All done!

Happy Sunday everyone! It's cloudy and a little on the cool side. We had some rain overnight, it's good for the new sod.

Our backyard renovation is all done. All got wrapped up on Wednesday. The finishing crew worked really hard to finish it all that day, despite the high temperatures.  This project was seamless and with no amount of stress. All in, it took about four weeks. Not bad considering that we had some rainy days to slow things down a bit.  

We are very happy with the way it all turned out. Bronson and his team did an amazing job. Now we can fully enjoy the rest of the outdoor season. It felt good to put away most of our baby gates although we will be keeping the area along the flower borders blocked off for a while as we seeded. Our boys are happy to have their full yard again.

We spent the past few days reorganizing a few things. Russell set up his barbecues strategically. For the time being, the Big Green Egg is where the old VegTrug used to be, which we gave to one of the workers.  I haven't decided yet on how I will grow my herbs next year. On Friday, we set up our cantilever umbrella. It looks nice. We also found a new spot for our bench. Things are coming together.

We planted two cedar trees on the side of the house. As they get taller, they will block off the view from the street. We also planted a Limelight Hydrangea which acts as a focal point as we enter the backyard. It is those little details that make a difference. 

Merlot and Sherlock are doing well. They got to see Errol yesterday, who came for a visit. After he left, I did some retrieve in the backyard. We hadn't done that for a while and it was a good way for them to expel some energy.

That's my blog for this Sunday. It will be a quiet day although our boys are getting a much needed bath. They don't know it yet LOL!

Have a great week everyone!

Sherlock and Merlot tethered to the
post of the front door...calmly 
keeping an eye on the comings and 
goings on the street.

Backyard aerial photo taken in the Fall of 2024
before the reno.

Backyard aerial photo taken July 19, 2025
after the reno, the patio is now about 480
square feet.

A delightful Limelight Hydrangea
is a focal point on the way into
the backyard.

The teak bench has found a new resting 
place under the shade of the Japanese maple.

The boys enjoy a good tussle on the 
new sod.

Airing out the new patio umbrellas.

Merlot and Sherlock love to cuddle
with Russell in the morning.

Sherlock and Merlot decided to 
mob me! It was a true love fest!

Cooper and Spicy had a very special
bond and they enjoyed surveying
the backyard from the deck...
July 30, 2022.

Mid July heat wave

Happy Sunday everyone! It's 6:45 am, we're on the deck enjoying a quiet Sunday morning. It's very peaceful, a little background music and the sound of the birds. Our boys are side by side, pretending to sleep but they are keeping their eyes out for either squirrels or birds. 

This past week was very productive. The stone work was completed on Friday. Tomorrow, Bronson (the boss) will come by and we will do a walkthrough to finalize details that need attention... river stones/mulch here and there, weeding the flower beds, some planting and sodding. Then the finishing crew will show up. It is expected that they will be here for 2-3 days.  The excavator will be brought back to remove most of the grass at the base of the patio. There is lots of levelling that needs to be done before sodding. It's all coming together very nicely.

We ordered a large cantilever umbrella along with a matching BBQ umbrella, which were delivered on Friday. We got them from Midtown Umbrellas, 100% Canadian company from Mount-Royal. We are still thinking about what patio furniture we will need. We are also rethinking whether we will use the VegTrug again. A more refined herb planter might look nicer. So much to think about LOL!

Despite the care taken to minimize the dust, we hosed down everything once the stone crew left on Friday. Yesterday, Russell washed all the windows, including the deck glass panels, which were due for a wash anyway. They are spotless. Russell is the best window washer going! 

Merlot and Sherlock are doing well. They will soon regain full access to their backyard. We still don't let them out loose in the patio area as there is a lot of debris and crushed stones.  We take them out on a leash until they reach the safe zone.  Both have baptized the new patio, well done boys 😍 

Last week brought some very sad news. Our friend Roland lost his son at the young age of 49. He died of a heart attack. He leaves behind a wife and two twin daughters. Roland was our next door neighbour in Mississauga. He lost his wife seven years ago. We have stayed in touch with him ever since we moved away and do a video chat every few weeks. Terribly sad.

This coming week should bring the end of our backyard project. It's good to have it all done by mid July. We still have many months of enjoyment until the snow flies.

That's my blog for today. It will be another hot one. We just had a brief sun shower.  Have a great week everyone!

Merlot and Sherlock on deck doing backyard
surveillance...nothing escapes their attention.

Aerial view of the completed stone work, the 
patio is now about 20 wide by 24 feet in
depth.

The little nook where the VegTrug
or planter will reside...

This photos shows the nice dry
laid stone border, the new deck
skirt and a few weeds (they will 
soon be gone).

Russell like his 'new' BBQ station, 
it is very secluded.

Nothing better than chilling with me
inside when it is 34C outside.

We are considering changing Merlot's name to
"Flopper", he loves to flop on his back.

Sherlock has his routines and here
he is in post breakfast lounge mode.

It is the stand-off with the boys and
the carrot is the tug toy. No one
gave in.

BFFs, they shared almost everything including 
this chair...Cooper and Spicy, August 1, 2021.

Backyard in progress!

Happy Sunday everyone! It's July and it feels like it this morning. We woke up to a lovely 23 Celsius. We have a heat warning for today only. It will be a good day to sit on the deck and admire our messy backyard!

This past week was good. The landscaping work resumed on Wednesday. The pavers were actually delivered on Canada Day, very early in the morning. No construction is allowed on holidays so it was a quick delivery, with little noise involved. 

The stone crew is wonderful, Nico and Josh. They know what they're doing. Two young boys are helping them...it's their Summer job. It's hard work and they know it. No slacking off boys, we're watching LOL!

Bronson, the owner of Paysagiste BJR Landscaping, comes by often to make sure that all is being done as it should. Cut once, measure twice. We were concerned that the stone cutting would be dusty but they are using a dustless stone cutter. Pretty neat. 

Merlot and Sherlock are doing well.They are oblivious to the noise and mess in their backyard. They are also used to doing their business in the front yard, on leash of course. It is good conditioning for them to be exposed to the comings and goings of our street. No doubt though they will be glad when they can be let out loose out the back door or the deck gate....so will we.

Russell is taking progress photos with his drone. Our boys were intrigued by it yesterday, they kept looking up. They probably thought it was a big bird.

I resumed my mat pilates workouts.  I am in great need of stretching these days. During this construction process, there is not much to do outside so I've been cooking a little more. I also bought new planters for the front. The ones I got before we left for our trip were looking very sad. 

Not much else is going on with us. We hope to get a few walks in this week with our pooches although we have a number of appointments on the agenda, including going to the vet for some vaccines. Another busy week on the horizon, which will bring more backyard progress.

Have a great week everyone!

Early morning deck antics...Sherlock parading
the giraffe while Merlot watches.

Nico making quick work of moving the 
load of screening stone dust.

Nico and Josh placing the mega
pavers...each weighs about 200 
pounds.

Nice progress...more to come!

Russell launching his drone for
some aerial photos.

The drone in flight...moving up.

Drone on the landing pad.

Aerial photo of the patio progress from about 
120 feet above, the patio stones will extend
to where the machines are parked.

The boys watching the 
construction.

Always time for a pup-cone, Spicy and
Cooper enjoyed this treat on July 1, 2018.

Happy Canada Day (early)

Happy Sunday everyone! Some clouds will give way to sun later today. Yesterday was a rainy day but nowhere near the deluge that was predicted, at least in our neck of the woods. We're on the deck now...Sherlock is walking around in circles with the giraffe in his mouth, Merlot is lounging on the couch with his daddy. 

This past week was very good. Our landscaping job started on schedule. The excavating crew completed their work by noon on Friday. This coming week, the stone crew will get going on the patio. This will be followed by the "finishing" crew responsible for all finishing touches including sodding, raising our flower beds with a stone border, etc. All things being equal, we should be done in about two weeks. 

We can't say enough about BJR Landscaping. They are meticulous about their work and keep a very neat work area. They have also done a good job at keeping our street clean from debris, dirt and gravel. 

These renovations haven't been too disruptive for our boys. They have half a yard to play in. We also use the front yard for quick business trips. We're glad that they only weigh 14 pounds as we've been picking them up to avoid tracking any gravel into the house. We have a system going and it's working. 

Russell and I haven't done much. Our work will come after the landscaping is done in terms of redoing some flower beds, planting a couple of cedar trees here and there. We found a new spot for our outdoor bench but we need to stain it first. We have a long list of things to do...whether it gets all done this Summer remains to be seen LOL! We also have to figure out where we will position the three barbecues, possibly get a new umbrella and a few lounging chairs. 

It's hard to believe that June is coming to an end. We were reflecting on our trip to Italy and how it seems so far behind us. The end of June also means NHL draft. The Habs fans couldn't be happier with the Noah Dobson acquisition that took place a few days ago. It is a huge deal for the Montreal Canadians. That put me right back in the hockey mood 😆

Sherlock and Merlot are doing well. July 8th will mark one year since they have entered our lives. We couldn't ask for sweeter, loving boys 💕 

That's my blog for today. Canada Day is upon us, the best country in the whole world! Have a great week everyone! Happy Canada Day!

Sherlock and Merlot want to wish everyone a
very Happy Canada Day!

A birds-eye view of our backyard pre reno...
taken from about 150 feet above.

Phase one complete, the area has been 
excavated and backfilled with gravel which 
has been compacted and now awaits the 
patio paver stones.

The boys are very flexible and they think half
a yard to romp in is better than none.

Sherlock lounging on the cool grass with the new
deck skirt in the background - another
great job by BJR Landscaping.

The mini excavator and the 'bucket'
spending the weekend in the yard.

Merlot has his nap spot on the couch...he is right
at home and enjoying his comfort.

The gravel pad is very solid and looks way too
big, the actual size will be 20 by 24 feet.

Spicy and Cooper wished everyone a very
Happy Canada Day on July 1, 2018.

A hot start to Summer!

Happy Sunday everyone! We woke up to rain but it will clear up by mid morning. The next few days will be sunny but hot hot hot! I'm writing this blog on the deck, listening to the birds. Our pooches are with me, having a post breakfast nap. 

This past week was good. Phase one of our landscaping was completed. We replaced the old deck frame and trellis skirting with pressure treated wood framing. It looks so much better. The crew did an excellent job. This coming week should be the start of phase two, replace the existing patio and some landscaping work. This could take about two weeks, depending on the weather. Yesterday, Russell took aerial "before" photos with his drone.  

On Thursday, I went shopping for new bed sheets and towels, a once every five year event LOL! The sales person at Linen Chest was extremely helpful and had me in and out of the store in very little time.... shopping is not my favorite thing to do 😏 I got us some bamboo rayon sheets. We love them! 

Sherlock and Merlot are doing good. They managed well during the yard work and enjoyed the many interactions they had with the two workers. I got them a tire jump ring for the basement. Something new and fun for the boys!

My friend Valerie, who lost her Havanese Stella in January, got a new puppy yesterday named Tinker. It is the beginning of a new journey which will bring new adventures, lots of puppy kisses and fun. Stella will always have a special place in her heart,  just like our Cooper & Spicy do.

It is St-Jean Baptiste weekend here in Quebec. The holiday is on Tuesday and the weather is expected to be super hot. The revellers will enjoy it!

That's my blog for today. Have a great week everyone!

The boys enjoy chilling on the 
deck while keeping an eye out for
possible intruders.

Looking skyward, Sherlock and Merlot were
intrigued by the crows that have been
flying by, can't chase those.

Merlot shows off his jumping
skills easily clearing the tire jump
while Sherlock waited patiently for
his turn.

Sherlock is a very quick learner
and he made jumping through the
tire look easy...Merlot waiting for
his turn.

Valerie and Tinker buckled up and
ready for the ride home.

Tinker settling at home, what a 
stunning little girl.

Merlot and Sherlock inspecting the
toy basket they got for Tinker.

Spicy and Cooper pause for a rest in front of the
catmint at Edgewater Park on our walk...
June 11, 2022.

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Sunday everyone! I start this blog by wishing all the dads a Happy Father's Day. This wish extends to all the pet dads who are so special. Merlot and Sherlock are the luckiest pups to have Russell as their human daddy 💕 The fathers who are no longer with us also have a special place in our hearts, today and always. We miss ours every day.

This past week was good. Both of us are over our roman colds. On Tuesday, I saw my massage therapist who took care of my stiff neck. We resumed our walks with the boys and ran into Errol twice. Life is back to normal.

Russell cut the grass for the third time since we've been back. It is lush and very green. Our Daylilies are also getting very big. Our peonies are at their best this year, thanks to more sun since we cut down the apple trees.

We met with Bronson, our landscaper, on Thursday. We went over the plans and chose our stones. All things being equal, the work could start week of June 22. The crew will take care of moving our barbecues and anything else that needs to be moved. So far, we are very impressed with how buttoned down Bronson is. The next few weeks will be busy and exciting.

Our boys are doing well. Sherlock has resumed his morning walkabouts around the kitchen island, with the bull in his mouth. We get dizzy just watching him LOL! Merlot watches him and wonders when he will stop. Although both are still crazy puppies, we are noticing some signs of maturity. It has been fascinating to watch them grow since we've had them. We're coming up to one year in a few weeks 💕 We love them to pieces!

We've been having a stretch of nice weather, although our mornings have been a little cool. We are enjoying that new couch on the deck. It is the most comfortable outdoor piece of furniture we've ever had. Perfect for napping 😊

Today will be a quiet and relaxing day. I will make spaghetti al limone for dinner. I also bought two small lemon tarts for a Father's Day treat. There is a lemon theme going on here 🍋

I leave you with some pics taken last week. Have a great week everyone! 

Russell and the boys - Happy Father's
Day to all the fathers!

Sherlock and Merlot make multiple
trips up and down the deck stairs
to explore their yard.

The Big Green Egg smoker
sure had the boys attention last night-
those ribs smell good!

Merlot snuggling on Russell as they 
both grab a nap on the super comfy
couch.

Sherlock and his alligator taking a romp
in the yard.

Merlot loves to chill in the shade on the 
cool grass.

A lovely peony in bloom.

Cooper and Spicy with Russell on a 
Father's Day picnic lakeside - June 16, 2020.