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.

   

Signs of Spring

Happy Sunday everyone! We finally have some mild temperatures on the way, maybe even a bit of rain. We no longer need outside lights at 6:30 am. We heard the Cardinals mating call early this morning. Our snow mounds are starting to evaporate...all signs pointing to Spring 🌷

This past week was all about recovering from a major snow storm and celebrating Canada's win at the 4 Nations Face-Off against the US. This championship was totally epic and has united Canadians at a time when we needed it badly. It was the most exciting hockey game we have ever watched. Next up will be the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy! 

Last Sunday's snow storm was also epic but in a different way LOL! We haven't had that much snow in a long time. The snow mounds are quite high and our boys are having a blast maneuvering around them. It makes for a true "hide and seek" game as Merlot and Sherlock can't see each other. It is quite fun to watch them. It also makes it harder for the squirrels to escape once they land on the ground so the chase is always on for all involved. 

Russell had his first private physiotherapy treatment. Michael was truly impressed by his recovery and even wondered, for a brief moment, what he could do to make him better. The focus is more on manipulation of the muscles to make them more nimble. A few treatments will do the trick.

Merlot and Sherlock are doing well. They are as happy as can be. When they are not playing hard, they just chill and follow us around. I taught them the "find it" game. They are good at it. Russell and I can't get enough of those two, they are just so adorable in every way 💕

This is the last week of February. Time is going by too quickly. In a little less than three months, we will be off to Italy. We look forward to this trip in a big way.

That's my blog for today. My brother will come over for coffee later. Tomorrow, Russell is having lunch with a friend from grade school. It will be a nice reunion. 

Have a great week everyone, see you in March! 

A classic post dinner pose for these two as they
enjoy the comfort of the living room.

We carved out a passage to the side
gate so Merlot and Sherlock could
keep an eye on the street.

Sherlock peeking at me over the 
snow mounds...

Fully engaged in a raucous round of catch
me if you can.

Ahhh...a snooze on a blankie on the sofa with his 
giraffe, Sherlock enjoys life to the fullest.

Merlot does not have a care in the 
world as he "sleeps" and guards the 
TV room  - a nightly ritual.

A snowy stairway to the back deck...
this will all be gone soon!

Perfect snow to make a snowman...Spicy and
Cooper enjoyed helping me - January 18, 2021.

 

Another round of the white stuff

Happy snowy Sunday everyone! We're in for another round of snow today, following the dump of last Thursday. A silver lining ..... I'm grateful that the bulk of it will start falling in a few hours. It is much easier to clear paths for our boys bit by bit throughout the day rather than wake up to a huge pile of the white stuff. 

Despite the snow, this past week was a good one. It all started last Sunday with a surprise birthday gathering that I organized for Russell in the afternoon. I can't believe I pulled it off! It was supposed to be a quiet day with lots of TV time given the hockey and the Super Bowl. Instead, Russell found himself surrounded by good friends for a few hours, sharing good laughs, stories and yummy nibbles. It was a success on all fronts. I would be remiss if I didn't say that Merlot and Sherlock were good hosts. It was their first time meeting so many people at once. It was a bit overwhelming at first but they eventually got with the program. Merlot was glued to Marie while Sherlock was on his daddy's lap taking it all in. 

Then Monday came with the Westminster Dog Show. We watched the Toy Group live and it was so exciting to see beautiful Cosette strutting in the ring. Congratulations on winning Select Female! Well done Myriam, Elevage Amyla and Karyna who presented Cosette.  Proud moments for everyone!

Given the threat of a major snow storm, we cancelled our plans to go to Montreal for an overnight getaway. We made the right call. We were able to reschedule our dinner at Restaurant l'Express for Tuesday night. It was absolutely wonderful. The ambiance and the food were on point. It was our first time at that restaurant and it will not be our last. Totally worth the trip to rue St-Denis!

Wednesday was Russell's actual birthday and we celebrated at home with our two munchkins. I made a cheese fondue. It was a relaxing evening, in the comfort and safety of our home. Russell entered his new decade with flying colours. Then came the storm LOL! 

It was our first major snow event of the season. I went out every 45 minutes or so and cleared the backyard paths. When all was said and done, our snow moguls looked pretty cool. I have since demolished a few to make room for the dump that is coming today 😁

That's it for today's blog. It is 6:15 am. We're enjoying our coffee, the boys will eat breakfast in a few minutes and then the snow clearing will start. For most people across our beautiful country, tomorrow is Family Day. Enjoy to the fullest! Have a great week!

Merlot and Sherlock mount the snow
banks, they have added bunny rabbit
patrol to their always exciting
squirrel duties!

Russell's Birthday "cake", strawberries enrobed
in decadent dark and light chocolate!

Errol, Russell and Sherlock taking
in all the festivities.

Merlot and Marie enraptured
with each other.

Russell and I enjoying a wonderful
dinner at L'Express - delicious!

Karyna and Cosette at 
Westminster...she won
Select Female - well done!

The moguls continue to grow...when will it stop!?
 

A male cardinal waiting for 
access to the feeders which are
very busy.

Spicy and Cooper in a contemplative
mood. Spicy seems to be whispering in
Cooper's ear, it will all be OK
March 26, 2023.

One Year ago

Happy Sunday everyone! A little bit of snow fell overnight. It's starting to pile up. We now have lovely moguls in our backyard. They look more dramatic in the dark, so I'm into night photography now LOL! Our munchkins love running around the mounds of snow. 

I start this blog by remembering Cooper and Spicy's passing, one year ago today.  Sometimes, it feels like yesterday. Losing them was incredibly hard. Their presence will always be a part of us, our love for them will never fade.  They have taught us that love is pure, simple and unconditional. That is what gave us the strength to get through some of our darkest days. Then one day, Merlot and Sherlock came into our lives. They continue that legacy of love in their own special way. We love our boys with all our hearts 💕

Russell's TKR recovery continues to progress. He goes up and down the stairs many times a day. It's a good exercise that helps with the flexion. He will start private physiotherapy this week. The nights are still a bit uncomfortable at times, that will pass with time. 

Sherlock caught another squirrel yesterday. It eventually was released, unharmed. Merlot wasn't fast enough. When the squirrels jump down from the trees, they get caught in the snow mounds and that slows them down....thus making it easy for our monkeys to catch them. Dogs will be dogs. 

Russell has a big birthday coming up this week. We will be overnighting in Montreal and play tourists. Last night, I made his "unofficial" birthday dinner. Greek food all the way: Dolmades, Keftedes and Moussaka, his favorites and all home made. Not to brag, but I make one mean Moussaka. It's a bit time consuming but so worth it. Instead of a birthday cake, I bought some Baklavas. I also got a nice flower arrangement from Fig Fleurs in Pointe-Claire Village. Nothing but the best for my special guy!

Today is a busy sports day. The Habs are playing at 1 pm and there is the Super Bowl tonight. We will spend most of the day in front of the TV. Tomorrow, we will be watching the Westminster Dog Show, specifically the toy group event. Our friend and breeder Myriam will be there, showing her Havanese Cosette, already a Champion in many areas. It will be Myriam's first time at this prestigious event. Very exciting!

That's my blog for today. This week's memory photo of Cooper and Spicy is one that only a few people have seen. It is the last photo of them together, taken on February 9, 2024. We cherish all the memories that they have given us 💗

Have a great week everyone! 

An eerie lunar landscape or my mogul creations...
the boys backyard by night.

Merlot confirms it, no squirrels up the
tree at night.

Sherlock showing off his night moves in the
moguls.

Lounging in the kitchen before 
starting KP (kitchen patrol)!

Russell's early birthday dinner with
his besties posing for dessert.

Sherlock at the kitchen table
asking what's for dinner?

A lovely floral birthday arrangement for Russell !

A Waxing Gibbous moon with a 
special guest appearance - Jupiter,
a tiny speck of light in the top right
corner, taken last night

Cosette and Myriam at the BIG show,
with Karyna as the handler -good
luck at Westminster.

A fond adieu to our beauties...
this moment captured on their 
final day with us, February 9, 2024.

Welcome February!

Happy Sunday everyone! We woke up to a frigid -23 Celsius this morning, at 5:15 am. It is now up to a balmy -21C! Sherlock and Merlot didn't take long to do their business...on three paws. It takes a lot of balance to do # 2 that way LOL! 

Regardless of the cold, we are welcoming this new month with open arms. With all the disturbing news that has been surrounding us, we need to focus on some positivity....Spring is just around the corner.

We had a good week. Russell saw his surgeon last Monday. She was impressed with his knee flexion and overall recovery. Next visit is in one year.  There is still some swelling, not that noticeable to the naked eye but it's there and will likely go away in 6-9 months. Totally normal. Otherwise, Russell is off to the races, thanks to the best surgeon and his dedication to the physio regime. Well done! 

Our sweet boys are doing well. We are noticing some small changes in their behaviour. Merlot is now displaying a little bit of independence. When we watch TV at night, he often will go to our bedroom as if to settle in for the night. It's too cute. Sherlock is becoming quite the cuddler. He loves to stretch on my legs while I read or watch something on my iPad. It's his new thing now and I find it so endearing. They both love to join Russell on the couch in the morning when he stretches his leg.  They are such good boys 💕

That's my blog for today. Wiarton Willie, a Canadian groundhog, just predicted an early Spring.  Cheers to that! Have a great week everyone and keep calm. 

These two love to have fun and frolic...Merlot is
airborne in pursuit of Sherlock.

Morning knee stretch and it is Sherlock and
Merlot adding a little resistance to enhance
the effort...thanks Boys!

Merlot on his 'recharger'  blanket by the TV room 
doorway...no one gets passed him.

Sherlock takes a well deserved nap!

Sherlock has his "snuggle spot" laying across my
legs while everyone chills in the afternoon.

A new toy box for the growing collection of
"chewables" for the Boys....they know how to 
get the toys out...need training on how to put
them back.

X-ray images of bionic knee number two, surgeon
is very pleased and says all is perfect.

The picture of perfect patience...
these two were so very special...
this moment captured
February 5th, 2022.