The "In-Between"

Happy Sunday everyone! We woke up to another cold morning. We don't have much snow on the ground but there is some bad weather on the way starting tonight with lots of freezing rain. Not a good thing.

Christmas day came and went. Our nephews and Julie got the flu so only my brother came over. We had a nice time just the same, relaxing and very casual. Needless to say that my 19 pound turkey was too much for the three of us LOL! It was delicious though, very moist and cooked to perfection. 

We are "in-between" holidays now and we seem to be losing track of which day it is. Even though New Year's Eve and Day are quiet for us, I like to make yummy appetizers and meals so I'm planning for the next round of "special days". For Christmas, I made for the first time a pimento cheese dip served with Ritz Crackers, such a retro appetizer.  It was such a hit that I will make it again for New Year's Eve. I wasn't sure if Russell would like it...he loved it! 

Merlot & Sherlock are doing well and had a good Christmas. I include a short video of them with their stockings. They each got a new toy, lucky boys. I continue working with them daily and building on the many activities that we learned from the Advent Calendar. Some of you may recall that I used to create mazes with cones for Cooper. I'm not there yet with the boys but I'm working on it.  

I am itching to take down the Christmas decorations so today I will put everything away except the Christmas tree. I will also make a big batch of turkey stock. It will be the base for some healthy and cozy soups in the upcoming months. 

Russell has some football to watch today and I have a Habs game at 5 pm tonight. A busy day on the horizon. Our pooches will get a day off from a learning activity. Instead, I will give them a treat ball that they will push around. They love that 💕

That's my last blog for 2025. I leave you with some photos from last week and a few short videos of the boys. One is from crazy Merlot who loves to fling his toys in the air and one of crazy Sherlock who loves to run and spin. Such funny boys! Cheers to a new year filled with health, happiness and love!

Merlot and Sherlock want to wish
all their fur buddies and hoomans
a Happy New Year.

A Family photo of all of us, thanks
for the photo Francois.

A Christmas tradition continues, Merlot and
Sherlock were featured on the Global TV News.

Merlot looking very spunky as
he strikes a pose on his chair.

Sherlock always makes himself
at home at the kitchen table.

Inseparable in life and in the thereafter
Cooper & Spicy always looked forward to the
 New Year, this one captured January 2021.

Merry Christmas! Joyeux Noël!

Happy Winter Solstice Sunday! Longer and brighter days are ahead of us! We woke up to mild temperatures and a brief but strong snow squall. It's been a weird week weather wise, we had snow on the ground last Sunday then it all went away with the rain.

This past week went by quickly. We had a few self care appointments (pedis and haircut) and our boys also got their nails and pads done. They will get a bath tomorrow. Everybody is getting cleaned up for Christmas LOL!

We're getting ready for Christmas Day. We are hosting my brother, nephews and Julie. It will be nice to get together again. I will be cooking a turkey, a 19 pounder. The house will smell delicious!

Merlot & Sherlock are doing well. Merlot continues to nap under the Christmas tree. It seems to be his calm and cozy spot to rest up . Sherlock, on the other hand, hasn't been near the tree, not once. They both continue to enjoy the many learning activities from the FitFun Advent Calendar. I have come up with my own variations of some of the exercises and we're having fun. 

Last night, we had a Greek dinner. I made a moussaka and keftedes. It was delicious. It's a bit of a process to make but totally worth the effort 😋 

Today will be quiet with another HABS game tonight. Last night's game was solid. A great win for the team and for Jacob Fowler.

I leave you with a few photos taken last week, a short video of "snow spins" and our last Christmas photo with our Cooper & Spicy. We wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a Joyeux Noël! 

Merlot and Sherlock 
want to wish everyone
Merry Christmas!

Merlot in his new favourite spot...
under the Christmas tree, the perfect
nap zone.

Sherlock - Santa - Merlot, ready for the
Christmas games and more FunFit activities!

The stockings have been hung with care!

It must be dinner time somewhere...these two
have built in timers for meals.

Our last Family Christmas photo...Spicy and
Cooper are forever in our hearts...this 
moment, December 2023.

Past and Present

Happy Sunday everyone! It's a calm morning, not too cold and the sun might make an appearance later on. We had a snow event on Wednesday but it wasn't as bad as it was predicted, at least where we live. Our boys were happy with the fresh coat of snow. Sherlock's new thing is to burrow his face deep in the snow as if he's hunting for truffles. Crazy puppy!

Other than being snowy and cold, we had a good week. It ended with having friends over for lunch on Friday. We had a great time and shared some good laughs. Merlot & Sherlock were exceptionally excited to see them LOL!

The boys and I continue to enjoy the various activities of the Fun Fit Advent Calendar. They are becoming quite good at thinking for themselves without any luring or verbal cues from me.  I include two small clips of the "go from bowl to bowl while going around the cones" activity (the blog only supports 10-12 second videos, the reason for such short clips). The possibilities to increase the complexity of this game are endless. I see loads of fun on the horizon!

I am truly grateful for these new mental activities as I was starting to run out of ideas.  I bought small liver treats that I cut in 6 pieces so the reward might be tiny but it is tasty and that's all the boys need to get motivated. I say this because I have this thing about keeping their weight in check....I always look forward to their "Monday morning weigh in" LOL!

Russell is doing good. We were reflecting that a year ago, he was recovering from his second knee replacement surgery. He has recovered very well and gets his many thousand steps in every day. 

I leave you with some photos taken last week. We call the main photo Past & Present. It is of Cooper & Spicy's tree ornaments collected over the years and a new tree that we started last year with the arrival of Merlot & Sherlock. Our most precious Christmas decorations 💕 

Have a great week everyone! 

The tree of life links Christmas ornaments
carefully selected for Cooper and Spicy and
now for Merlot and Sherlock.

Fresh snow means new discoveries buried under
the snow...these two love to sniff for
hidden treasure.

Merlot and Sherlock at their posts
on watch...not much escapes their
attention - silently too, no barking!

Paws up comfort keeping me
company on the living room sofa.

Sitting calmly at their 'place' 
waiting for 'bowl to bowl' to
begin.

This thoughtful ornament came yesterday,
a surprise gift from our Havanese friend
Tinker and her human mommy Valerie, 
thank you!

A precious moment from
a Christmas passed, Spicy and 
Cooper - December 10th, 2022.

A cold December morning

Happy Sunday everyone! We woke up to a chilly -15 Celsius. Sherlock was on three paws for the better part of his first outing this morning.  No wonder, it takes him forever to find just the perfect spot to do his business LOL! Merlot, on the other hand, is not too fussy....he just needs to be against a fence. Both are such characters 😍

This past week was good and cold. We don't have much snow, although we got a few centimetres yesterday. I haven't had to shovel paths yet but we keep the patio clear of snow. Russell used our electric shovel and our silly dogs were going nuts. It's as if they hadn't seen it before. 

Yesterday, I finished my baking. It's all safely tucked away in the freezer. A huge thank you to Russell for stepping up as the official taste tester. I have one thing left to make and it's my favorite...salted caramel pretzel bark. I have a thing for salted caramel goodies. It will be my holiday treat! 

Our boys and I are having a good time with the Fun Fit Advent Calendar.  Day 2 so far has been our favorite and we are perfecting it every day. The idea is to go from bowl to bowl while going around the cone without being lured. They get rewarded when they do. It's a very good mental stimulation exercise. The hard part is for me to just wait for them to make a move.  While one works, the other waits his turn. That in itself requires a lot of self control LOL! They are such good boys 💕

We watched the Habs game last night. What an exciting win! There is another game tonight. Last week, I started to watch the Netflix series The Beast in Me but I had to stop after episode 5. It is very well done and the acting is superb but it got too heavy. I read the synopsis of the last three episodes just to see how it would end. Then I couldn't help myself and watched the last episode just for the heck of it. 

I leave you with some photos and two videos. One I call the "stand off", they often play that game of who will charge first. It's usually Merlot. The other video is self explanatory.

Have a great week everyone! 

Sherlock, Merlot, Santa Claus and 
the Christmas tree, a great start
to the Holiday Season.

Merlot on his human perch while 
intently watching the Habs game.

An early morning outing in the frigid cold.

Merlot enjoying a well deserved nap
after training.

Sherlock also napping, all this mental
activity makes me tired.

The set up to the Fun Fit Advent routine of the
day, the Boys have to wait calmly until
it is their turn - patience is a virtue.

Spicy and Cooper in full flight on a snowy
day...their spirited romp captured 
on December 16th, 2022.

Christmas vibes

Happy Sunday everyone! It's 7 am and we've been up for two hours. It's crazy how our internal clock just knows when it's 5 am. We try to sleep in but we simply can't. Our boys also know when we're awake.  They start moving around and doing face planting in their x-pen. Time to get up people!

This past week was good...funny though how we both thought it went by slowly. It is a rare occurrence to feel that way. Perhaps because we were looking forward to the Thursday Thanksgiving football games (Russell) and the two day games for the Habs on Friday and Saturday (Anne). Regardless, we made it to the end of the week and all is good.

Last Sunday, I put up our Christmas tree. It turned out to be quite the process at first as, after trying to connect all three sections together for the better part of an hour, we realized that one of the tiers was no longer working. So, we bought a new tree that afternoon. We love it and the best part...all sections connect easily thanks to the pre-wired pole-to-pole connection. It's brilliant. Our little Merlot has been napping under the tree everyday since. It is too cute for words. Sherlock hasn't been near it yet. I'm not sure if he even noticed it LOL! 

Christmas vibes are starting to be felt everywhere. Some neighbours have their outside lights on. Russell will take the drone up as we get closer to Christmas to try and get an aerial view of the lights. I will start baking this week. It's time. 

Tomorrow, the boys and I will open the first "door" of the virtual Fun Fit Canin Advent Calendar. Each day for the next 25 days will bring an activity that I can do with them. I've done this calendar in the past and this year will bring brand new, never seen before exercises. We're looking forward to it. 

In this week's blog, I leave you with two short videos and some photos that I took throughout the week. I captured one yesterday afternoon of Merlot on the chair with me, looking at Russell's desk top photo of Cooper & Spicy. He was simply mesmerized by it. Then the screen went dark and he was looking for them. It was very special to watch. Meanwhile, our Sherlock was stretched out on the pouf watching the game. 

Have a great week everyone! 

The tradition continues, Christmas
ornaments - Merlot & Sherlock 2025!

The morning 'watch' crew on duty
under the Duncan Family 
Christmas stockings.

What is the best part of playing outside...
waiting on the porch to come back inside!

Merlot was mesmerized by the 
screen saver of Spicy and Cooper.
Do Havanese recognize their own
breed - only Merlot knows for sure

Sherlock found his space on the 
ottoman and decided to watch the 
Habs and the Avas from this perch.

Cooper and Spicy - the perfect 'gifts' sitting
under the Christmas tree, this moment captured
December 1st, 2020.

Last full week of November

Happy Sunday everyone! It's cloudy, we might get a few snow flakes later. We haven't seen the sun much lately although we did yesterday. It felt like a Spring day. We even raked some leaves. It's crazy how many leaves are still on the trees! 

This past week went by so quickly. If you ask me what we did, it's all a blur somehow. A little bit of this, a little bit of that.  Christmas is just over 4 weeks away. Time to get organized and that I did.

On Friday, I went to Bulk Barn and bought my baking supplies. For now, my staging area is the dining room table and our boys have been sniffing around. The nose knows. 

We got some fluffy snow on Monday and it's all gone now. Merlot & Sherlock enjoyed it while it lasted. Despite the dreary weather, we enjoyed our daily walks by the lake. It was very foggy one day and kind of eerie. 

Wednesday, the CPKC Holiday Train made its way to Beaconsfield. Russell took some fantastic photos with his drone. It's amazing to be able to see so far away. We will investigate whether we can bring it to Barbados. We know the guy who does photography for our hotel so he should be able to help us. It would be cool to get some aerial views of our beach.

Today, I will put up our Christmas tree, one week earlier than usual. It will add some extra sparkle to our home, especially on those gloomy days. I will start my holiday baking in a week or two. Russell has volunteered for his role as chief quality-control 😋 

That's my blog for today. Last full week of November, how crazy is that! Have a great week!

From the comfort of the kitchen, 
Sherlock and Merlot continue their 
squirrel watch - the giraffe is never
far away.

Nothing better than a run in fresh snow and
the opportunity to sniff for treasures hidden
beneath the snow.

Sherlock in full repose on 
the living room sofa.

Merlot is one of the bakery
bandits....caught here sniffing
for tasty ingredients.

Sherlock can reach and sniff
higher up and he thinks he
has found the jackpot!

An eerie view of Lac St-Louis shrouded in
fog and icy mist.

A lonely pier and a vanishing horizon.

The CPKC Holiday train rolled into 
Beaconsfield station, this was the view from our
backyard 80 meters up.

Spicy giving her BFF - Cooper, a tender
sniff, this moment captured December 12th, 2021.

Fun times!

Happy Sunday everyone! We got a little bit of wet snow overnight...snow balls for the boys!

Here we are, back home from our overnight stay in the city.  Our getaway started with a late lunch at Chez Alexandre, a great bistro just a few blocks away from our hotel. It was delicious and very "Parisian".  We then changed into our hockey gear and made our way to the Bell Centre for the pre-game festivities. Such fun times and so entertaining. This was my first time at the Bell Centre for a hockey game. It didn't disappoint. Our seats were fantastic, row one in section 201, so nobody in front of us. Although our Canadians didn't win, it was great just the same. Nothing beats the atmosphere of a hockey game at the Bell Centre, especially on a Saturday night. Along with all the other fans, I was loud, ate popcorn and enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you Russell for this wonderful birthday gift! It was a memorable night 💖

Merlot & Sherlock spent the night at Myriam's and had a great time also. We picked them up a little while ago. 

This past week was good. We got some snow on Tuesday, a little more than expected. It came as a bit of a surprise. Our electric shovel came in handy. We also woke up to another surprise that day...no water. The City of Beaconsfield has been doing some major water conduit work on our street. The temporary hoses that were installed a few weeks ago froze overnight. The whole street was a big mess, between that and the snow. We got our water back 12 hours later. 

That's my blog for today. I'm thinking that an afternoon nap will be on tap later. Not used to those late nights! I leave you with a couple of short videos from our first snow last Tuesday, some random shots and a few pics from last night. 

Have a great week everyone!

Nothing better than a romp and a game of chase
on fresh snow!

The Japanese maple still holding on to its
leaves and was draped in heavy wet snow...
a pretty picture that didn't last

Now this is a sleepy face...Merlot
in total comfort.

Sherlock is a quick study and he
has mastered 'paws up' on the 
stability ball while Merlot
waits his turn on the trampoline.

The view from our seats Row A,
Section 201, seats 11 and 12...
perfect to take in the pre-game
warmup.

Me grabbing a little HABS for good luck! My
Lane Hutson #48 jersey was perfect.

Cooper and Spicy loved their time in the 
training room...this moment captured
November 21st, 2018.

Happy Birthday Sherlock!

Happy Sunday everyone! A typical November morning with snow on the way later today. 

Today is a very special day. It is our sweet boy Sherlock's 2nd birthday. What a blessing to have him in our lives! He has a one of a kind personality with many cute quirks....he's a spinner through and through. He's also a low growler...that's his way to communicate with the world.  Sherlock didn't want cake....a stuffy squirrel was way more fun! Happy Birthday sweetie, we love you to the moon and back 💝

This past week was good. Sherlock went back to the vet for his dew claw. It was a little inflamed. We are putting an anti inflammatory cream on it for one week. It is looking much better now. He has to wear a cone for the first 30 minutes or so after applying the ointment....he doesn't mind it at all. Such a good boy. Our other sweet boy Merlot is doing well. He is such a play monkey. We were actually saying the other day that Sherlock is two going on four whereas Merlot is 30 months going on 18 LOL! 

Yesterday, we gave the final push on our outdoor Winter preparations. We're ready. We decided to buy an electric shovel instead of a snowblower (thanks Linda for planting the seed). Russell will pick it up this morning. Between that and a shovel, I should be good to go. Our driveway snow removal company sent an email yesterday. They are also ready. There is major water conduit work happening on our street at the moment. It could make for interesting snow removal 😉

Our Habs are having a good start to the season. We will be at the Bell Centre this coming Saturday for the game against the Bruins. I can't believe it's that time already. Russell bought the tickets at the end of August. I can't wait!

In today's blog, I include three short videos, all with squirrel content... the birthday boy with his stuffy squirrel, a short reel that I call "the one that got away". Finally one of our boys in the kitchen looking out, a snippet of what they do most of the day, back and forth between the patio door and the mud room door. They sure get their steps in LOL!  Have a great week everyone!

Happy 2nd Birthday Sherlock....make a wish,
yes, you get a squirrel!

Sherlock wondering what to do with this 
squirrel...smells normal but doesn't move!

A new game...the 'squirrel tug'!

Where is Sherlock...

A little snooze is always a good
thing especially after looking out the
window.

The Japanese maple burst into fiery red in the
corner bed of the backyard.

Japanese Maple with the golden
hues of Sugar Maple in the 
background.

Cooper and Spicy soaking up the warming 
sun on a bright November 6th, 2020.