October - It still doesn't seem like Fall
Sprinter, Agility, Earthdog and Barn Hunt Oh My!!! October was a busy month for dog activities. Just check out the Brag Pages and you will see what I mean!!
Marnie joined me in Gracie for the Sprinter Tests at the Red Barn, it was such fun to finally get away together again, it has been far too long.
Thanks to Fred and Chris, Marnie was also able to join us for the Earthdog Weekend in Sunderland, with workshops on the Friday and three tests over Saturday and Sunday, it was an "all hands on deck" kind of a weekend. Once again the Jansim family dogs did rather well.
Anna ended up having to miss the Earthdog weekend completely owing to Felek developing a serious case of pancreatitis. Chris went above and beyond to get Marnie and Lola to me on the Friday and to get them home on Sunday afternoon,
At the end of the month (Halloween in fact), Anna and I made a quick trip to Central Bark (Central Square, NY) for a "pop up" Barn Hunt Test with more success.
I was able to use Gracie right through the earthdog tests before having her winterized, though I could have continued to use her had the need arisen the eather being that nice.
Birthdays in October were celebrated by Lola, Emma and Ruby who officially became veterans on October 3rd and Fells who celebrated his 14th birthday on October 12th.
September - Summer continues once more
Our neighbour's tree received an unusual visitor that caused quite a stir.
The first week in September, we put the boat in the water at the boat launch on Seeley’s Bay that we had checked out the previous Friday. I loved it, very much cottage country but pretty much deserted on a weekday with numerous coves and inlets and even a beach giving access to a small park. Great for canoes and kayaks. Reminded us of the canoes trip lunch breaks on the Pine Barrens with Judy Todd during the Beanfield weeks. We went past a pretty little marina and countless multi-million dollar properties. For wildlife there was a small colony of turtles sun puddling on a log and the inevitable Canadian Geese. It was not much of a detour to take in the Limestone Creamery on the way home.
On Saturday, September 7th we held a small Intro to Earthdog/Barn Hunt workshop at Shawna’s lovely property just north of Kingston. It was well attended by four Borders, two Cairns and a Norwich. The next best thing to seeing the light bulb go in the dog’s brain is seeing the joy on the owner’s faces as their dog discovers something new. On of the Borders attending was Peanut, sister to Nimbus, Iza and Pickles. Considering she has never done anything like this before, she showed a lot of promise.
A year after discovering the sport was to her liking, Dora’s Ivy attended FastCAT and scored enough points to finish her BCAT title.
David and Lisa's Jessi had a run in with a skunk that decided to try out David's Woodchuck trap for size. The skunk was eventually safely released, the odor took decidedly longer to disappear.
Liz and Jamie's Fanny came for a short stay while Liz and Kanie attended a pre-planned event, She was the consummate house guest, welcome back any time.
DPickles, Olek and I, as well as Shawna, Spike and Tink had a weekend camping at Oneida Shores when we attended the Central Bark Barn Hunt Tests.
At the end of the month, Shawna once again offered up her lovely property for a Barn Hunt and above ground earthdog practice. It is amazing what one can do with a small space and imagination. Digger, in particular enjoyed himself and was a happy crashed pup by evening.
Although it has not been officially announce yet, it looks like the 2026 Border Terrier Canada will be held (subject to CKC approval) in Victoria, BC in July and the 2027 Specialty in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. The 2027 Specialty will likely include performance events so it definitely on our to-do list.
Birthdays in September: Abbey, Digger, Keltic and Loki all turned 11 on September 1st. Shari's Merlin also celebrated a birthday on September 1st turning 12 years old..
August - The dog days of summer with a touch of fall
A year on from his melanoma diagnosis Fells is still making the best of each day and any opportunity to steal treats and generally keep Donna on her toes.
Friday 23rd, August, we (Chris, myself, Digger and Pickles) got out in the Grumman Sport Boat (glorified square stern canoe with an electric motor so no paddling) on Sydenham lake.
It was the first time this year for the dogs and myself – very sad state of affairs.
Digger is an easy passenger and only got excited when he saw a “ball” (float) in the water.
Pickles was much busier, intent on proving she could walk on water, anxious to get the “ball”, go meet the kayakers, chase the speed boat, say “hi” to the lady fishing on the dock, etc.. Somehow we managed the trip without either of us going for a swim!!!
We all enjoyed the obligatory stop at Limestone Creamery on the way home.
Saturday 24th August, Shawna, myself, Spike and Tink headed to Maxville fair grounds for the Border Terrier Club of Ontario Specialty in conjunction with the S,D & G all breed shows..
At the all breed show Spike went Winners dog, Best of Winners for another nice 2-point win.
He had no love in the Specialty but housemate Tink (the only veteran entered) received some lovely comments from the Sweepstakes judge.
As always, it was a nice chance to catch up with like-minded folk.
Tony and Beth with Loki met up with Mel and Marion on a camping trip. These are the opportunities that turn into special occasions. Good food, great friends, memorable moments
The last Wednesday in the month, Chris, Anna (with Olek) and myself met up with Fred and Marnie for coffee and croissant at Coutts Coffee Roastery & Cafe in Perth. I truly enjoy these monthly get-togethers. A chance to catch up and chat without the overtones and undertones of didgital communication. Chris and Fred took time-out to find a geocache in the town and enjoy the stunning architecture.
The last Friday in the month we did not get the boat in the water but checked out a new spot (for us) on Seeley's Bay. It looks promising. On the way up Chris found a geocache near the beautiful Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church in Kingston Mills.
The trip home was via the scenic route and took in fish (Digger and Pickles approved) and chips from the Smokin Boys Chip Truck on Burnt Hills Road as well as a geocache located in the hidden in the woods (bet it's creepy at night) VanLuven Cemetery, a short walk from the Frontenac Society of Model Engineers mini Railway.
Even though there was no boat ride involved, a quick stop at limestone creamery was still called for!!!
Birthdays in August were celebrated Deenie's Pippa who celebrated her 10th birthday on August 11th while Mark and Michele's Grizzy turned 8 on August 25th.
I wonder if that flower is edible.
July - Earthdog front and center
The month started off with the last day of the BTC/BTCO Canada Day Earthdog extravaganza which was well attended by the Jansim Gang. Nimbus, Spike, Tink, Lola, Felek, Digger and Pickles all had one or more qualifying runs as did many other Border Terriers.
Sadly, the month also started off with the news that Amanda's pretty old lady Reen had left on her "Big Adventure".
Following the Tests, Camilla and Frank came back to Kingston and we enjoyed their visit immensely, Digger's dad Scrapper, housemate Tatters and daughter Sprite were exemplary house guests
In the middle of the month, Chris and I went to the World War II Bomber display at Kingston Airport. On display were the B-17 Flying Fortress Sentimental Journey and the B-25 Mitchell Maid in the Shade.
It was truly humbling to step inside these aircraft and get a sense of the conditions under which the crews had to operate.
The following weekend saw Jansim Gang members heading down to the Finger Lakes Kennel Club AKC Earthdog Tests in Candor, NY with Nimbus, Pickles, Felek, Lola, Spike and Tink finding success.
At the end of the month met up with Fred and Marnie at Coutts Coffee Roastery & Cafe in Perth. This had been a monthly get together until May when our schedules ran away with us.
Birthdays in July were celebrated by Ivy and Scout who turned 9 on July 11th, Pippa's Rupert celebrated birthday 10 on July 17th and Tiago turned four on July 27th.
June - Summer trip continued and much more
Olek, Digger, Pickles and Spike all did well at the South Shore Kennel Club shows following the Specialty. (see Brag Pages)
Yet another memorable meal was enjoyed on Saturday evening when crappy weather had us all enjoying the luxury of Mark and Michele's magnificent fifthwheel and his amazing Gumbo. Memories are made of this!!!
Mark and Chris were able to get out on boat tour of Lunenburg Harbour with them each taking a turn at the helm
With the weekend done we said goodbye to Mark and Michele, Shawna and Anna and headed North with Mel and Marion.
After a lovely and occasionally hair raising ride (roadworks) through Nova Scotia and ew Brunswicj we arrived at the Gaspesie. Stopping to say "Hello" to Tony's sister then parking up for the night in full view or Perce Rock.
From Perce, we made our way home taking in most of the Gaspe peninsula. It did not disappoint.
We enjoyed Mel and Marion's company for a couple of days on their return but the fun was dampened by Chris having to go into hospital for another obstruction.
In a replay from the 2023 BTCA Specialty, Mel and Marion ran through some really nasty weather but eventually made it home safe and sound. Also in a repeat of last year, Donna, Anna and Shawna had a less exciting but no less long journey home by car.
David and Lisa followed up on last Year's trip to England by returning, this time to the Yorkshire Dales (Herriot country) and Scotland. Once again, their FaceBook posts were a treat for the eyes and soul.
At the end of the month, Anna, Shawan and myself headed to the BTC/BTCO CKC Earthdog Tests in Sunderland ON. It was a crazy busy but crazy fun weekend that left us all pretty exhausted...the dogs...not so much.
The only birthdays in June were celebrated by Jane's Didi who turned 6 on June 6th and Amanda's Reen who turned 15 on June 17th.
May - Jenny's 90th birthday visit and the start of our summer trip to the Border Terrier Canada National Specialty, Mahone Bay, NS
After a cancelled trip in August 2023 and an aborted attempt in October last year, Jenny finally made it to Kingston and celebrated her 90th birthday with us. Jacques and Jocelyne and Fred and Marnie also joined us for her Birthday supper which we celebrated at Anna's house.
Jenny's visit started with her bucket list trip to Niagara and what a fun couple of days that was. I highly recommend the Holiday Inn By The Falls getaway package.
Barely had Jenny returned to Vermont than we were off to the Border Terrier Canada National Specialty in Nova Scotia. Our departure was delayed by 24 hours while Chris recovered from a GI upset but we met up with Mel & Marion just east of Quebec City on the Sunday night just a few hours later than scheduled.
I hope to put together a slide show of our trip but all I can say is that it was great.
We can definitley recommend the Blue Canoe Restuarant at the Irving Big Stop outside of Oromocto and the Loch Lomond Campground near Amherst
Mel & Marion were accompanied by CBTW foster dog Ringer for the trip. We met up with Helen Blake and son Peter in Upper Tantallon, NS and Ringer left with them as happy as a clam. Updates will come via the Jansim Jottings.
The Specialty itself was great and the Jansim gang dis well over the weekend (see the various Brag Pages for details).
Birthdays in May included Spike who celebrated his second birthday on May 12th, a birthday tinged with sadmess and memories of brother Blue, whose tragic loss still hurts so deeply.
Amanda's Cole turned 8 on May 18th and Lexi still burning up the show circuit turned 4 on May 12th.
April - A Total Eclipse of the Sun
For the second year in a row, Donna and Fells came for a visit this time to see the Total Eclipse. It (and her visit) did not disappoint.
April was a crazy busy month event wise for the Kingston crew!! Sprinter, Rally, Scent Detection, and Barn Hunt with successes in all venues.
Sadly, on April 25th, Chris and Jeff let their amazing and beloved boy Freddy leave on his "Big Adventure". He will be sorely missed.
March - Spring!!! Maybe yes, maybe no!!!
The weather still seemed unable to head in one direction with sun and snow making appearances apparently at random.
RB, the Lola-Lorek Red Grizzle boy headed home to Nova Scotia with Andrea Boulding and is now formally known as Jansim Braw Fergus. BB will be staying with Anna for the time being at least and is now Jansim Inspektor Olek.
Loki said goodbye to the annoyance of seasons when she was spayed on March 18th. She milked her recovery for eveything she could, smart girl.
Birthdays in March:
Gryzia and Salem celebrated birthdays turning twelve and thirteen respectively on March 7th.
Rosie celebrated her 8th birthday on March 15th and Olive turned 4 on March 21st
February - Sad news times four
February started out with summer-like weather that was much enjoyed. Anne Geall came from Nova Scotia for a puppy sitting visit at Anna's and her company and assistance were truly appreciated.
On February 15th we said farewell to Robyn, she passed peacefully at home thanks to the services of Dr. Meredith Galbraith.
That should have been it but on February 25th Sarah lost her beloved Touzie suddenly and without warning. Touzie was the last of a very special but much too short lived litter.
Then we heard that Maisie, New Brusnwick sibling to Freddie and bridge sibs Hermit and Tumnus, had left on her "Big Adventure" on February 26th.
Birthdays in February:
Jinx and Karma turned 15 on February 21st.
However, we were not done with the heartache as we learned that Karma also left this world on February 23rd.
Far too much heartache for one month.
January - Anticipation and here comes winter
After a green Christmas, snow came the first weekend in January
An X-ray on January 5th confirmed Lola was pregnant with two pups. and on January the 12th they were delivered by C-Section. Despite the best preictions that science can offer, it appears they were a couple of days early.
You can follow their progress here ./pups2024.htm
Birthdays in January:
Sarah M's Neville turned four on January 12th.
David and Lisa's Jessie turned nine years young on January 19th and Anna's Felek celebrated his 11th birthday on January 24th
