Saturday was an absolutely stellar day. Besides being near perfect weather-wise, warm, sunny, and no rain for a change, it was also the beginning of a long holiday weekend, and the first day of a week's holiday for me. I had originally considered going somewhere hot and tropical for a few days, but when I looked around at everything around home, inside and out, that normally needs to be done at this time of year, and would then have to be left for evenings after work (yuk) or weekends instead of doing something recreational (double yuk), I decided to save my money for other things this summer (like dog shows!) and have a semi-working "stay-cation" instead. Having resolved the what and where, now I needed to get into a festive long weekend frame of mind.Out with the dogs early Saturday morning, the lilac bush had sprouted a bumper crop of blooms since I had last noticed. It's my favourite signal that spring has definitely arrived.
Having done a few outdoor chores, it was time to head out for groceries and stock up on some "first long weekend of the summer" type of goodies. Almost as important, time to try out my new shoes!!Aren't they different?? I love them!
The dogs weren't too sure ... 
Off to the market for good bread, fruits and veggies. Lots of potted annuals on display ... 
Checking out ...
Next, Loblaws. Predictably, the hot dog and sausage vendors in full force, all for a good cause.
A view of what I didn't buy ... 
But I'm only human, and a helpless victim of good marketing. Between the tantalizing smell of the grilled sausages out front, and weasely clever marketing skills, I just had to try those adorable little polish sausages and equally cute-as-could-be mini ciabatta buns. They seemed perfect for a holiday weekend barbecue. It's not like I had bought a whole lot of frivolous, not-so-healthy items, right?? 
Except that I just couldn't resist these new ice cream sandwiches ... after all, I had passed by that whole freezer full of ice cream. I deserved this!! :)
Time to cook up those little sausages, and some peppers and onions to top them off.
Add some fresh corn on the cob ... dinner is served!
A perfect dessert!
Forecast this weekend was for rain most of Saturday, including thunder storms, and Sunday as well. It hardly rained at all on Saturday, which was a very pleasant surprise, just enough that I couldn't cut the back lawn but not so much that the youngsters couldn't be out a good part of the day. It never takes long after one of them starts dragging around one of the rope toys, that they all want a piece of the action!Kendall, our 5 month old tri Protocol daughter is usually the ring leader, with Benjamin (Laureate Bonaventure)next into the mix, although in these photos he's pretty much in the background. The two 3 1/2 month olds, Rush and Becca, don't back down from anything. They're a fun group to watch!
Becca taking a break. She is available to a proven, small show home, pedigree on our Hopefuls page.
And Rush taking time out, too.
I didn't make it to last year's ASSA Nationals, so with the last minute decision to go, I was really looking forward to the trip, seeing all the dogs, and of course new and old friends alike. The National traditionally rotates around the U.S., and this year was held at the Event Center at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, Missouri. It was a spectacular location, on more than 300 square miles of rolling landscape, with the event center itself set at its highest point. It was an impressive facility, and I believe unique in it's dedication and purpose to being as congenial as possible to dogs and dog lovers alike.Here's the main entrance to the building, hard to miss from the main grounds below.
This poodle topiary stood in welcome at the entrance.
This was the view from one end of the main room toward the partition which encompassed the large grooming area and on the other side, the very ample show ring and seating. There was also another large room for grooming on the other side of the centralized cafeteria.
There were a number of vendors with a variety of goods, from fine jewellery to dog food. Keeping watch in this booth is "Pinta", Diane Troese' lovely bitch "Ch Emprise Silver Lining" (4th place in the very tough 9-12 Years Veteran Bitches class).
On the other side of the partition, things were run pretty much the same as most other dog shows. This is a small sampling of one of the males-only cuts in the Best of Breed competition. Mark McMillan is centred with Am/Can Ch Grandgables The Frat Boy, who went on to garner an Award of Merit (and also happens to be the sire of our two youngest hopefuls ).
The show ring wasn't all about serious competition. This is local handler Cheryl Pike with "Shelamo Flash Forward" from the Lynch's in Smiths Falls, Ontario in the 6-9 month sable Puppy Bitch class. There was a 60's dress competition, the fun garb lightening the mood for the opening classes of the week long show.
Always time for hugs for your best guy ... Jennie Hynes and GrCh Rosmoor Protocol ROMC, in the Best of Breed competition.
Can you ever have too much fun? Susie Beacham and "Ticker", AOM winner "Am Ch Dan Dee One from the Heart".
This boy must have inherited the "fun gene" from his maternal grandsire Ticker! Susie Beacham and her 6 to 9 month old sable class winner, by Am/Can Ch Braeleen Let Freedom Ring, "Wistwin Shalamar Coeur d'Alene" - "Lane". His dam, Wistwin Tickertape, won the Brood Bitch class. 
I was fortunate to have the chance to do some photos of Lane and his brother Quinn. These youngsters and their equally handsome brother Sunny were bred by Dianne Hawes (Wistwin). After the more traditional portrait shots were done, the boys just had to unwind!
