Unplanned Yard Reno

The puppies have gotten bolder with their exploring and less interested in coming when called. They are now confined to the front yard unless they are leashed or at the beach with us. 

This means there has been fencing, fortifications, and redesigning going on for the past couple of weeks. Every time one of them has "leaked" out, Ron and I have worked to seal up that particular escape route.

The fountain and plantings have been hit especially hard as every flower has to be tasted and each small rock or stick must be dug up and chewed upon.

The pre-puppy yard-

vs. the post-puppy yard-

Note the diminished plant sizes, increased rock sizing, and wire fencing around the garden beds.

We pretty much ignored Ron's 70th birthday. Kaili came down for the weekend and we heard from all the kids, which was nice. We have spent more time outside, at the beach, and enjoying the markets with the dogs this summer.

Ron and I are both relatively healthy (but sore!). We are so grateful for this! He's getting more energy back every week and his next follow up with the surgeon that did the esophagectomy is in September.

Dog Days 2.0

We have had Rhody in our home since last Saturday afternoon. He and Madrone engage in regular wrestling matches throughout the day. The vet saw them on Thursday and says they are doing great and seem to be pretty well behaved. We're still waiting on some house training accidents with Rhody and minor nipping issues with Madrone. They've been helping Ron and I to get better exercise too, as we normally take them for a 1 to 1-½ mile walk (drag) in the morning. 

Rhody is a serious cuddler and Madrone is REALLY attached to me.

Isis and Henrietta are definitely glad not to be at the center of Madrone's attention anymore. The cats are still keeping a wary distance from the Boys.

This week Ron's sister, BIL, 2 nieces and assorted spouses, children, and dogs were on Gabriola for their annual summer vacation. We spent several warm days playing on the beach with the dogs. (8 in total (dogs, not days)). We're also continuing to socialize the purppies with trips to the various markets. Kaili will be able to babysit for us tomorrow, allowing us to attend church.

I noticed a baby artichoke this week and 2 marble sized watermelons too. The tomatoes, cucumber, strawberries, blueberries, and Patty Pan squash continue to produce. There's even a few pea and green bean stragglers. Madrone raids the pea plants if we're not watching him- he lives peas! The black berries are ripening and the dogs and I sample them when we walk.

Dog Days of Summer

"The . . .  dog days of summer are the hot, sultry days of summer. They were historically the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius, which Greek and Roman astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, maddogs, and bad luck.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org › wiki

Dog days - Wikipedia

Date: Fri., Jul. 12, 2019 – Tue., Aug. 20, 2019

Dog days has taken on a more literal meaning in our home this year. We sadly said goodbye to Aurora shortly after saying hello to a new puppy. It now looks like we're probably getting to bring home one of his brothers next week. I think Isis may be relieved to have Madrone wrestling with someone else. Right now Madrone thinks it's great fun to bite her tail and run circles around her while she snarls and snaps at him.  The cats are still afraid of the pouncing puppy trying to play and they're still mostly coming out only at night.

Ron and I have almost finished with the livingroom floor and are currently working on thinning out the books and closets. If we do get the other puppy, I will have to make more space in the bedroom for the extra large dog crate. . . there's NO way we'll have 2 terrorists loose in the house all night.