Sunday, May 7, 2017 at 12:02PM 
Jazmyn is not ours but she has been visiting us for years. Jazmyn was Marlee's housemate. I just heard that she passed over to the rainbow bridge. We rather loved her and I hope Marlee is doing well considering the loss of Jazmyn. Our hearts go out to Patt, her family and Ms. Marlee.
Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 7:19PM 
Doesn't matter that it is wet. We can still have fun and that we do! You will look at these photos and I brushed everyone today. They do not look like it in the least. It is impossible. We also still do not have our heat on and well I have layers on but the dogs do not care. It's my bare feet on the floor that gives me chills. I am determined now not to put it on just because. It is supposed to be warm - isn't it?
Here is today's gallery of the motley messy crew.
Interesting enough our tv room is toasty and that's the room that has a ton of blankets that the dogs love to dig in and get quite cosy in. They all seem to have their favourite spots. Nathan says they are his blankets.
Oh, and with this rain Moxie is going out and is fine with it. I guess after days and days of this lovely rain, you either embrace or you stay inside. We do go out between the rain falling.
Poor Murphy leaned over to drink the water in the pool and fell in. Yes, and that pool water was cold. So off she went inside and got warm towels on her and the blow dryers going. Got her all dried and don't you know she was trying it again and I screamed - NO! She stopped and I swear she smiled at me.
One would think that I do not have water down cause why is she trying to drink from the pool? But I place down 8 bowls - yes 8 bowls - 4 in the kitchen, 2 in the tv room, 1 in the hallway and 1 in my office. We change them all throughout the day. Not that they need that many but I believe in them having access to water always. Plus we use bowls that keep the water cold. They appreciate it.
Dogs have been having a great time. Tomorrow Harper, Scruffy and Pepper depart. At least they will go home clean.
Friday, May 5, 2017 at 6:31PM Please look at an earlier post as it is Ripley's birthday!
This is another day of rain and Murphy sums it up by saying - really.....
I want you to know the dogs are having fun but we are at saturating limit in the back. The water is sitting on top of the ground and no longer soaking in. They say we have a few more days of this rain and snow Sunday - really?
The dogs are sick of it. I am sick of it and I brush but they look a mess as soon as they go out.
They say we have broken records in the rain department this month alone. We have to keep pumping out our pool. It keeps getting the dangerous level of overflowing but we can't backwash anymore as the ground is nit handling the water.
But still we play games. We have snuggle time - treat time and well we will eventually have no rain. hahahaha
So much for opening the pool.
Did you notice Moxie knows Dennis has food. hehehehe They do so love him. He won't feed at the table but he does indulge them from time top time.
Amelia, Holly and Secret departed. Harper arrives. Those departing will get washed and not be able to go outside till they get picked up. Good thing we pad train around here as well on days and days of this. But still they are going out each time the rain lightens up.
How are you coping?
Friday, May 5, 2017 at 4:50PM 
Hi Darlah,
Can't let the day go by without sending a big thank you to Katsura for his part in creating my fur baby. Ripley turns 8 today! Where has the time gone? There is a steak waiting to be grilled and, as you can see from the picture, we are going to curl up and watch the game tonight. Let's hope they win to make his day a very happy one!
Hugs to all at Talemaker,
Sue and Ripley
Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 3:21PM 
Sorry we are playing indoors but everyone is having fun. This was Dallas playing with Nathan today. It is raining and it is supposed to be raining for DAYS and well the dogs are mangy messes but we try. I have 3 baths to do tonight as they depart early in the morning. That means no tv time tonight and no outdoors for them. hehe
The rain is something else. Our pool keeps needing water pumped out or it will overflow and well that means we have to add more salt but its clear. Shall we build a boat?
Good thing we have fun games to do in the house. Plus what is better than snuggle, keep warm and tv time but sniff... only Nathan and Dennis will get that.
Tomorrow I promise a gallery even if it rains.
PS: Moxie is full of Moxie. She LOVES and I mean LOVES to play!
Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 8:28PM 
Ever watch puppies when they have a ton of fun? This was Tenshi flying through the air with Raven. No photos but Amy arrived and Momma Saffron, Tenshi and Amy played at the door and poor Tenshi had to say - play or go or play or go? Wasn't fair of us to have a play session with them before Tenshi departed.
Winston also came for his bath. Since his snip snip his hair is all coming back in so silky.
Tomorrow night I bathe 3 dogs that will be departing us on Friday. Dallas gets to see us tomorrow - hooray!
They say rain and more rain is coming. Not sure about your place but my ground is saturated. I hope they are wrong about the rain. Still we had fun with the sun today. Mr. Weather is teasing is.
Me, I am tired. Did you enjoy the weather today?
Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 5:14PM 
This was Teddy. He was perfectly groomed till he backed up and put a foot in the water bowl. That's okay. We dried his foot up nicely. :-) I just love Teddy!! He departed today and so did Chester!
The rain continues. It feels cold. I am still dematting and brushing out dogs. Dogs are having a ton of fun. It doesn't matter if it is pouring, mud comes in, mud goes out - well not really - it just keeps coming in.
But we are dealing and having fun!
Monday, May 1, 2017 at 4:35PM 
Happy 4th to Harper, Bentley, DJ and Adele! Wow how did the time fly?
Monday, May 1, 2017 at 4:22PM 
Inside, outside - tons of rain, mud, wet bodies and I am so done for the day. Brush and comb and brush and comb.
Is it May already? It's still raining - yoo hoo April showers....
It's cold. Still no heat. Dogs see me coming and they run the other way - well actually not but I feel that way as I have brushed them so much. I can imagine them saying ENOUGH lady! Do you have OCD or what?
Dennis looked at the floors he washed last night and shook his head. But the dogs are playing in a BIG way. Ty departs today. Ozzie the schnauzer came for an overnight stay. The dogs went oh my who is THAT but then settled in. It is great conditioning.
Plus who am I to complain. My friend Paula came back from holidays. She had damage from a storm. Oh my gad. So dematting, wet, muddy dogs... no problem.
Sunday, April 30, 2017 at 5:46PM 
Moxie and Chester The pups just love to play as you will see in the gallery today. 
Marco at his Home
This is Marco at his home. Just received this photo in email so I thought I would share it as it's awfully cute!
Chase has had a blast. She's off to have a bath and a shape up and will be going home tonight. This one will be missed. Such a fun dog indeed!
Ty departs tomorrow and he too will be missed. I think I miss them all! hahahaha and it is so trie!
Ty sits on the seat and waits for Dennis to slip him something. Shhh I am not supposed to know that.
When is the warmth coming?
No hose but I am working on the dematting still so maybe mid week the rate it is going.
Otherwise off to wash Chase and watch a tv program with Dennis.
Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 5:30PM 
Thyme is always flying through the air. Her brother Chester is here and he is just as playful.
Zoey arrived and played up a storm with her sister Stormy. We weight Stormy. She likes to eat - that's all I am goin to say.
After Zoey had her groom, she got her Nathan time before her human mom and dad came. Barney also dropped in and he is here for overnight. He is a play monkey so a great combo of dogs here.
Dennis is going to read the pressure washer manual in case I am an idiot. He is also going to try it out front. We shall see. I need to figure out how to repack it so I can take it back in case it is broke.
UPDATE: The pressure washer is working but I need a new hose. Seems the xhose doesn't work with it. It is still leaking so I need an adaptor or a washer or something. Tomorrow a Home Depot run. Joy not. I have to get this pressure washing done before I can put all the furniture out.
Pool cleaner works so well that it brings up fine dust.
I am dematting a couple of dogs so fitting in pressure washing should be interesting but we will try to be super human.
I count my one on one time with each dog as a blessing. I always manage to get that no matter how crazy it is!
Now to finish grooming then watch tv. No more dematting for today!
Friday, April 28, 2017 at 7:13PM 
ArchieToday's gallery
Archie was over for a play day today. Murphy dropped in. Saffron and Murphy still play like they are best sister buds! Chester also arrived. Then the Moxie arrived and all that play got crazy fun.
Mr. Ty is also here and he just loves this warmish weather. We still have furniture to put out but I have to get the pressure washer going.
The pool is cleaning up. Had to get a new pool cleaner. I like how it works.
Got lots of dogs to do tomorrow so going to try to not tonight. :-) Think I will knock off some of the programs on the pvr. Just got 2 hours till bed. :-)
Thursday, April 27, 2017 at 5:03PM 
This is a no gallery day. Dogs are loving this heat but I have to pressure wash outside. I will play catch up tomorrow. You see Dennis and Jon was doing dump runs as they had to get things gone after Tracy moved that were not moved plus things of ours that were broken etc. So, Nathan took a nap for the afternoon so I was with the dogs alone. I did put the pressure washer together. I did seed. I did fertilize. So I got things done but then again I didn't.
Dogs thought all this alone time with me was grand and was highly curious with everything I have been doing. So much to do, not enough time.
So I beg you forgiveness. Off to pressure wash as Nathan just finished feeding the dogs and it is time. The dogs can't be out and it is still warm. Oh I wish I had the pool today.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 8:12PM 
Pippin sends Birthday greetings to his litter-mates & love to Darlah, Nathan & Momma Roxie.
Happy Birthday to the Roxie crew. Here is Chiclet!
Siblings
Pippin
Chiclet
Connor
Winston
Teddy
Whisper
Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 6:15PM 
Today before she went home we have a clean Tenshi! Hooray!
Dennis caught this photo of Thyme jumping. She is such a fun agile dog. Glad Dennis is back to clicking.
Here is a small gallery taken today.
Today Adele and Rover came over for a bath. It was great to see them. The daughter doesn't have a dryer so it is easier to come here and bonus I get to see them.
We are still working on getting the pool clean. It is getting there. Our sprinklers had broken this and that everywhere so that was being worked on.
Ty is the only visitor at the moment and Chase comes tomorrow. I truly wish it was swimming weather but I have to buy a pressure washer. Anyone have any ideas? I prefer a high psi that is electric. I just don't want to deal with the noise of gas. Lots to do to clean up. I bet the same for the rest of you.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 6:03PM 
Tenshi can't help but have fun and can you blame her? I can't! She departs tomorrow and she will have a full bath.
Half the pool is clean, half still green. We tested the heater. It started then we shut it off. The water is 42f. Imagine your hand going into that to reset the pool cleaner each time you backwash. Only me.
Dogs are getting used to it being open now. Yesterday (you will see Thyme looking into the pool) not sure what it was. Everyone that didn't know what the pool is did that. It was a riot. They have now adjusted. We are always out with them. They were leery of the pool equipment in the pool shack too. It was a mighty cold day out today. Even though it says it is 50f - 10c, it feels colder with the dampness. Tomorrow warmer and Thursday swimming weather but we will not be swimming as it takes 2 days for the pool to heat up and it gets cold or cooler after Thursday.
I now have a ritual. Nathan goes up to take a shower and in the time he gets back downstairs all the dogs are combed out. But by noon they don't look it.
Did get Logan and Panda washed up as their mommy is coming home from Aruba.
Me, I was fighting with a company in the states about sending me the wrong part for my grooming table and then selling me a kit times 2 vs. just to get the part. I need it but the cost was not fun.
I also ordered a bathing suit online and it comes tomorrow. Oh well, it will sit in the closet. Nathan also bought a suit. Are we excited or what? The weather is not cooperating though. Maybe May?
Can't wait to get the dogs in swimming. I did overseed the back grass. Maybe this rain will help it. May need another bag. Dogs ignore it. I was thinking I needed to fence it off. They saved me work.
It's tv time. Got to keep warm as heat is still not on and it is cold in this house. It's damp cold. Besides, I need to grab the recliner before Nathan beats me to it and Dennis finds some job for me to do.
Oh the creative ways we try to avoid. hahahahaha
Off to snuggle with dogs.
Monday, April 24, 2017 at 8:39AM Pippin sends Birthday greetings to his litter-mates & love to Darlah, Nathan & Momma Roxie. 
Hi Nathan and Darlah,
I know I am late, but still wanted to share some pictures with you and wish Happy Birthday to all Archie's siblings!
Thank you,
Ana
Happy birthday to Farley and his 8 siblings. One year old! Where did the year go?
Hi Darlah and Nathan,
There is a true tale to be told today.
Once upon a time,....on this day, an elegantly beautiful Spice girl, brought nine beautiful babies into this world.
Ines, the littles of them all, wishes to say, "Happy 1st Birthday" to her brothers and sisters.
Let the celebrations begin!!!
Secret
Velvet says happy Birthday to all and sends her love to mommy Spice.
The girls came home happy and tired ... thank you :) It was also very nice to see you both again!
Hope this finds all well at Talemaker xoj
Hi Darlah and Nathan:
Moxie wishes all of her litter-mates a wonderful happy birthday. Love to her mommy, Spice, and to both of you for your attention and love of all of the puppies. We are so blessed to have Moxie in our lives.
MaryLou and Ted
Hi!
Wanted to share with you Murphy's birthday celebration! He absolutely loved his doggie bone and even allowed us to put a birthday hat on for his photo opp!!
After his treats and a play at the park, he was out cold.
What a sweetheart!
Hope the pictures bring you a smile.
Talk soon,
Kristi
Siblings:
Farley
Cinnamon
Moxie
Secret
Archie
Velvet
Murphy
Toupie
Ines
May you all have a wonderful amount of hugs and kisses on your special day!
Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 7:37PM 
This blog is going to be short. I had too much to do day.
The pool cover is getting taken off tomorrow so that meant emptying the pool house. I did that with Dennis. We still have furniture to take out of the basement and cushions. I took out one cushion out thinking I would get some time to sit down. Yes, I am laughing.
Nathan took a nap. I did a ton of grooming (baths, cuts etc) including the Roxie. Nathan brushed out quite a few - thank you! I did laundry and more laundry. Then Dennis said I need to wash all the floors upstairs so I need you to do toilets, showers, bath tubs, counters and windows. Okay Dennis - so I just finished that. To say I am exhausted is an understatement. I am thankful he is washing the floors and vacuuming. I just so needed a day of semi relax. Oh well....
Tomorrow I get to send a part back to the states that I waited for 3 weeks for only to try to get the right one.
But the pool will be open and the warmer weather best come so the dogs and I can swim.
Nathan said the only reason he goes in the pool is due to me saying get in the pool so I can take photos. I said to him (with Sherry at the door), I will remind you of that.
It's been one of THOSE days. But the dogs played. They appreciate the warmth. They say rain coming again. I never got to pump the water off the cover so hoping they will vs. just dumping it in the pool. Good news I have time to clear out the pool if they do as warmth seems to be a far distance looking at that weather.
I get to see Adele and River this week (have not seen them) as the daughter needs to wash them. There is that. Yes, I miss them. Got to see the daughter and grand daughters. They needed to pick up things so silver lining.
Enough complaining. Dogs are fun. Everyone went home except Tenshi and Secret and Ty arrived. It's quiet. Two more hours till bedtime and snuggle time.
I think I am too old for all this work.
Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 6:49PM 
Last 2 days of sunning on the cover. The dogs love it so. On Monday the pool gets opened and that means tomorrow we empty the pool shack of furniture to give them access. We have more furniture to come out.
Murphy was blacker than black so she got a bath the day before she departs. Momma knows. She had this white patch on her back and the rest was a muddy blackish brown. She's a gal after my own heart. Murphy these days likes to sleep up against me so I placed a pillow that runs half the length of me and she sleeps on it and breathes on me.
Hey I know you... aren't you my....
Velvet, Mabel, Trigger and Levon dropped in for an overnight stay. Many went home and baths and haircuts occurred. Rocky even came for his bath and trim and have me kisses as I was grooming hum. How adorable is that? It's been a busy day. It is great to see the dogs we do not see often. Oh, it is great to see them all but I rather miss them and when we do see them it is rather nice!
Ty comes tomorrow - hooray! The house empties out.
I am looking for cuddling with the dogs under blankets. So funny, I know.
Maybe I can empty some of the pvr but then again I get it to 30% and then the next day its higher. It's magic!
Friday, April 21, 2017 at 5:43PM 
We have taken the water off the pool twice now. As you will see in the photos, it's back. It is not green so it means the water under it most likely is not. We shall see when they take the cover off next week. The dogs are LOVING The running play.
It is rare that we have water sitting like this as they do take the water down a significant amount on closing to avoid this. It tells you we had a lot of rain this winter. Shall I pump again? We shall see.
The mix of dogs is absolutely wonderful. They truly are all play monkeys including Teddy. He dances he gets so excited.
I washed all the crate inserts, all the blankets and as they dried, I took them out and pit them in their spots. Don't tell me dogs do not appreciate clean, warm blankets. They just snuggle right in. Usually I do blankets a few here and there. Today I decided to blitz the couches, the crates etc. I am ever so thankful for having a large dryer. Things go much quicker these days. I can even do a down king size comforter and not have to shake it, rotate it etc. It's the little things like this that we so appreciate but don't know it till you have it.
Still no heat on. Nathan is being frugal. I need to find socks. Dogs do not mind a bit. Why do I?