The Stockade at Towhee Corner

Fall is beginning to slowly creep in. We're getting more gray, damp days with fewer sun breaks. The tomatoes and cucumbers have been quite prolific this year and I can still harvest more for a few days yet. I have collected a few old french doors from the local thrift shop and have started the cold frame construction around the lemon tree and passion flower. A few of the more tender potted plants will reside in there for the winter

I love the colors our hydrangea displays at the end of the growing season.

We have continued to cobble together more and ever higher fencing. The front yard is a virtual stockade with 5-6 foot fences in an attempt to keep Rhody contained. He does multiple perimeter patrols and has kept us busy building, repairing, or strengthening the fence. So far we have 3 or 4 kinds of chicken wire, chain link, stick pickets, logs, 2x6's, deer fencing, tent pegs and etc. making up the barricade. Both of the puppies weighed about 40 lbs at their 5 month vet visit.

Ron had an x-ray last week and we teleconferenced with the thoracic surgeon yesterday. The x-ray looks good and his next test will be a CT scan in 6 months. He has put a bit of weight back on and is looking so much better. He says he feels more like himself again too. We feel very blessed to have his health returned to him again.

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.