Related to Royalty

As the greyhound blogging community mourns the passing of Queen Lilac, it got me thinking of a comment that Houndstooth made that Lilac and Beth might be related.

A quick search on greyhound database brought up the following results.
Lilac and Beth have both Kunta Kinte and Downing in their lineage. Must be very dominant genes :)

Farm To Table

We recently attended a Farm to Table dinner at Miller Farms five minutes down from our house. Kris actually knows both generations of the family that run the farm. Yep, she’s a local yokel. The chef prepares our appetizers in the field next to the pumpkin patch.

Not surprisingly, we went with Trina and Jason. If there’s good food and wine involved... This time, we brought our own wine. We sat in between the last dairy farmer left in our county and the local pork producer (Papa Weaver’s). We hope we weren’t too loud and obnoxious, as we were about a couple decades younger than everyone else, and also the only ones drinking.
Kris was checking in on the Va Tech vs Univ of Miami football game. But it was okay, as everyone kept asking her for score updates.
The entree was the pork belly with mac ’n cheese. Yum!
Relaxing after dinner with wine and whisky while tapping on our Apple products and watching tv.
Cali snuggling with her daddy.
Of course we had some boarders during this time. Sara and her mom, Harper. Harper has a splint for a broken bone from osteo.
Harper thinks the hedgehog is tasty.
Beth’s disapproving look that someone is playing with her favorite hedgie.
The weather’s been cooling down, so even Beth is getting frisky and romping around the yard. She’s trying to sneak up on her daddy.
Roadie enjoying a bit of warm afternoon sun.
Roadie and Sallie’s daddy was kind enough to make us this stained glass image of the picture I’ve had at the top of my blog since I started it. Thanks so much Bruce. It is now hanging in the landing window where it will catch the most light.
A parting picture of Stella doing a zombie impression. I’m pretty sure she would eat brains.

Fredericksburg Downtown Dog Fair

We have had a steady stream of usual boarders at the house. Abby is the squirreliest greyhound I know. She’s so darn cute when she’s not being crazy.

Beth, look like you’re in a pensive mood so daddy can get a pic.
Just a sweet shot of Stella napping on the couch.
Then’s there’s Milo who just passed out in the middle of the family room. Boys!
The hedgehog Kris got at Beach Bound Hounds is Beth’s favorite new toy. She has systematically plucked it, so it now looks like it has a mohawk.
On to the Fredericksburg Downtown Dog Fair, aka, Gone To The Dogs.
Stella, Stanley, and Jaime line up to meet people.
Goldie takes a quick break from being the donation dog.
Don’t worry Jaime, that Shih Tzu is not coming home with us.
He is elderly and blind, so he had a cool carrier. Wonder if they make them in greyhound size. A black poodle was conveniently standing there as I took the shot for great contrast.
This is still early in the day, and everyone is still standing and eager to meet people.
There were small dogs and big dogs. Sometimes at the same time.
It didn’t take long before Jaime was tired and needed a break.
Greyhounds are not the only good leaners.
We were set up next to the local Great Pyrenees Rescue group. Not used to fuzzy and drooly.

Scotland - Greyhound Rescue Fife

I apologize for forgetting some of the houndies names, or for possibly getting them wrong.

The Greyhound Rescue Fife was started by Celia and Jimmy Fernie in 2005. Please read more about them and their awesome work for the hounds at Greyhound Rescue Fife.
This way to Greyhound Rescue Fife.
We were greeted at the kennel with a smile.
Kris wanted to take him home.

The main kennel building houses the most hounds.
And also has the all important kitchen for feeding the hungry houndies.

She is 15 years old, but doesn’t look a day over 12 :)  Added Note: She is one of Celia and Jimmy's personal dogs.
Such a regal look.
I believe this is Jackson, and he is a lurcher. Mixed with a labrador. Such soulful eyes.
Speaking of mesmerizing eyes. It’s like she’s hypnotizing you into adopting her.
Bella showing off her cute ears.Bella and several others were in a second kennel building on the complex.
The muzzles are a slightly different design than what we are used to in the States.
And the beds too. I first saw them on Song’s Blog, but that makes sense, since she lives in England. Still looking for a place to get them over here.
Annie came out of her shelter, and walked through the rain for ear scritches. Such a sweet face.
A new coloring we don’t get in the States.
Toby showing off his speckles.
One of Celia and Jimmy’s nine current dogs. He is a lurcher with such penetrating eyes.

Sharing the couch with Kris.
Despite the pouring rain, we had a great visit to the kennel. We had been away from the kids for 5 days at this point and really needed a greyhound fix. Thank you Celia and Jimmy for your generous hospitality.