Caught in the act...

I love you Bambi but would you please leave my plants alone and go visit our neighbours instead.  They have a brand new garden.....The deer have been at it again, even after we sprayed the plants with a new deer deterrent product called Bobbex.  For a few days, there was nothing, then this morning our Crocosmia flowers were gone, again.  I must say that this is the only flowers they have eaten since we sprayed but still.  We thought for sure we had taken care of the issue.....how silly to think that deer will stay away from a bad smelling spray.  Russell took the attached picture of the deer caught in the act.

This past week was very good.  On Tuesday, we had the visit of Roland and Loraine, our neighbours from Mississauga.  It was truly nice to see them again.  Cooper was over the moon when he saw them. We had a good visit, had an afternoon tea and reminisced about old times.  We also had a quick visit to Toronto.  We had our hair cut and even treated ourselves to a mani/pedi.  The manicure was for myself and the pedicure was for Russell, his first one ever, which is more than I've had.  I'm not a fan of people touching my toes. Russell enjoyed it though. We also had a nice dinner at Sassafraz on the patio.  While in Toronto, we were looking for a couple of things to buy, only to discover that some stores are now closed.  The biggest surprise was to find out that the Nike store in Yorkville was closed.  We were looking for the "Nike Free Run" shoes. As fate would have it, we found those shoes yesterday, in Huntsville of all places.

While we were away, Cooper spend some time with his furry friends at Talemaker Camp.  He had a good time and even barked up a storm when he got there.  He was very excited to be there and that was his way to show it.  Oh well, he is allowed to be vocal once in a while.  He is going back there tomorrow, until Thursday.  As for Russell and I, we are off to NYC for a little getaway.  We haven't been in about 4 years so it will be good to return.  We will see Mamma Mia on Tuesday night, for the 5th time.  What can I say, we really like this broadway show.  In addition to doing a lot of walking and window shopping, there are a number of pet stores that we want to go to and perhaps bring Cooper a little something.  It should be fun.

We haven't had much rain lately and it shows.  The grass is virtually dormant.  Our Summer pots have had it and we replaced them with Fall pots.  They look nice and very colourful.  Another season is about to start.

That's about it for this week's blog.  I wish you all a nice week, leading up to Labour Day Weekend.  It's hard to believe that students of all ages return to school in about one week.  Enjoy the last few days of summer vacation!

Bambi making a hasty retreat after some fine dining chez Duncan!

Summer is back!

After a couple of weeks of not quite seasonal temperatures, it looks like Summer is back and here to stay for a while.  Gotta to love it!

I thought this past week would be quiet and not too busy but it seems that we always find things to do around here.  Russell and I spent a good part of the week doing manual labour.  On Monday night, we received our shipment of river rocks - 8 to 12 inches with oversized ones as well, 4 tons of them, quite large I might add.  So Tuesday, we moved most of the stones around the wood shed to keep the gravel in.  Some stones were moved by hand, some in the wheelbarrow manned by Russell.  Lots of hard work but it's a good job done.  Russell also painted the wood shed.  It looks very nice in a barn red colour.

On Wednesday, we went to the garden centre in Barrie.  Lots on sale so we bought twelve ornamental grasses.  I planted those on Thursday but not before I went to my first spinning class at the gym.  It actually happened by accident:  when I got to the gym for my 9 am step class, I found out that it had been cancelled and replaced by a spin class.  I thought, why not give it a try.  It is a pretty intense cardio workout.  I actually liked it and plan on doing that class again.

We didn't do any boating this past week as the weather was quite cool with strong winds.  We did go for a nice ride today.  It was warm and the lake was calm.  I can't say the same about the calmness of the water when we docked.  The waves from other boats made it such that we could barely stand on the dock while tying up the boat.  Today was probably the worst docking we've had so far in terms of waves.  Yikes!

Yesterday, we went to the Highland Games in Bracebridge.  What a fun day that was.  We took Cooper with us and he got exposed to the loud sounds of the Pipe Bands. Everywhere we turned, someone wanted to pat him.  One little boy asked if he could pat our "little fluffy sheep dog".  It was actually cute to watch this little kid pat Cooper.  Back to the games:  we watched the men in their kilts compete in the Heavy Events such as the 20 pound hammer throw, tug of war and caber toss.  Not sure if the men were wearing undies under their kilts....I couldn't tell.  It was a great day and the weather was perfect.  Russell and I even had a beer in the "beer tent".  I attach a few pictures that Russell took.

Last night, we smoked some rainbow trout on the Big Green Egg.  It was delicious and so moist.  We ate outside and later had S'Mores on the fire pit.  To finish off the night, we had the pleasure of having a baby porcupine visit us....but thankfully he was outside the fence.  Cooper did bark up a small storm when he saw Porky.  I cringe at the thought of the two of them coming face to face.  We hope it never happens.

This coming week will be busy.  Wednesday, I have to go to Barrie for an oil change for my Mini. Russell and Cooper will come with me.  We will run a few errands in Barrie while my car is in for service.  We are off to Toronto on Thursday for our hair cuts and an overnight stay.  We also have a few things that we need to get while in Toronto.  Cooper will be having his usual fun at Talemaker Camp.

That's about it for my news.  Not much else is happening other than Summer is going by way too fast so we have to make the best of what is left.  I wish you all a nice week ahead!

View of the bands as they marched in to open the Games!

Highland dance competition on a beautiful sunny day.

Cooper enjoyed the Games from the shade of the beer tent!

The Town Cryer opened the Games in style.

Quiet Sunday and week ahead

For the first time in a long time, we have nothing planned for this coming week.  No appointments, no agility class, no visitors. It is actually nice to have the week "open" so that we can just do things on the spur of the moment.  Russell and I will have our regular fitness classes but that's about it.  The forecast so far looks very promising so perhaps boating, gardening and staining the shed will be on the menu.

We are done with our agility classes for this year.  There is a fun match and pot luck for all the dogs and their families on Labour Day Monday.  We may attend, depending on what we have going on that weekend.  The last agility trials will be held third weekend of September and I plan on attending just to see what it's all about.  Other than that, that is it until next May.  Cooper will then be at level two.  It was a fun thing to do this summer and it was a great way to strengthen the bond and trust between Cooper and us.

Yesterday, we bought more plants, Blue Catmint.....yep, I still have more planting to do.  I did say that it was a never ending project.  The deer so far haven't eaten that plant.... however, we woke up one morning this past week to find out that the deer had eaten the beautiful red flowers of our Crocosmia Lucifer.  We had planned on taking a picture as the flower is truly spectacular, so much so that the deer couldn't resist it.  You gotta love them!

On Tuesday, Mike, a former colleague from work, came to visit us.  I hadn't seen him since I retired.  It was fun to see him again.  On Thursday, we had lunch with our friend Patricia, at Windermere House.  We talked and talked for a couple of hours, on the patio, overlooking Lake Rosseau.  What a great way to spend an afternoon.

I have been dealing with a case of plantar fasciitis on my left heel.  I don't know how I got it but it can be quite painful at times and it makes walking a tad difficult.  The worst day was Thursday, and I know I aggravated it by taking a step class at the gym that morning.  Silly me, I should have known that jumping up and down wouldn't be good for my heel.  I followed Russell's advice and bought myself a small, hard rubber ball which I use to stretch the tendon.  I have already seen a huge improvement.  So, I guess I can take that step class again this coming Thursday.  Yay!

Summer is going by way too fast and you know that Fall is just around the corner when the garden centres have mums for sale.  I nearly freaked out yesterday when I saw them.  Having said this, and not wishing Winter to be here too soon, we booked our Winter getaway a few days ago.  We will be going back to Barbados.  We haven't been in 5 years so we look forward to returning to that beautiful island.

That's about it for this week's blog. I attach a picture of Cooper chilling on the deck.  Like us, he will be having a quiet week.  I wish you all a great week ahead.

Cooper on his deck...it is a dogs life!

P.S.  As I was about to post this blog, we had an impromptu visitor:  Matt's mom, Sylvia.  She wanted to see for herself the beautiful house that her son built as well as the fireplace and stone floors that her other son, John, did. She was truly impressed!

Long Summer weekend!

For those who are enjoying the Civic Holiday weekend, I hope it is a good one, although the weather is a bit chilly in some areas.  Single digit nights coming up in Huntsville......no worries, this is just a dip.....hopefully more warm weather on its way soon.

This past week was good with lots to do.  We started the week by going to the vet with Cooper for his annual physical.  He got a clean bill of health.  The better news for us was that our vet, Dr. Jason, saw a huge improvement in Cooper's teeth since we last saw him.  As a result, he saw no need to get his teeth scaled and cleaned, which was going to happen in two weeks.  That was a nice surprise for us.  First, to be told by a vet that no treatment is necessary.  Second, to be told that what we have been doing in terms of keeping Cooper's teeth clean is working.  Good news all around.

On Wednesday, we went to Coop's agility class.  Lucky for us, we were the only ones attending the class this week so we got a private lesson.  This also means that we went non stop for 50 minutes.  It gave me a chance to work on my technique.  It gave Cooper a chance to do more jumps, go up and down the A-frame more often and go through the tunnel a number of times.  It was a great morning.  I attach a few of the pictures that Russell took.

It rained quite a bit this past week so we didn't do any boating until yesterday. We were out for only an hour as the water was quite choppy.  As we were docking, it started to rain. We plan on going again tomorrow.

I planted all my plants and I am pleased with the results.  I still have more to do.  It seems like it is a never ending project...

Today, we had the pleasure of having Cathy and Larry over for lunch, along with their beautiful Newfoundlander, Sola.  I attach a couple of pictures that we took of the two dogs.  They played really well together.  What a difference in size!  Sola is a very well behaved dog.  It was nice seeing them all.

That's about it for my news.  This week is looking up to be rather quiet with one agility class left.  I hope you enjoy the rest of your long weekend.  The next long weekend will be Labour Day, which means back to school.  Wow, time sure goes by fast.  I wish you all a nice week ahead.

Anne and Cooper....he cleared the jump cleanly...as usual!

Long tunnel for a small dog....Cooper loves it.

The 'A' frame...no issues for the Coop.

Sola is 107 pounds..the Coop, 18.6....he plays larger than his weight.

Cooper and Sola taking a break from crazy play.

Anne and Cooper working on focus before the course.

Sola relaxing.