I think summer is finally here....

We finally seem to have our summer - the days have been in the high 70's and low 80's and no rain. The summer fruits are appearing and I bought some beautiful sweet Rainier Cherries today. We had a dog show last weekend with our new girl - Sophie and she won a group placement. A good start. This week we have been catching up on mowing - the grass has been going crazy. No shows this weekend, so just time to laze around and enjoy the weather.

My recent travels

I have been remiss in my latest postings, the only excuse - not enough hours in the day for travel and posting and judging....
After Canada I headed out to Louisiana, I went in early so that I could spend some time with my friend Alyce and get to see her new house (she moved in about 6 weeks ago) Its a fantastic property Alyce, I love it and it will be a great home for you and the Beagles. While in Lake Charles we went sightseeing. I was really surprised at how big the Lake is.
We also ate very well - Alyce's sister joined us and we wnt to a local Crawfish restaurant where they had live Zydeco music and wonderful Crawfish.
Apparently I was so capable at peeling the Crawfish, Alyce made me an "honorary Cajun"!! The great food theme continued over the weekend at the show, with the most wonderful home cooked Judges Lunches...yummy! Fortunately the show was in an lovely air-conditioned facility as it was 93 degrees and VERY humid, but we were all oblivious to this until we walked outside - then POW, it really hit you.
But it was a great weekend, but boy its good to be home for a while and to sleep in my own bed - nothing beats HOME

Almost out of Canada

I just had a few breeds to judge today and only about an hour scheduled judging and a start time of 9.30 AM for me.
Now I was the lucky judge as we had torrential rain overnight and many of the judges started at 8.00 when it was still teeming. By the time I got to the grounds it had stopped raining and then I discovered I was inside! Who knew there was an inside ring... The building could have housed all the rings, instead all the rest were outside under water. I asked the superintendant why the did not move inside and he said they only do that if the weather is really bad!!
Oh well - such is the life of a dog show judge.


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Ah...life is good tonight

I have checked into the Marriott Courtyard hotel and have all the modern conveniences I enjoy - which includes my own ensuite bathroom - no more walking down the hall.
Last night the club took all the judges on a relaxing river cruise from 6.30pm - trouble was it was a liitle boring, with only weeds and camp grounds to look at! Oh no, I forgot the one water skier who took a tumble beside the boat when he was showing off. The onboard catered dinner... Well what can I say, other than it was not in the same league as the lovely breakfast we had at the B & B.
Tonight, Saturday, we ate at the B&B where some of the other judges are staying and it was quite good.
We have been fortunate that it has only rained overnight and although humid there has been a breeze and cloud cover.


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It's Thursday...so it's Toronto

After arriving here at 12.30am this morning I headed for the hotel and had a great nights sleep. Got up this morning and took a leisurely trip South, checking out a shopping mall or 2 on the way.
I travelled about 1 1/4 hours to the rustic town of Caledonia (where the show will be held this weekend)
Along the way I was amused by some road signs - I am easily amused- the wild lion park was next door to the nudist resort...
I found the showsite and then continued for another 30 minutes south along a scenic river parkeay ( this means undulating green countryside) to the quaint (circa 1906) B&B where the kennel club has me staying. It has some modern conveniences (wireless Internet) but bathrooms are shared with the other 3 males judges!
However it's not raining today but it's humid even though there is cloud cover.
So I am now off to the best restaurant in town - specialty pizza and wings...


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Southern california

Just spent a great weekend in LA judging at the Mission Circuit. The dogs were top quality and super supportive exhibitors - it's been a while since I have heard so many people cheering for fellow competitors- good to hear
The weather was super in the mid 80's. Company was enjoyable and we shared several meals with friends.
So this morning we fly home to I believe, rainy Washington... Then tomorrow I leave for Canada


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