Goodbye March!

Happy Sunday everyone! It is not pretty out there, we have freezing rain and our back steps are already icy. Russell just put our crampons back on. If you're out and about, be careful. 

This past week was good and busy. We met with four landscaping companies to go over some ideas for redesigning part of our backyard. Tomorrow, we meet with one last company then we will review their quotes and decide on what to do, with whom. Whatever we do, it will most likely be done after our trip to Italy. The next few months could be busy and fun!

Our weather has been all over the place. Yesterday, we woke up to a bit of snow. I have to admit that it was a nice reprieve from having to deal with daily muck. Merlot and Sherlock were acting as if they had never seen snow before. They are such crazy puppies!

Sherlock is obsessed with the plush toys that my friend Lori brought last week. He likes to go around in circles with one in his mouth. It seems to never leave his side. It's too funny to watch. Merlot likes them too but his "go to" toy is the giraffe. We still do a bit training with them, just to keep them on their toes. 

We got ourselves a big couch for our deck, big enough for the four of us. We are itching for some consistent warm weather and resume our deck time. Yesterday, we noticed how yellow the goldfinches are turning. A sure sign that Spring is on the way. 

Our trip to Italy is just a little over seven weeks away. We are getting excited. Russell has pretty well figured out what clothes he will bring. I'm half way there. 

Those are my little news. It will be a quiet Sunday, with a Habs game at 1 pm. As we are about to say goodbye to March, I reflect on how quickly that month went by. It seems like a big blur. Have a great week everyone!

Merlot and Sherlock with the plush toy ready to
romp!

Merlot loves to follow the early morning sun as
it flows into the kitchen, his plush friends,  
including the giraffe, always by his side.

Sherlock took the sofa in this stand off with
Merlot in the TV room.

Where Sherlock goes - the bull goes!

On alert at the front window...a
familiar scene with Merlot and 
Sherlock.

Sherlock and his treat ball, he loves to roll it
all around the basement.

Merlot is exhausted after his session with the
giggle ball - it drives him crazy with 
excitement.

Fond memories of Spicy and Cooper
on neighbourhood look out - 
captured April 1, 2023.

A wonderful reunion!

Happy Sunday everyone and Happy Spring! Our snow is all gone except in a few shady spots. It is rather cool this morning but the sun is shining. It will be a great day!

This past week was good and it ended on a high note with the visit of our good friends Lori and Roger yesterday. It was a wonderful reunion, some ten years after we last saw each other. 

Lori and I have had a long distance relationship for many years, thanks to our loving pooches Cooper, Spicy, Scruffy and Pepper.  Throughout the years, we experienced every possible emotion from joy and laughter to sadness and grief to celebrations and new beginnings. We formed a soul family that we will always cherish.  Yesterday, we welcomed them into our home and they met Merlot & Sherlock. The puppy kisses were plentiful and love was in the air. It was truly heartwarming to watch. As we fondly reminisced about our four musketeers, we embraced the happiness and love that our boys so beautifully displayed. Thank you for the treats, toys and all the goodies but most of all, thank you for coming our way and making this reunion happen. It was truly a special day 💖

Our snow might be gone but our backyard is a mess. The mild weather last week brought nothing but mud in all the areas of the backyard where we need to seed. Needless to say that our boys had to get their paws rinsed more than a few times daily. We set up a little washing station in the mud room, so appropriately named, and we have a "wash and dry" system down pat. We realize though that seeding might not be the only solution to getting our backyard in tip top shape. We are in the process of getting quotes for a possible redesign. We will see where that takes us.

These days, we are faithfully watching every Habs game. Every point counts and that playoff spot is very much possible. It is exciting and a much welcomed change from everything else going on in the news. 

That's my blog for this first Sunday of Spring. Enjoy the photos and have a great week!

Lori and I with our boys, Sherlock and Merlot -
plenty of joy and love shared by these two.

Lori and Roger could not get enough puppy
cuddles,  Merlot and Sherlock were happy
to oblige.

Flashback 10 years to Huntsville, Lori and 
I with Scruffy and Cooper in our arms, July 2014

Merlot and Sherlock were very quick and eager
to play with their new toys...thank you
Lori and Roger!

Merlot and Sherlock 'lock up' in their dance to 
see who can move the other furthest.

The snow has quickly melted exposing some 
'special' treats - bunny poo and these two
are always on the lookout for these nuggets.

Cooper and Spicy doing their best paws up...
 April 2, 2020.

Celebrating all things Irish

Happy Sunday everyone! We woke up to a mild +7 Celsius. It really feels like Spring now. Our backyard is a mixture of mushy grass, melting snow and everything in between. It is a messy time of year for dog owners but we have to get through this patch in order to get to the next season. 

All is good with us. We have started some Spring cleaning, inside and outside. Yesterday, we cleaned out our deck. It's ready for another season although the steps are still covered with snow. Our awning is finally free of the white stuff and is now giving us natural light. I put away my snowshoes, always a sign of good weather to come.

Our little Leprechauns are doing well. They are unsure about the state of their backyard though. On Monday, snow was everywhere. Yesterday, they were walking on grass, stepping in puddles of water, not good for drinking! We still have snow along the fence and that is their preferred area for the time being. Russell is careful to look for ticks when doing their daily grooming. 

They both are still obsessed with the squirrels. I have a feeling it's going to be an interesting deck season this year....up and down those steps hoping to catch one. Merlot is going to be two years old in May. He still very much acts like a crazy puppy. Sherlock, who is six months younger, often acts like he's the oldest of the two. They each have such an endearing personality 💕

St-Paddy's Day is tomorrow. I bought a small ham at La Bernoise for dinner tonight and will make a batch of Colcannon for Russell. I will use the leftover and make an Irish Shepherd's Pie for tomorrow. Celebrating all things Irish 🍀 

That's my blog for today.  Russell is getting ready to give our pooches a much needed bath. That will take care of most of the morning. I will get a Pilates workout in then get some cooking done in the kitchen. 

Have a great week and Happy St-Paddy's Day. "May love and laughter light your days and warm your heart and home"!

From our Leprechauns to each and everyone, 
Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

On squirrel patrol from the comfort 
of our house...then mad dashes to the
backdoor. Release the hounds!

These two are natural seat warmers.

On the trampoline and ready for a play session!

Plenty of snow....one day and then...

...just like that the snow recedes, now only piles
along the fence remain for patrolling.

Early Spring deck time with Cooper and Spicy,
this moment captured February 28th, 2021.

Longer and brighter days ahead

Happy Sunday everyone! We made it, we have reached the point where we can truly look forward to longer and brighter days ahead. We have a little bit of snow falling at the moment but nice weather is on the way. 

We had a good week. Russell had another physio treatment and his knee flexion is now at 121, from 115 two weeks ago. His other knee is at 124, which is about the maximum flexion anyone can get with a new knee. He has one more appointment in a few weeks then that will be it.  Well done Russell!

As for me, I might have finally found the type of workout that works for me at this stage in my life...Pilates. I discovered Jessica Valant, a known Pilates teacher and physical therapist, with numerous videos on YouTube. Those types of workouts are known to promote mobility and strength while focusing on stretching and balance. When done properly (emphasis on "properly"), they can do wonders for the body. I got five in last week and, not only do I feel better already, I actually enjoy them...the key to sustainability.

Sherlock and Merlot are doing well. Although the chase for squirrels still goes on daily, there was no catch last week.  The snow mounds have gotten much smaller so the "hide and seek" game is not as much fun for them. They love chasing each other, outside or inside. When they run up and down our hallways, we can feel their vibrations. They are such good boys 💕

Despite the non stop daily and very unnerving news concerning the US and Canada, we actually got some fantastic news on Friday. Our breeder and friend Myriam attended the Crufts Dog Show in Birmingham, UK. Her Havanese Cosette won Best of Breed! That is a huge accomplishment, especially after winning Select Female in Westminster a few weeks ago.  Congratulations to all, we are so proud of you!

That's my blog for today. Enjoy the photos and have a wonderful week!

Spring ahead...this clock, bought in
NYC, was a gift from Russell's
 mom before she passed in 2013.

Two happy boys lined up for, you guessed it...
can we go out to chase squirrels?

 

A big stare down....who will blink first?

Merlot and Sherlock carefully 
inspect the snowman I made!

Sherlock happily patrolling the ever shrinking 
snow mounds.

Merlot looking majestic on top of
his snow mound.

Karyna proudly presented Cosette 
who took Best of Breed at the famed
Crufts Kennel Club show.

Cooper and Spicy were the best yoga buddies, 
here they are on their mat - February 24, 2022.

Hello March!

Happy Sunday everyone and a warm welcome to March! After some relatively mild temperatures in the past week, we woke up to a frigid -18 Celsius this morning. The sun is shining though and, in one week, we will move our clocks forward. Love it 🌞

This past week was good. Despite the huge amount of snow we got two weeks ago, and a bit yesterday, our snow mounds are getting smaller. The snow covering our Euonymus bushes is melting, exposing the leaves and providing yummy food for the rabbits. Our birds are also eating like crazy. We feed them every two days. As for the squirrels, they are still driving Merlot & Sherlock crazy. They catch (and release) one or two a week. They both wait patiently at the bottom of the crabapple tree for the little critter to either jump or come down. It's become a game for them. 

Russell is doing well and his knee replacement surgery is a thing of the past now. He still has a bit of lingering discomfort at times and that is normal. 

We both had a spa pedicure last week. A little bit of self care is always good, especially at this time of year. It's good for the soul. 

Not much else is going on with us. It's been a quiet Winter overall, given Russell's knee recovery. Perfect time of year for that kind of surgery to happen. We are now gearing up for Spring, thinking of what we need to do outdoors before our trip to Italy. Seeding our backyard is number one priority. 

Our boys are doing well. They have a good life. They are so affectionate, each in their own unique way. We love them to pieces 💕

That's my blog for today. I leave you with random photos taken last week. Have a great week everyone! 

Some crazy times on the living room sofa...
Merlot loves to face plant while Sherlock 
looks on.

The boys on neighbourhood watch!

The rabbit escaped but the boys 
 did not give up the chase, they 
mounted the snow bank to make
certain he was gone.

Merlot is completely at ease, paws
up to air out his 'bird'.

Hockey Night in Beaconsfield...
not an empty seat in the house to
witness the HABS victory.

Sherlock knows how to captivate with
his eyes and antics.

Nature's bounty, the euonymus is slowly loosing its
tasty leaves to the hungry rabbits.

Cooper and Spicy loved the snow
and there was plenty of it on 
March 5th 2023.