waiting this long, have umbrella will travel.

As it was a warm day but not a hot one, the dogs truly enjoyed just lazing in the sun. Everyone needs a down day. I managed to get Nathan a gravity chair on sale for Father's day as his old one was flipping him over every time he leaned back. I know it sounds comical and it was after the fact but during the event, it was downright dangerous. His fave chair is a gravity chair. Not sure why but as long as he appreciates it... and I get an XL one so the dogs can sit with him on it. 

Tomorrow, Pablo, Chester and Scruffy and Pepper. Harlow arrived and has taken over the coveted spot in the kitchen that Elvis has been enjoying. We will see how that goes and who gets it tomorrow. 

Till then....