Sunday 18 September 2016

Into the Wet

The Meteorological Service of Canada said my area was experiencing showers. I had just been standing in sheets of water and was less than impressed. Why would I stand in the wet?
Two lightly furred puppies have declared "no way will they be peeing outside while the current conditions persist" "They would rather burst, thank you very much!" Sorry kids, this doesn't let up until April.  After twenty five minutes of increasingly less jovial cajoling I dragged the street hockey net up to the back door, covered it with a drop cloth and created a doggy outhouse. Honey was appreciative, Rosie rolled her eyes and performed with a distinct air of martyrdom. Today a more permanent structure will be installed.

This weekend is Fall Fair and I can proudly declare I volunteered for nothing. A first for me and I almost wavered but, really, 20,000 people live on this peninsula and if you take off the 8,000 under fourteen there are still plenty of people left to pitch in. I must mention one stalwart who sleeps in the animal barn for two nights to keep everyone safe and warm. You rock, gal.

I will be going to enjoy the Fair later today in the company of my friend who is visiting from Belgium. I met her a few years ago when she came here to improve her English. Why here, a convoluted story, but of course our magic has done its trick and she can't get enough of the place. I think carefully about word usage and sentence structure as we chat. I have got lazy in my mother tongue and find our conversations a much needed enrichment process. It just struck me I might be challenged in imparting the finer points of zucchini racing to her-a much anticipated competition at the Fair.

The first class of seniors' fitness was last week. I was out of practise even though I had forced my husband to do a routine with me ahead of time. Fortunately they are a forgiving bunch. They also like to talk in class! No problem, I am happy to see them getting out, making connections and having fun.

Now I must leave the gentle confines of my study (kitchen table) and pick slugs off my precious veggies. The little blighters love this weather.



10 comments:

  1. I love how you made an outhouse for the dogs. That was very clever and, I am sure, a kindness that they appreciated.

    Wow, a zucchini race! It does not get better than that. Just writing it makes me smile

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    1. The zucchini races are popular with the kids although the adults seem to get pretty involved too.

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  2. I missed the Fall Fair because we are out of town. Seems to be that way every year now. - Margy

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    1. Not a good turn out Saturday because of the rain but sunday was good.

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  3. Love your doggy dunny! I hope your Fall Fair goes well and well done you for volunteering, I imagine you will really enjoy I like to be involved myself too, I find I get so much more from events if I do. Enjoy your Belgian visitor and may your zucchini win!
    Wren x

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    1. I had forgotten you folks down under call it dunny. I might use the word on the sign I intend to make. Do you think House and Garden magazine would be interested in a tour, ha ha?

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  4. I believe I need to know more about zucchini racing. How have I missed this? I feel you on the dogs-in-the-rain thing. Mine will go out (although I almost have to physically jettison Lovey) but we all suffer.

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    1. They would prefer indoor facilities-don't we all!

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  5. Heidi (full grown) wasn't house broke. I found I had to make a game of going outside. Run out, using my fun voice and cavorting like I was a puppy. Then when in the appropriate spot, I'd squat -- yes, that's right. I'm sure if the neighbours saw me they must have wondered what on earth I was doing. It actually worked. Then lots of fun praise and a run back inside. She's now housebroke and will actually go out to pee in the rain!
    Oh Zucchini - I do love them but only when they're less than 8 inches long. After that, I'm happy to compost them.

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    1. Squatting sounds like a good idea. I think it is the cold temperature putting them off-they are smooth coated and in fact I'm wondering if they might have a drop of Mexican hairless in them. I might have to put their coats on before going out although this is risky in the morning rush.

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