K pups are 3 months, 3 weeks old

I missed a couple puppies at the first class so I wanted to go see them again. They change so quickly at this age but they are still doing really well.

I snapped a picture of these two handsome fellas while I was there. Just because Lindor doesn't carry the yellow gene doesn't mean I don't like this colour too! Say hello to Bowie and Lennon.

Dog Show

Even though Lindor's big fundraiser is less then a week away and I have a few things still to do, I'm pretty organized and now its just down to the last minute details, baking and food prep. So I took some time off to go to the Labrador Owner's Dog Show in Cambridge. I've never been to a dog show before although I've always been interested in judging and conformation since I was in 4-H clubs way back when.

I met Linda from AppleMeadow Kennels and she told me many interesting things about showing and breeding top quality Labradors. It is a labour of love for these dedicated breeders who are only interested in producing the highest quality of animals in their lines. They take the time to make sure that the dogs are free from genetic problems and combine lines that will produce friendly and lovable companions to their owners for years to come.
Here she is showing Wellington, a chocolate male.

Of course, as you know, I'm partial to chocolates.

Isn't he beautiful?

I thought I would try picking my favourite in a class of 4. With only a few dogs entered, surely I had a chance of "guessing" the winner correctly. Unfortunately, my pick ended up 4th! I guess I have a lot to learn. It takes years to acquire the knowledge that these breeders have acquired and I really admire their passion for this wonderful breed of dogs. 

Packing the Goodie Bags

Well, Lindor's big scrapbooking event is only one week away so there are lots of little (and big) details to take care of. Last night, my friend Kate came over to help me pack up the goodie bags. She's been working on them at home as well which has been a big help.

We also pulled out the adorable raffle cans made by friend Robin and her daughter Kathryn. Aren't they the cutest? I'm hoping we use them ALL again this year with our raffle items. It's looking promising.

Well, I'm off to make some buttercream frosting. It's going to be a busy weekend.

Spring Plants

I always buy my urn arrangement from a little family owned and operated greenhouse near Guelph called Vissers. They have really nice healthy plants and they are in good soil and containers so they don't dry out. I really like how this one looks and it does really well in the shade. I was happy that I bought my heavy cement urn at Sam's Club before it went under. It's a little unique and it suits my house just fine.

Friend of Lindor Spotlight

I am dedicating this post to my friend,  Lori. Not only is she a wonderful person, but she is beyond generous, not just for the Lindor Crop but on a regular basis. Always willing to share her materials, offer design advice and generally be a good listener.  This time, she has gone above and beyond, seeking out the most adorable ribbon and accessories to make this a very CUTE addition(s) to the raffle table. You'll want to put tickets in just to get ahold of the ribbon. But, you'll have to wait for the big day to get a clear view of what's inside.
 Thank you Lori. You are very special!

Orange Dreamsicle Cake

I think its funny when my friends start cutting out recipes for me to try. Corrina found this recipe and thought I should give it a shot and report back to her so this weekend, I thought I would make it. (glad I did since its been so hot ever since). This recipe starts with a basic lemon cake mix and then you just add in a few things. Of course, everything tastes great with cream cheese frosting. I took this dessert to a dinner party and the verdict was light, refreshing and delicious so I guess its a keeper!

Here's the recipe:

Orange Dreamsicle Cake

1 lemon cake mix
1 3 oz. box of orange jello
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
1/2 cup fresh orange juice
3/4 cup water
Zest of 1 orange

Frosting
1/2 cup butter
1 lb. icing sugar
8 oz cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

Mix first ingredients together and place in a 9x13 pan sprayed with Pam. Bake 25 minutes or until cake pricked with a toothpick comes out clean. Prepare glaze by whisking 1/2 cup orange juice with 3 TBSP of icing sugar. Prick cooled cake allover with toothpick and spoon glaze onto cake. You want the glaze to absorb into the cake. Make the frosting with remaining icing sugar and spread over completely cooled cake. Enjoy!

Maya is FIVE years old tomorrow!

My beautiful labradoodle is five years old tomorrow. Here's a look back at her first weeks in her new home with my adorable nephews. She was the cutest puppy. Her nose was black back then and she didn't bark at all for 6 months. Now, I think she's making up for it.

This past weekend, was so beautiful. We spent lots of time outdoors working on the gardens. Why is it that the dogs are never far away from where you want to work??? Maya especially loves laying in the cool dirt(manure). Check out the beard. Not good for the housework.

And I can't leave without another beautiful picture of my photogenic Lindor. Always close at hand likely hoping for a break in the action for some ball throwing.

Happy Birthday, Maya. You're a good doggie!