Herbs and chickens

I am almost scared to hope that Spring is maybe on it's way.  I am certain that winter isn't completely done with us, but, I am going to enjoy the sunshine and receding snow and ice for the moment.  Gearing up for the coming season I have started my seedlings, tomatoes, peppers, herbs and such, they are beginning to germinate and poke their little green heads out of the soil.
In three weeks I am hoping to have ducklings and goslings arrive (big smile :-)))) I sure hope that once Spring does finally get here it does so quickly, not wanting to have to keep them inside for too long.
Hurry hurry Spring we have so many projects planned for when you do make an appearance!

Sad and dreary March

I have been feeling overwhelmed by the number of lovely schnauzer companions that have passed away this Winter.  It has been long and harsh and made especially unforgettable by the loss of these dogs.  I didn't get through this winter without my own personal pain, losing one of my most loyal companions, Hope in December.
My heart goes out to the owners who most recently said goodbye to their friends...Indy, Damon, Lucy, Darwin and Moosie.
Thank you for giving each of these schnauzers a great life, I cannot ask for anything more for my dogs than that.

Dinsdale Mersey Beat

Mersey is feeling much better, she is being treated for Pyoderma, a bacterial skin infection and I have switched out her food, she is now on a total raw diet.  Her eyes look brighter, coat and skin healthier.  Nice to have her on the mend, she had me concerned for a bit.

Spring arrives tomorrow, the start of egg season

The ladies took most of the winter off from egg laying, most weeks we had enough for ourselves, only one week did we actually have to buy eggs, that was only because I did a little baking.  Starting a couple weeks ago, with the extended daylight, the girls started to lay more frequently, currently providing us with 7-9 eggs daily, YAY!

It's Beamish's Day!!

When Irish eyes are smiling

Sure it's like a morning spring.

In the lilt of Irish laughter,

You can hear the angels sing.

When Irish hearts are happy,

All the world seems bright and gay.

And when Irish eyes are smiling,

Sure, they steal your heart away.

It was Five years ago today that our beautiful boy, Beamish was born.  He is a happy, joyful, fun little Leprechaun who truly does have smiling eyes. Happy Birthday Beamish!

Pretty in Pink...

...leather and spikes.  Don't be fooled by the sweet face, you should never mess with a bitch in pink spikes

The Sisterhood

 Photos of Vimy in her new home with big 'sister' Poppy.  Safe to say that Poppy is enjoying having a new family member.  I am sure every moment isn't like this, but, so pleased to see them bonding

Our little man Currie

Currie, missing his sister

We are down to just one puppy.  Our little girl Vimy has gone to live with new co-owners, we are very excited to send her off on a life adventure.  Along with Vimy they own a Beamish & Trinny daughter called Poppy.  So far things are going well, but seriously, how could someone not fall in love with Vimy?  If all goes as hoped Vimy will return to us in the future for motherhood.

Beautiful Vimy

That leaves little man Currie with me, love him, he is the sweetest little boy and reminds me of his Great Grandpa Cutter at this age.  He is an easy pup to have around, if anything I wish he was just a little more naughty and headstrong, Currie is a lover, a very soft, sweet boy, much like Cutter was. 

Today he tagged along with me while I ran errands, we walked through the park in town and down to the lakefront, the morning wore him out.  Tonight we have puppy classes, so rest up little man.

Another memorial :-(

Dinsdale Hugo's Last Crusade 'INDY'
August 23rd 1999- March 5th 2014

I just posted about senior dogs and the next day I received sad news from Sarah, the owner of Indy, telling me of his passing and their feelings of loss.  I remember when they chose the registered name for their pup Indy, I loved it as this was his Dad, a 12 year old Hugo, very last litter.  From this litter I kept my sweet Gussy who lived with me until she passed much too early. I LOVE this photo of Indy as it reminds me so much of his funny sister.

We all know how hard it is to lose one of our companions, it is no easier if they live a long life like Indy, or, if we lose them before their time, like his sister Gussy. 

Our condolences go out to the Robertson family who are grieving the loss of a loyal and faithful friend.  Rest well Indy you are missed and will be remembered.

Becoming a senior schnauzer

Some dogs seem perpetually youthful, in our breed most are vibrant and active well into the early teen years.  If they have lived healthy lives the first glimpse into the geriatric schnauzer appears around the 12th year.  It happens quick, like.... you go to bed one night and wake up the next and you have a Senior schnauzer.  They move a little slower, sleep a bit more and start to not respond as quickly to your commands.  Mersey is going into her 11th year and I hate to admit that she is ageing a bit faster then I am use to with my dogs.  She is happy, eats well, but, she just seems...old.  I think it is time for a vet visit to see if there is anything out of the normal going on with her.

Under the snow Spring lies sleeping

Naughty pants

Vimy, there isn't really anything she is not happy to leap up on or scale.  Good thing she is stinking cute!

March 2014

No different from February and January 2014, or for that matter, December and the second half of November 2013.  More snow over night, nothing else to say, yes, I am speechless about the weather, I am not going to mention weather again until winter is no more.  Which could be a long long time from now!