Only six months old but already in charge of the world around him. For six months of age he's an impressive size. But then Labradoodles tend to be on the largish size. And usually they turn out more poodle than Lab, but with this fellow it seems as though the two breeds were competing to the extent each half of his genes revealed both equally.

He certainly bowled Jackie and Jillie over with his strident enthusiasm. He isn't yet quite aware that as a larger breed he needs to tone down his physical pushiness a bit. On the other hand, it's evident that he's simply a boisterous, joyful puppy and sheer pleasure to watch in action. He and his companion, an older part Bernese mountain dog were particularly exuberant when we came across them yesterday.

Our friend was walking his own dog, the Bernese-mix, and his daughter's puppy; it was our first introduction to the puppy though we've known the other dog for all of his six years. Fresh rain had refreshed the pools on the forest floor and the two large dogs were determined not to miss any of the puddles. In they went, happily splashing about and through each one they encountered. And of course they'd been in the creek as well. They were both dripping wet and delighted about it.

Jackie and Jillie prefer not to indulge in soaking themselves. Their considered choice is to avoid water if they can, though Jillie is far more emphatic about her fastidious dislike of being immersed in water than is her brother. There's water everywhere in the ravine, though, and little chance it won't be around for a while yet, given the ongoing rain events.

The vegetation on the forest floor and the trees and understory growth don't mind one bit; they're flourishing in all this rain. The trees are filling out and the green screen of the forest is gradually reappearing. In fact, it takes us by surprise, just as it does every year and every year we think it's a unique experience. There's more bird activity in the ravine now and more visible presence of squirrels out and about everywhere, celebrating spring in their own way.

The Victoria Day long weekend is arriving. It's the demarcation line when the race toward spring has passed the test of safety for planting one's garden with annuals. The expectation being that from the 18th of May onward the chance of night-time frosts killing off tender new plants is nil. We'll be putting that to the test in actual fact, this weekend; we're struck with planting fever, our garden is calling out to us to fill up the urns and garden pots and garden beds with bright, perky new flowers. And we're listening....