Friday, June 11, 2010

INTRODUCING KENZO......

I’m so happy to announce that our long awaited baby Kenzo arrived in May. I’ve been longing to write and announce his coming since we first met him in Switzerland when we spent two precious weeks with him at Christmas.... but I didn’t want to tempt fate that our plans may not come to pass.... and so resisted, well, almost.... I did pass a few hints with a couple of pictures in posts... if you look back to January and March.

Kenzo is an adorable Bichon Frise, we celebrated his first birthday on 28 May... he is a gift to John and me from our son Christopher & his wife Agata. Agata runs a Doggy Day Care business near Zurich - 'Hunde Abenteuer Land' and Kenzo came into their care last August when his previous owner’s job prevented him from keeping him..... so, a new home had to be found. John and I had never considered having a dog until Christopher suggested we may like him.

We first met on our arrival at Zurich Airport on a very snowy evening in December and Kenzo was there to greet us. I heard later that Agata had said to Christopher.... 'who do you think will Mum hug first'. Needless to say, Kenzo was immediately scooped up into my arms as soon as we met..... what a darling!

Kenzo had already had seen the vet in December and started the course of injections necessary in preparation for him to come to UK... these included anti-rabies vaccine..... after which we had to wait six long months for a further blood test to be taken to ensure that he was clear to travel. During that time we enjoyed countless pictures of him by means of Agata’s daily blog.
On 11 May Kenzo visited the Vet again and was pronounced fit and healthy, his little passport was stamped... how cute is that! and he was able to come to us in Wales. He travelled by car and ferry and we met him in Cheltenham... what joy!

So here he is, at home with us in Wales and we are all enjoying every minute. Yes, and he's changed our lives completely... for it is almost like having a baby in our midst.... the garden has been made safe with new fencing, I have to keep a watchful eye on his on his mischievous ways, toys litter the floor and many walks now fill our day..... unfortunately Kenzo has no respect for my garden and has to be stopped from digging holes in the flower borders.

Here is Kenzo with a soft toy that he enjoys dragging around....


A quiet moment in the sunshine... grooming is a daily task, but he is so co-operative and so too with his bathtime.


A cute little picture covered with a sheepskin rug.... It is just like having a real life teddy tear.

I think that Kenzo had not encountered a cat before meeting George.... he was soon to discover that George is not up for playing puppy games... instead he prefers to keep a respective distance. Given time, I'm sure they will learn to live more closely with each other.

May... My very favourite month has come and gone amidst this change in our lifestyle. However, I did occasionally remember to grab my camera to record some memorable scenes in my garden. The wisteria has been spectacular.... masses of flowers, their fragrance drifted so sweetly in the air.... it was a delight to see from the garden and also through my kitchen window......


The ferns have unfurled their fronds in their usual snakelike fashion....

.....and pollen from the tree heathers feel as smooth and fine as talcum powder.

...and the long stems of the Camassia are bedecked in blue starry flowers......
I think the below plant is 'Thermopis' it is one I rescued in poor condition from a local Nursery last year..... it has recovered well and given a lot of pleasure this year. If anyone can confirm this plant it would be much appreciated.

The month of May is 'Lilac Time' so wonderfully fragrant... I love to have a vase full of it and enjoy its perfume around the house.... I know that some folk wont have it in their home for superstitious reason, but I'm not influenced by such things.

The Weigelia has bloomed its socks off....

I have always loved architectural plants... and since my beautiful tree fern died, this has become a favourite..... Trachycarpus fortunel... It adds that tropical touch to the garden, but being one of the hardier varieties, it stands up to our severe winters.

A little collection of Rockery Perennials and Hostas on the marble top of an old Singer sewing machine adds a bit of interest on the patio of the summer house.....

....and lastly I simply had to include a spray of apple blossom....

Have a good weekend everyone.....
Marion


12 comments:

Willow said...

Welcome Kenzo! How sweet he is!

Your garden has bloomed marvelously. Obviously it enjoys having Kenzo around too, even if he digs.

Mountain Mama said...

Oh my goodness! Your Kenzo is just adorable. It looks like he is smiling. He will be a fun companion.

Your flowers are beautiful. I wish I had a Wisteria like that in my yard. I didn't know theyw ere fragrant.

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

What a cutie-pie! I can imagine all the fun Kenzo has has brought with him into your household. Maybe George the cat wouldn't agree, but he might change his mind later.

Your wisteria bloomed so abundantly! It is gorgeous. Mine does not behave so generously; I'm probably doing something wrong. Your whole garden is very full of lovely color and shape.

Betsy said...

Kenzo is so adorable. Looks just like a cuddly teddy bear.
George the cat is letting Kenzo know who is in charge, I bet. They are both beautiful little companions.
Your flowers are so pretty.
I love Lilacs, I have a white one and it doesn't bloom as full as the purple. The scent is stronger on the purple.
Thank you for sharing Kenzo and lovely garden.
Betsy

Betty said...

Dear Sweet Friend,
How remiss I've been not to have been by recently...I must have checked in the day before this posting...I kept looking for Kenzo's debut....

So glad Kenzo has finally made it to Mama and Daddy! It's been a long wait, hasn't it?

All the pictures of your flowers are simply beautiful! As always!!!!

I wish we could grow Lilacs but our temperatures are too hot...when you were here do you remember seeing the acres and acres of forests with Palmetto Palms growing? They look identical to the palm you picture. Edward and I noticed in a previous picture.

Much love....Betty

Beth said...

Hello Marion, So glad your baby is home! He is absolutely adorable! I am so glad you have him and I enjoyed reading the story of how you came to adopt him. Your garden looks splendid! I know you have been very busy working outside; isn't it a pleasure in the spring and summer? Hope all is well with you!
Hugs and blessings, Beth

Sara at Come Away With Me said...

Marion, thank you so much for your comment about my friend. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and kindness and just wanted to let you know.

kreativehaende said...

what a sweet dog! He looks like a puppet! Isn`t George jealous?

Barbara said...

Wonderful pictures of your garden Marion, especially the Wysteria.
In some pics your dear dog looks almost like a toy.

Sigrun said...

Hi Marion, your new toy is beautiful! So cute.
And also your cornish blue!

Sigrun

Kerri said...

Oh how sweet! What a delight for you to have a new little member of the family to brighten your days :) I hope George will learn to appreciate Kenzo too before long.
Your wisteria is glorious! I haven't had the pleasure of burying my nose in those fragrant blossoms since I moved away from Australia. It's not found so much up here, but is mainly more in the south and warmer parts of the US.
We have the same Weigela in our gardens :)
I took photos of the apple blossoms and didn't manage to get them posted. They are so beautiful!
Enjoy your summer gardening and your cute new companion, dear Marion.

auntpearl said...

Oh my goodness Kenzo is just darling. I am so happy for you adding this pup to your home...I am such a dog lover...Can't imagine life without a puppy running to greet me.
Love all your photos. Thanks for sharing.
Sending you big hugs,