June - This, that and the other thing(s)
June started as May ended with us at the BTCA National Specialty in Swanzey, New Hampshire.
Debra and Bruce stayed through to Tuesday and Molly made a very successful debut in FastCAT and NASDA. While I was playing in Agility with Olek and Pickles, Shawna handled Digger to a successful NASDA debut along with Spike and Tink.
Dora also stayed for a few days and it was great to catch up with her and Ivy.
All too soon it was over and time to say goodbyes and head home albeit with thoughts of Colorado in 2027 already whirling
Back home it was time to play catch up on many levels but Chris and I got the boat on the water for the first time, as we were trying out the new outboard we opted to leave the dogs home. It was still a lovely outing.
David, Lisa and Jessie came up to visit the last full week in June and one highlight was renting a pontoon boat on Lake Loughborough for the afternoon.
Jacqueline and Clay took a well earned vacation in Herefordshire and Wales and shared some great photos of Kika and Reggie just having the best time.
Extreme heat in many areas of North America at the end of the month made doing much of anything exhausting.
The only birthdays in June were Jane's Didi who turning 8 on June 6th and Shawna's Tink made double digits celebrating her 10tth birthday on June 23rd
May - A busy, busy month
The spring earthdog weekend in Sunderland was a great success with a huge turnout for the training day. Saturday's weather was enough to test the mettle of everyone but smiles and great performancs prevailed.
It was the maiden trip th for Anna and Shawna with their new [to them] RV's and agreat learning curve.
Less than a week later we were on the road to the BTCA National Specialty. First to Gardner MA, for Earthdog. Friday was apractice day which went well. The presence of Mark and Michele and Debra and Bruce was the icing on the cake. Mark provided a great tailgate cheese and wine supper.
Saturday where Mother Nature gave us a day to make the previous Saturday in Sunderland seem positively balmy. Wind, rain and snow all played made an appearance.
But it didn't stop Pickles Digger and Olek from Q'ing in Junior.
Saturday afternoon it was great to get warmed up in the RV's and head to the fairgrounds in Swanzey, NH. It was nice and dry when we set up "Camp Canad" for the duration. We had great neighbours in Dean and Lisa Firing from Ohio and spent several lovely evening enjoying their company.
The month ended with us thoroughly enjoing being back in the Specialty community catching up with many old Friends.
Jenny was released from rehab in time for her birthday on May 9th and celebrated at home with company.
Birthdays in May include Spike who celebrated his fourth birthday on May 12th, a birthday shared with Anna and memories of Blue, gone far too soon
Amanda's Cole turned 10 on May 18th and Lexi turned six, also on May 12th.
April - Snow, sun and showers, not necessarily in that order
By mid month the spring bulbs were finally looking like they would make it after yet another covering of snow earlier in April.
Pickles was spayed on April 14th bringing our breeding plans to an end for the foreseeable future.
All in all a tough month for several JJ members dealing with ongoing health issues. Thankfully Jenny is back at the rehab and making good progress.
The only birthday in April was Helen Blake's CBTW adoptee Ringer who turned 15 on April 15th
March - Would mother nature kindly make up her mind!!!!
Another month of mixed weather, tantalizing glimpses of spring as the bulbs poked through the soil only to be covered by another snow fall.
Jenny had a lovely visit from Vickie and family whilst in the rehab center only to be rushed back into hospital within 48 hours.
Birthdays in March:
Gryzia turned 14 on March 7th while Salem became a venerable veteran celebrating his 15th birthday the same day
Rosie hit double digits turning 10 on March 15th and Olive celebrated her 6th birthday on March 21st
February - Will winter never end
It was not only those of us in Ontario who were subjected to repeated snowfalls with no "'January thaw" to ease the burden. In Maryland Fells (and Donna) had to cope with treacgerous conditions thanks to snow and freezing rain
Molly in Connecticut and Chewbacca in British Columbia also saw more of the white stuff than was welcome.
On the upside the crappy weather did not interfere with our supper get togethers.
At the very end of February a few decent travel days allowed Anna the opportunity to view and but her very own Bordermobile, a 2019 Coachmen Beyond 22ft Class B camper.
Birthdays in February:
Chewbacca and Molly celebrated their first birthday on February 26th, never forgetting bridge sibling Angel Gherkin.
January - 2026 Comes with hope and trepidation
January once again started off with our annual "goodbye to the Turkey" with Paul Hollywood's leftover Turkey and Ham Pie shared with Anna and Shawna.
This year there was enough leftover Turkey and Ham to end the month the same way, Here's to many more gatherings with our friends on both sides of the border
For the most part January was a marked by frigid temperatures and way too much snow for my liking, heartfelt thanks go to our amazing neighbours across the road for the use of their snowblower on multiple occasions.
On the bright side, Chris has ordered the small outboard for the sport boat and an elextric scooter to go with his electric bike. They bring the promise of some new adventures and exploration opprtunities both on and off the water.
Unfortunately, a combination of hormones and cabin fever resulted in Pickles once again deciding that she didn't want Digger in her life so we are back to musical dogs.
Birthdays in January:
Olek and Fergus celebrated their second birthday on the January 12th.
David and Lisa's Jessie turned 11 on January 19th and Anna's Felek became a teenager when he turned 13 on January 24th
