By early December, the temperature had dropped, and we had to dig out our boots, coats, hats, and mittens. Winter weather and the holiday season always make me dream of sun-kissed fruit, and this year was no exception. Fresh fruit is even more luxurious in the depth of winter. When the snow is falling, I think of sweet clementines, bright oranges studded with cloves, and cups of steaming hot quince tea. Fruit is so full of vitamin C, which helps boost our immune system and keep us healthy during the cold months.  So when Chava’s puppies arrived, there was no doubt in my mind.  They were “The Fruits.”

Persimmon – Male

Clementine – Female

Mango – Male

Peaches – Female

Kiwi – Male

Quince – Male

Chava – Bernese Mountain Dog

Bernedoodles are wonderful. They add spice and flavor to our lives. So it was natural for us to choose herbs and spices as the theme for Chava’s litter of bernedoodles. We know nothing better than sitting down to a family meal at the end of the day. Our meals are always seasoned with some combination of herbs and spices: rosemary with lamb, fresh-ground pepper on a salad, sage with chicken, ginger in a stirfry, nutmeg finely grated on mashed potatoes, and so on. This summer we grew some beautiful herbs in a raised bed and dried some of them for winter. 

 Tarragon – Male