Five years ago today

Hello everyone and Happy Sunday!

Today, I remember my dad who left us so unexpectedly five years ago on this date. I think of him always but he's been in my thoughts more lately. His passing came as such a blow to all of us, most of all to my mom who was in palliative care at the time. It wasn't supposed to happen that way but I always say that things happen for a reason. Knowing that my mom was so ill, my dad's heart was truly broken. He would have been lost without her.  Mom joined dad in heaven five weeks later and they were reunited. 

Russell and I moved back to Quebec in 2016 for a myriad of reasons. I am ever so grateful that we did and that I had the chance to spend more quality time with my parents, living so close to them. The memories I have from those times will be forever cherished. 

Dad loved our pooches. He met Spicy for the first time when we got her in 2017. He thought she was the sweetest little girl. He met Cooper when we got him 12 years ago and both developed a special relationship over the years. Whenever dad would visit, Cooper couldn't wait to jump on his lap and shower him with kisses. Russell used to say that Coop was obsessed with my dad, he was right! It was very heartwarming to watch.

So, on this Sunday, we think of Dad, papa, Larry. The years go by but we never forget. We miss you always 💗

Have a great week everyone!

The bond between Father and Daughter is very
special and this moment captured it perfectly.
Miss you Dad...loved always and never forgotten.

Cooper always had extra kisses for Larry...in
fact, the Coop was obsessed with Dad.

Spicy knew how to love Dad up
and he enjoyed every second of 
her love, cuddles, and kisses.

Cooper and Dad...a bromance
that will persist for all time!

Longer and brighter days

Happy Sunday everyone! It's 9:30 am and I'm writing my blog while keeping an eye on some delicious polpettes, aka Italian meatballs, simmering in a tomato sauce. It's a David Rocco recipe and they will simmer for three hours. That's our dinner for tonight with a Cacio e Pepe salad. Our pooches have just been groomed, teeth and ears cleaned. They are ready for their day!

This past week was good and quiet. We had a few sunny days and a couple of walks. I got a few workouts in myself and it felt good. We have noticed how much longer and brighter the days are. When we take Cooper and Spicy out after their dinner at around 5 pm, we no longer need to turn on the outside lights. That is proof right there!

On Monday morning, we woke up to the sad news that our neighbour's beautiful dog Max had passed away the previous night. We saw Max when we went to Paul and Marie's house a few weeks ago, so grateful for those memories of him.  He was a beautiful and kind dog with soulful eyes, not a mean bone in his body. Cooper and Spicy got to meet him on a few occasions during walks but they mainly got to greet Max through the fence. He had the most joyful bark. He will be truly missed by Paul, Marie, their two sons and everyone who knew him.

Not much else is going on with us. This time of year is always kind of quiet. We are starting to get excited about our trip to Italy end of April. I'm starting to think about what clothes to bring.  I may have to buy one or two things.  Since I absolutely hate shopping, this could be quite the process.

Our Montreal HABS have been struggling lately. They are in a complete rebuild mode so the true fans are not expecting miracles this year...but last night's win against the Toronto Maple Leafs was very sweet. It couldn't have come at a better time, having found out in the morning that Cole Caufield will be out for the rest of the season due to injury. They needed that win, if only to lift their spirits. I went to bed with a big smile on my face 😊

Football season is coming to an end soon. Russell will be watching the two games today. It gets very exciting at this time of year. I even find myself interested.

That's about it for today's blog. Our pooches are giving me the look now...when are we playing mommy? I will go downstairs with them and figure out something to do. We did some fun exercises last week. Today, I may bring out the cones and come up with an obstacle course. I leave you with some random pics of our pooches and two of dear Max. Have a great week everyone!

Spicy and Cooper on the BOSU ready for another
round of exercises.

Spicy on the sofa with her chew, she carries it
from the bedroom after her mid day nap
with her Daddy.

Cooper in his 'play bow' pose ready for some
fun!

The dynamic duo in a quiet moment
with new paths cleared of snow -
thanks Mom.

Cooper loves to dig in the bed 
after his dinner.

Spicy has that 'you talking to me'
look.

Max had the most soulful 
eyes and the sweetest
personality.

RIP sweet Max.

Remembering my good friend Lillian

Hello everyone and Happy Sunday! It's cold and sunny, with a fresh coat of snow to make everything look pretty!

Today, I am remembering my good friend Lillian who passed away last week after a short and brave battle with cancer. She was far too young. 

Lillian and I have been friends for many years. Our friendship started when I joined the Lakeshore Dog Training Association. We trained our pooches together, me with Cooper, Lillian with Blu-Belle and our other friend Eveline with Macey. The Havanese gang ruled that class. The training became our weekly social event. 

Our friendship went beyond our respective "kids". We shared the love of reading. Over the years, we exchanged books, introduced each other to new authors. We also shared the love of fine things. Lillian was a classy lady, inside and out, with a heart of gold. She was vibrant and strong, always positive and a true genuine person. She was also a social butterfly and I say that with a smile. When the pandemic hit, and we couldn't go anywhere, we started messaging each other daily. Lillian would always start her morning text with a "Good Morning". She got me in the habit of doing the same. She found it very hard not to be able to socialize so her daily online contacts with her circle of friends kept her spirits up. Our daily messaging continued well beyond the worst of the pandemic with our last one on January 1, 2023. 

Throughout the years, we made it a habit to get together at Le Marche de l'Ouest for coffee and to catch up in person. Le Marche is a lovely market within walking distance from Lillian's condo. She called it her second home. She loved that place. Our last get together was on December 1. We chatted for a long time about life in general and how precious it is. 

Lillian will be missed greatly by all who knew her. Her beloved Blu-Belle is now with another family and we wish her the best life she so deserves.

Today's blog is for you my friend, I know how you looked forward to reading it every Sunday. I will always have fond memories of our times together. I miss you 💔

Tea time with Lillian at Salon Rosie-Lanoi
in the Pointe Claire Village, a precious memory.

Cooper adored Lillian and he knew
how to express his fondness.

Lillian with arms full of Havanese
happiness, Blu-Belle and Spicy!

 

A lazy start to the year

Happy Sunday everyone! It's a cloudy day for us. We just got back from a walk and although it's not that cold, it felt very damp. There is now a thin layer of snow/ice pellet combination on the grass so it was a bit icy by the lake. In our backyard though, it's perfect. Clean paws are back in business!

All is good with us. We decided to take another week "off" so last week was nice and lazy. We didn't do much other than take down all Christmas decorations. Russell vacuumed everywhere. All is put away for another year. 

We ate turkey leftovers for a few days. I also made a delicious broth with the carcass. I froze some of it and used some to make an Italian Wedding Soup for dinner one night. Yummy!

On Thursday, we went to our neighbour's house for a New Year celebratory drink. Paul and Marie were great hosts and it was most enjoyable. That night, we watched the World Junior Hockey, Gold medal game! Congratulations to Canada! It was a very exciting game 👏

Friday, we had take-out pizza from Cugini's, a great place in Beaconsfield.  We both had a white base pizza, very good and the crust was super light, Neapolitan style. Last night, we ordered Chinese from La Perle. I suppose taking a week off also means less cooking 😉 We're done ordering in or doing take-out for a while now. Two days in a row is plenty for us!

Tomorrow we get back to our normal routine. By that I mean working out, more walks with the pooches, that sort of thing. Russell has an osteo appointment on Tuesday for a much needed tune up. Other than that, it will be a quiet week.

We are noticing that the days are getting longer although we haven't seen the sun much lately. The weather has been rather dreary. According to this week's forecast, we might see the sun on Tuesday 🌞

Our pooches are doing well. Cooper seems to have adjusted well to the increase in his medications.  They are both happy, no matter what we do 💗

That's my blog for today. There is some football on TV this afternoon. I might watch some of it with Russell or finish a book that I started a few weeks ago. I'm back to cooking tonight.  I have a meatloaf ready to be cooked later. It's been a while since we've had it. Have a great week everyone!

Spicy and Cooper were sure-footed on the icy
walk this morning at Edgewater Park!

Sunbeams breaking through the overcast sky
and a partial ice-over of Lac St. Louis.

Chews at the ready for a little retrieve before
snuffling...nothing better.

Spicy at her post on top of the back of the sofa...
she never misses a beat.

Cooper took the late shift on 
neighbourhood watch!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! Russell and I wish you all only the best for 2023, good health, love and happiness!

Here we are, on this first day of a brand new year. It sure doesn't feel like Winter today. It is mild, we had some rain and the doggie paths have now turned into grass. Messy and muddy! Spicy is not a happy camper, she's been hopping from one snow patch to the other.  She doesn't like the mushiness of the grass 😂 There is no snow in the forecast but it will get colder later this week. 

This past week was good and very lazy. We might be retired but a break in our routine was much needed. We watched two movies (Top Gun Maverick and the latest James Bond No time to Die). Both were very good and action packed. I watched the third season of Emily in Paris, light and amusing. Russell watched a bunch of College Bowl games. Our pooches went along with the flow, lazed around and snuffled quite a bit.  

On Thursday, we got the results of Cooper & Spicy's echocardiograms. Spicy's cardiac measurements have improved so no change in her meds. Very good news. Cooper's results were not as good so we are increasing his medication. We will redo his echo in six months. Although a progression in the disease is usually expected, we always pray it won't happen. Nevertheless, we are hoping that the additional meds will make the Coop's little heart work more efficiently. The good news is he is not showing any signs of the progression outwardly. Fingers and toes crossed 💓

Today will be a quiet day, just the four of us. Russell just had some fun with his drone.  I'm itching to take down the Christmas tree but will wait until tomorrow. We're having another turkey for dinner (what can I say, we love it) and the house smells divine! 

We wish you all a good rest of the day. All the best for 2023!

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy
New Year!

The four of us captured by my nephew on
Christmas Day. Turkey and all the trimmings
were enjoyed by all.

Spicy and Cooper anxious to try out
their new snuffle mat!

We loved this snuffle mat, can you reload
with more treats!

Cooper loves to shake stuffed plushies...
the Christmas teddy was not harmed, just shaken.

Another amazing sunrise in our backyard.

The Red Baron about to do an
aerial survey of the doggie paths.

Quite the meltdown revealed from 100 feet up,
Spicy and Cooper now have wet mushy grass on the
paths. Bonus, now there is more room for the next
snow!