Warm But No Swim

The ZiggyIt was warm but not as much as yesterday so no pool today. Besides, we were busy. We did a find the treat game. Dennis did run and hide with them and whomever found him got a small treat. We had fun.

This is a small gallery.

Pablo is here and to say he rested would be a lie even though Nathan tried to get him to nap with him he still wanted to play. He will sleep tonight. He is such a happy boy and is playing with everyone. He is so excited. Even the non havanese are fun to play with. Oh you say they are not havanese? I didn't notice, says Pablo.

Siopao and Dimsum went home today. Teddy is doing really well. He surely loves the recliner. That is HIS spot. He especially loves snuggles and tv time.

Misty I give up on. I gave her yet another bath and she is dirty. She loves to roll in dirt each time she is clean. Is she telling me something? I am NOT cleaning her before Woofstock. It is what it is!

Plants have not been planted. Weeds are growing. My dogs are getting their baths here and there. Woofstock is tomorrow.

I am looking through my photos as I am printing a few up to hang in my grooming room. Just before the sink comes, we are painting, changing cabinets and hanging some dog photos. :-) I want to be surrounded by dogs that I groom. LOL Lots of work but it needs to be done. Better to do it when we do not have pups - especially painting.

I am hoping Woofstock is fun. I haven't even had time to look at the vendors but we always manage to find something. Hope to see some of you there. Umbrella will travel. 

Sunday Nathan goes with our 3 sons to a kung fu movie (thanks Lynda) and I hold down the fort. It's his birthday on June 1st so they are treating him. 

What a Day

It started out looking like it was going to be cold and then it got hot. Pool time was had today by me. Nathan napped instead with several dogs. We each have our priorities.

Here is the gallery.

This was my day off today but as I answered the door. Poor Michael was standing there with a skunk sprayed Brewer. His poor truck smelling like skunk. As I didn't have any skunk off on hand - I usually do not do skunked dogs as my house smells, I smell of it and well.... so I do not have it on hand. I should for my own dogs. So off to the vet he went to get it. Then I started trying to get the smell out. His body was reasonable but his head - the target still has the scent though not as bad. It was a process. I put skunk off all over. You heat it up under the dryer. You would think it would bake the oil in but it doesn't. It actually loosens it. I rinsed him, and then I used a high end clarifier from Vellus as the cheap ones dries out the coat. I used it over and over and over again and finished it with a Citrus shampoo and a VERY light amount of conditioner as conditioner holds the oil in. He smells better but it will take time. 

No, I don't usually offer to do these services. i even had to clean the towels, teh grooming jacket and vinegar the whole grooming room. But hopefully Brewer is comfie now. It's not fun getting sprayed.

Then we had to run to Scarborough to drop off the Polaris. Then we had to exchange green bins. The city I live in replaces green bins at no charge if you buy them from them. Our green bin people throw them around so they crack etc. 

Dogs were in heaven and still are in this warmth though that wind was something else a bit ago. Someone said it rained in Markham. We have had nothing but sun. The wind whipped that warm air around and dried my bathing suit. The dogs were not sure what to think of it especially Misty.

Tomorrow I am back to lots of grooming. I give up on Misty. I have her a bath 2 days ago and she is frightfully dirty. 

Ziggy arrived. He keeps going on the top step of the pool and laying down.

Everyone loves the schnauzers. Pablo arrives tomorrow. Lots of fun!!

Oh and those cabinets won't work as they are too big so I am figuring out another solution. There is always something. 

Not Again

Saffron Photo Taken TodayYes, Saffron is in heat. The term lock her up comes to mind and yep that is what we are going to do. We have this system where the bungee cords are secure. It's a PAIN in the ahem as each time you have to remove each cord to go in and out and put them all back. Three weeks, folks to curtail a determined little being. 

Here is the gallery.

The dogs had a blast today. The garage doors were installed. They don't look anything like rest of the trim but what the hey. Eventually as we replace windows, it will. We installed our old garage openers that still work after 25 years - yep sears and saved money till we need to replace.

The air guy never came. Now he is rescheduled for Friday. The polaris has to be dropped off tomorrow. We have an old Kreepy Krawler doing its thing. My plants are not planted.

I washed some of my dogs. 

Saturday Woofstock. Hope to see you there! We meet up in the parking lot across the street at the corner of the Lakeshore and Northern Dancer Blvd about 15 minutes before opening.

No one went swimming today. Meadow was the last. I sure hope Misty swims but she doesn't play in the water bowl like Meadow. Time will tell.

The schnauzers have arrived and no one reacted to them. usually we have someone who is afraid of them but even Cori, Misty and Meadow didn't react. Bonus. It is great conditioning. I love these 2. They have been coming to us for quite sometime.

Teddy also arrived and it is amazing to have him playing and taking over his recliner. LOL

We are having a grand time!

PS: Cori arrived home. He's playing with Chiclet and he ate. Hooray!! Sounds like he is happy!

Fine Day

The Gucci GalGucci was here for a play and a bath. She had a blast and so did we with her. Between Meadow, Cori, Misty and Gucci - it was play central here. 

Here is today's gallery.

It wasn't too hot. It wasn't too cold. It was just right. LOL Well just right to hang outside. Brewer, Coco, Rosie and Tenshi departed today. Missed already!

Tomorrow Cori departs. See his bath photos on Saffron's blog.

Saturday we are heading to Woofstock and do a meetup. If you are interested, please send me email. We meet 15 to 20 minutes before opening. 

Pool is at 85f. Now summer come! We want to see who new will swim!

Running Fun

As I type, Meadow, Misty and Cori are playing their hearts out with Saffron. Misty is trouble as she can now get up on the couch. I love her dearly but oh boy is she a puppy that finds trouble wherever it is. 

Here is the gallery.

I had plans on planting today. It didn't happen. I had 6 dogs to wash and tomorrow I have 7 but 2 are pups. 

Pool was up to 85f but it was too cold. Meadow didn't think so and boy is she a strong swimmer. as I was grooming all day, Nathan dried her. 

It is 5pm and I am done. I knocked a container of elastics on the floor not once but 3 times. That has to tell you something. 

Although it is cold out, I have my windows open. I am trying to get a good exchange of fresh air. I think it's good for humans and canines. 

Dogs have been playing hard today. I bought Woofstock tickets today for Nathan and I. I am looking forward to it on Saturday.

First Walks and Fun

Cori (how they want to spell it) and Misty had their first walk around the block and their first Petsmart visit. We listened to a puppy class going on in Petsmart and just cringed. Let's just say, we were not impressed but it gave this duo exposure. This is a video of the walk around the block. I did not take any when we were in Petsmart. The duo did really well.

We are getting Cori ready for his Wednesday departure. He is heading to Perth to their cottage as they are on holidays. They spend as much time as they can there. Then he will head home in a week after that to his forever home. I guess their cottage is the forever home too. 

We had a really good day but I spent a lot of it grooming for departures. Reggie, Tenshi, Adele, River and Lexi depart today. Tomorrow Buddy and Tucker and maybe Coco and Meadow arrives. 

We had a wonderful time outside - mostly with Nathan as I was working but some with me too. Plants are still in the wheel barrel. 

We have a busy week. The air conditioner guy comes Tuesday. The garage doors are getting installed on Wednesday. Cori departs Wednesday. The schnauzers arrive - hooray - we have missed them! Ziggy comes Thursday. Pablo Friday and well Woofstock on Saturday!

Here is the gallery.

I need to plant. I want to fit in a garden center that is my fave that Nathan doesn't want to go to. The lights and the Polaris and it now seems a longer flex tube seeing my hook is too far up now. LOL The list goes on but I will ignore it all if we just get a day in the pool with the dogs. Can we have it, please?

The Fun Of It

Ali likes to play so much that she gets her hair chewed. She has personality plus. But poor thing is having her first heat and she is none too happy not being with everyone. She wants to play, play, play! We get her out with the girls but she doesn't understand being isolated.

Here is today's gallery.

Nathan was doing dump runs with Dennis so I was answering the door, grooming, changing water dishes, going out with the dogs and keeping Ali isolated. It was CRAZY! It's a busy weekend as it is a holiday weekend. We also had to get the garage ready for the garage door installers. We still have brick we have to either move or also bring to the dump. When we had our driveway installed years and years ago, they stacked the old brick in the garage. Keeping a stack to put in water pots makes sense but a whole driveway? LOL

As we have a full house this weekend with the holiday weekend upon us, it's a FUN, FUN house. Ali had her sister here, Chloe that was here for grooming. Lexi is here for overnight. Ali was happy playing with her sisters.

I may get to plant my trug this weekend but then again with this grooming, maybe not. hahahahaha I still need yellow and green beans. I need cilantro, and I am sure much more. This is the year of buy my hanging baskets and the rest is veggies, fruits and herbs. 

We have our sink ordered. It will be maybe 4 weeks. What to do with the old sink...hmmm. I want to put these cabinets in this room but Nathan says they are for a garage. I said - so... Have to save up for them and wait for them to go back on sale but this would mean everything would match. Last week they were on sale for $129 a piece and I want 3. I already have this storage in this room so this would pull it together. But then again Nathan wants to just leave the cabinets we have. I have a ton of time and I will need it to save up but I like to do things that are not the norm. We shall see. Maybe I am crazy. When I put that storage cabinet in there, Nathan thought - what! But now everyone loves it. Just because something says garage doesn't mean it is just for a garage. 

We have some truly interesting dogs in the mix this weekend. Lots of playing monkeys. I love the spirit. 

It may be extremely busy but now its tv time and dog snuggles. This is my most fave part of the day!

Happy 2nd Birthday Tchibo - Rheo and the Roxie Crew

Hello Darlah and Nathan,

Hope things are going well at Talemaker.

We cannot believe how fast time flies. Our little puppy Tchibo turned two today. It feels like we picked him up from Talemaker yesterday. 

He has been such a great pup from flying on a transatlantic jet like a pro to being a mental support to an always tired new mom. Tchibo and baby Max are not allowed to interact yet (Max pulls hair out of mama daily), but they are very curious and fond of each other from afar. 

We love every bit of Tchibo. Even when he is being a little butt sometimes (not that little, he is now 15 pounds). 

Today we made him a “mutt loaf” (he will only get a small piece, the rest goes into the freezer) and tomorrow we are taking him to a dog friendly restaurant downtown.

Hope to see you in a month or two as we are planning to head back to Canada soon. 

Happy Birthday to Tchibo’s brothers Buddy, Milo, Rheo and Tuesday. Special thanks and wishes of good health to Roxie.

Thank you,

Aliya, Alex, Max and Tchibo 

P.S.: bombed you with photos :)

Talemaker’s Candyman aka Rheo is 2 years old! How fast that time went! Love this cutie and am so happy that he is in my life. He is fun, smart, cuddly, and loves everyone he meets. Happy Birthday my little guy💕🎂

Hard to believe that Roxie’s boys are 2 years old! Rheo is a happy, smart, cutie who charms everyone. He is continuing in classes for Nosework and now Barn Hunt, and enjoys playing with the big dogs at home and warming my lap. The whole family loves him to bits!😊💕

Update on Friday, May 17, 2019 at 9:33PM by Darlah

Tchibo lives in Russia so we are excited that they are moving back. Can't wait to see all of them!

Huge Happy 8th Cooper

Anne says: Our Cooper is eight today - a special boy in every way

-----

No regular update today. I have to figure out how to protect my plants outside that Dennis insisted on putting out. It will be cold tonight so have to put them all together and tarp them. We are also going to see a mindless movie John Wick. We are going to the VIP seats and I have to tell you, I love their fajita salad. 

We have extra dogs here as it is holiday weekend. We are loving it! 

I am semi adjusting to the sink though I find my back aches from lifting and bending over. 

Ali is in heat - oh boy 3 weeks of that!

I am busy getting everything ready for Corey departing. Yesterday Misty put her whole face in mud. Everyone who saw her yesterday loved her personality. Plus she has such a great face!

The day has already begun and we at Talemaker send huge birthday Wishes to Cooper. 

It's a Day

Have to love Stormy. She had a blast with her son, Ollie. He was here for play and a bath.

It's been raining here off and on. Amy also came to play. She was so excited.

Here is the gallery.

We had mad rushing play in the kitchen. Hang out time in the familyroom and we tried to fix our Polaris that keeps giving us an error. May have to take it in. Is this the year of everything breaking?

We took Corey and Misty to Loblaws garden center to see if they had some strawberries that are supposed to be on sale. The duo walked around, said hello to everyone and had a great time. Then we headed to Global and they also had lots of snuggles and hellos. Corey is a real people dog - Misty too but Corey thought this people greeting business was great fun. We are going to take them out again in a couple of days. I want Corey comfie in the car for the long ride to Ottawa. It's interesting how many people talk to you when you have puppies. 

Got to plant strawberries but not today. I also got cukes, cabbage and a few herbs. 

We have a few dogs coming for the weekend. Tomorrow we see a movie. We are making up for lost time. It's a 4pm movie. It's John Wick 3. My dryer is fixed - hooray!

Lazing and Sunny

Here is the gallery.

I can't believe Corey will be departing next week - just 7 more days. A bath will happen the night before. Photos and all that on Saffron's blog. He is such a cutie! Then we start classes with Misty and maybe take her and Saffron to Woofstock. 

Last year I had all my plant pots filled and my vegtrug planted. This year nothing. We are busy fixing things.

We got our estimate for the sink and it can be done in 3 to 4 weeks then shipped to us for an extra 350 or we can pick it up. LOL All we need is half down. We are figuring it out.

My scissors sharpened are WONDERFUL. You don't know how good it is to have sharp scissors and thinners again. I would never suggest this sharp of scissors if you are just starting or a moving target. I still have some dull ones for that.

Pool is clear waiting for warm days. Air conditioning guy comes in a week. Our garage doors are getting installed on the 22nd. That means we have to empty out the garage this weekend. Who has time to plant. We are making trips to the dump, I guess. It's time to park Jon's old car in the garage so we have driveway space as he has a company car now.

Sometime this week I have to fix the landscape lights. The new wired ones are much easier as you just clamp the wire on. 

My hair dryer - 1 - have 2 and need 2 to dry from both sides is at the handyman's house as it started to run hot and smell. He had cleaned it out for me so I am not sure what happened. So, poor Shlomo was getting dried on his feet and underside with the forced air dryer and on top was my usual stand dryer. It took me way too long to dry him. I am glad he was my last dog to do today. I wanted to do Shoshi but she is afraid of the forced air dryer so here's hoping the stand dryer can get fixed.

On Ollie I will use the stand dryer alone.

The dogs were highly playful today. It wasn't cold. It wasn't hot. It was if they had a new lease on life. I love it!

Ollie, Amy and Reggie come tomorrow. We are excited!

Lazing

What a day. We had a lot of lazing and playing.

Don't you love this crate? We always keep the doors off and over the years, it has been chewed on from teething puppies. 

Here is today's gallery.

Murphy was here for a day visit. Charlie was here for a groom. Theo was here overnight. The sun is shining brightly now that it is night.

I am sitting on the fence on how short to go with Shoshi. 

For Mother's Day, Dennis emptied the trug down 10 inches and placed new soil in it. We are ready to plant but I haven't got a thing to plant yet. I need my herbs, tomatoes, cukes, strawberries and lots of lettuce. 

It's already time to weed and the dogs love that experience. I am not sure why. They love running away with the weeds as I pull. Can't wait till the crazy season begins on a consistent basis. The dogs tell me they can't wait either. 

Leti's blog has an update today!

Wet and Miserable

Oh the great mudpile I came back to and how Murphy was saved, I haven't a clue. Tomorrow is a new day. LOL

Here is the gallery.

My scissors and blades are now sharpened. Hooray! I didn't do all. I rotate which to spread out the costs.

Had fun with Sherrie. We got soaked. I had a wonderful breakfast at a restaurant completely empty. Go figure.  

We shopped a bit and we were tired. I was gone all day. Tomorrow back to grooming.

Ridalco got back to me with a drawing asking me if these dimensions were okay. I said yes but I need a cabinet so here we wait. We await costs.

Wednesday we have the handyman working on this sink as it seems to be backing up - joy. 

It goes on and on and on. Good news, the tummy seems to be better. The dogs loved seeing me - Nathan too. 

We have an update on Ella's and Raven's blog.

They say sun is coming and I am looking forward to it. Each person that comes tells me how depressed they are after all this rain. I just get depressed when I have to clean muddy paws, undersides, dry dogs etc. It's a lot of work. It is not work that I say to myself.... wow can't wait for more rain as I will have a full day of mud to get rid of on everything but it's needed and thank gad Dennis washes the floors.

Happy Mother's Day

Nathan is sick so we may be staying home - we shall see...

Hope all of you have a great day.

We headed off to Niagara on the lake. It was cold, miserable and rainy outdoors. Not something to do on a day like this but we got out. We did get to the Outlet mall and Nathan found deals. I found socks. 

Both Nathan and I ended up sick so it was interesting. Each fast food restaurant we had to go to for awhile. It was not fun and it was both of us. All we can think of is last night we both had this scallop dish covered with sauce. It wasn't all that good. I only had a couple of pieces. Nathan too and then we threw it out. It just was too spicy and it felt off. Well, we both paid for it today but I think we are both really tired but its over. 

Christine invited us over but we were in no condition. Next time. 

Dogs were excited to see us. We were warm at home. I am going to crawl into bed and early tomorrow Sherry and I head up to Bolton. My scissors are already packed.  I think I may take immodium just to be safe. LOL

Pictured above is a mother's love - Saffron and Misty!

Cool Day

Nathan saved a rabbit from the pool. Dennis is still nursing it. I say leave it alone so the mom can come back for it. It's an ongoing saga here. 

Here is the gallery.

The pool heater works and the water is at 75 waiting for a stretch of warmth to raise it.

We had puppy potential people over today so the dogs got to hang out with new people. 

Tomorrow is Mother's Day and I wish all the moms - human and canine a great day. You are a truly special part of your dog's life and well I thank you for being there for them!

For me, most of my family is scattered all over the place. Our son Jon is working. He still is doing 2 jobs - one during the week, 1 on the weekend. We shall see how long that lasts. He bought me Japanese from Tomo. Yum! Our daughter says she has June 8th available for me. Seems she has her own Mother's Day and she has a house to sell and moving into another in Rouge Hill, a 2 min walk to Lake Ontario she says. Dennis is watching the dogs for me and Nathan and I head to Niagara on the Lake rain or shine and they say rain tomorrow. I have not been in many, many years. We will stop at Halton Hills Outlet mall for socks and underwear. It seems Cinnamon has a passion for it and she puts holes in it. We have to put our laundry in a closed closet. it's bordering ridiculous. But we love her anyways. 

We will have a lean blog tomorrow. But hopefully it will be a good day for all.

On Monday I head out to Bolton for scissor sharpening and who knows what with Sherry. I have some scissors and blades that need sharpening. Expensive scissors they charge 17.50 a piece to sharpen. Cheaper ones, half the cost. It's one of those hidden costs of grooming. LOL

Lexi and Amy dropped in today for overnight. Murphy is here. Harlow, Siapao and Dimsum are here. Lynda's duo came for grooming. Today I got a workout on this sink. It's nice to have the extra room. The dogs no longer try to jump on the sides as the sides are not comfortable to do so. Bonus, perhaps. I do bend over way too much for an extended period of time. The sprayer is workable - not the best as I have to shut off the water in-between where my spray had a shut off on it. But we are dealing. I have tons of room for the bathing beauty. 

Everyone got brushed out today. Some got bathed. We are now watching tv in the family room where we usually have litters. the dogs - well they love it. You see the room is not theirs to go in when litters exist so it's as if we let them into a room they are not allowed in. They get so delighted. It's so funny!

It's been a good day despite it being a busy one.

News & More

Looks like on May 22nd Corey will be going to live with Chicklet. It's my sister-in-law and brother-in-law's home. We have bonded madly so this is hard. Everyone especially Saffron, Misty and Stormy will miss him. We can't keep boys but we thought about it with him. Nathan has deeply fallen. I tried hard not to as I knew this day would come especially with all his tests coming back healthy. They spent time with him when we watched Chicklet and fell in love with him. So, they kept at us and he will depart and live in Ottawa.

Here is today's gallery.

Raven is such a great dog. Her hair is starting to come back in. I can't wait till she is swimming. 

Dogs had a blast today. They played and played despite it being cool. Perhaps it was better as it was cool. 

Now everyone is hanging out in the tv room and I am about to as well. :-0

Comedy of Errors

Very short blog today.

Here is the gallery.

So, the sink didn't fit. A cabinet unit wouldn't fit. Ended up with a tub with legs - butt a%% ugly. Nathan picked it out and as he said - I don't want to talk about it. So, okay I can live with ugly but I lost my laundry storage. Under the rotten cabinet - so it did have to go, they never put tiles so I have dirty cement. Plus behind the sink now I have an unpainted splash of yuck as a wall. So how do you match up the floor to 30 yeaar old tile? Can't really. Can put a backslash behind the tub but more money. It needs protection. Got to do something with that floor and all that detergent. Am I having fun, not but neither is Nathan. Oh and the hose on the tap, well it doesn't pull out far enough nor does it go back easily. I tried to get him to get the sink at the restaurant supply place but no.... But I will shut my mouth as he is mega stressed. Me too. I use this stuff and if its not functional and looks ugly...

It is what it is....

So now I save my tips and maybe in a year I will get a ridalco built with a cabinet. 

The dogs are putting up with the noise. I can't groom. 

I want to cry. I suppose Nathan does too. So we wont talk to him about it. I talked enough, I suppose.

The dogs will be glad when it calms down. Me too and will I be able to groom tomorrow? Maybe this is a sign. A sign of what... I am not sure.

Time to hug the dogs and hope the replacement wired led lights for outdoors has all its parts. 

Sorry for venting but look at Missy playing with Stormy. Stormy is thrilled to have a puppy that plays with her. Nathan said, I am really falling for Corey. Of course he is. He sees Nathan and he gets so excited. Everyone loves a puppy that does that!

Sunny Daze Time

This is the Tenshi. She really knows how to chill. 

Here is today's gallery. 

This is a short blog as I have a dog to groom and comb out a few. 

We had a low key day. We played a few games. We lounged outside (why I am late getting everyone groomed) and tomorrow I can't groom as he said I will be out of commision in that room most of the day so appointments cancelled and rescheduled. All I can do. 

I bought tix for John Wix for a 4pm movie on the 17th. Nathan can't take the 7pm movies. LOL

Mother's Day this week is supposed to rain and the daughter told me the earliest we can go to St Jacobs - as in the earliest she has time for me is June 8th. 

Garage doors get placed in 2 weeks from now and they told us we need to empty the garage. Not my job. Shall I ask for it for Mother's day or shall Nathan ask for it for Father's day? 

Time will tell....

Mixed Day

The Magic GalThe day was rain then sun and who knows what. I had a number of dogs to do in this wonderful sink that is increasing in leakage. Now halfway through I have to empty the bucket under it. I hope its fixed come Thursday. Two days and counting...

Here is the gallery.

Corey had his shots today. He was delayed due to testing. In 3 weeks both will get their next. He is gaining on an average of an ounce a day. The pups are doing really well. They have adventures and they play wonderful together!

We got to see Dallas today. It was wonderful!

Today we played hide the treats. I can tell you everyone's nose is working well. LOL

Sunny and Cloudy

Today was sunny then cloudy and it looks like rain is coming. Dogs don't mind. Ollie is a little stuffed bear!

Here is the gallery.

We had a blast with Ollie. Winston also came and was a wonderful ball of fun. Coach and Sassy arrived late this afternoon. 

The sink is not fixed. It seems now it won't get fixed till Thursday after he buys parts. It means buckets each time I wash or run the washing machine. It's hard when you need it. Life...

Misty jumps up on the furniture outside with ease. Corey does not. You call Corey and Misty comes running. She's so jealous of him.

It's a riot and well.... can we start swimming soon? The dogs are lovingly looking at the pool. Me too!