Throw Back Thursday: Hadrian's Wall

Recently I came across this photograph, taken probably 15 years ago on a visit my mother and I made to Birdoswald Roman Fort in England's beautiful Cumbria. 

Thanks to a very kind soul who offered to take the photograph - one of only a hand full that I have of Mom and I together on film.

"Standing on Hadrian's Wall." Digital. Undated Digital Image.

Copyright (c) 2015. Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski.

Wordless Wednesday: Edinburgh Castle's Dog Cemetery

"Edinburgh Castle's Dog Cemetery." Undated Digital Image.

Copyright (c) 2014. Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski

Remembering The First Lady of the Anahar Cockers

"Life is what you celebrate. All of it. Even it's end."

~Joanne Harris

On June 22, 2014, the dog world - especially those who have been involved in Cocker Field Trials - lost one of the first ladies of the sport, Dorothy Douglas. Dorothy and husband Denis have long been involved with Field Trials in Scotland and England - their passion and dedication to the "wee dogs" has garnered them well deserved recognition within the sporting dog circuit - I was privileged to call her my friend.

Denis and Dorothy began trialing dogs in the mid-1950's. Denis began with Springer Spaniels, his kennel affix, Denhead, combined his ancestral home with his name. He was most proud of his two Field Trail Champions (F.T.Ch.) Denhead Warrior - Sire F.T.Ch. Markdown Muffin, Dam Denhead Scamper and F.T.Ch. Spioncop Havoc - Sire F.T.Ch. Hobbins Harrier, Dam Gorsty Gussie. Both Springer's received Diplomas at the AV Championships and in addition, Warrior as the winner of the Game Fair.

A Scottish Champion, Gus was one of the last Denhead Springers

Denis fondly recalled attending a trial at Corsewall, Stranraer with a Mrs. Nicholson of Glenbervie and her "keeper" who handled her spaniels in trials and another friend, John McIntyre. While exercising their dogs they discovered that a "rather nice looking black and white cocker bitch had joined them" eventually identified as belonging to the hostess Mrs. Buchanan. Mrs. Nicholson purchased it and in due course, the little cocker became F.T.Ch. Whisper of Corsewall. She was mated with F.T.Ch. Jimmy of Elan, owned by Lady Auckland of Cromlix, Dunblane. Due to the death of John McIntyre, Denis acquired one of the pups who became F.T.Ch. Carswell Zero. By now, F.T.Ch. Jimmy of Elan had won the Cocker Championship and upon the death of its owner, Lady Auckland, Jimmy came to Denis and Dorothy.

Carswell Zero became the foundation for the Anahar line, which was Dorothy's kennel affix named for one of the hills outside of Laurencekirk. Denis and Dorothy had very strong views about how cockers should progress. Denis often noted that there were a few cockers who "obviously had a touch of springer." Sitting in their family room on several occasions, enjoying a glass of sherry, the electric fireplace glowing and surrounded by drawings of the long line of Anahar Field Trial Champions, they shared their view that springer traits in cockers did not benefit the breed - they both agreed cockers should "be kept pure."

Three generations of Anahar cockers have won the trophy for gaining the most points from field trial placing in a single season (as allocated by The Cocker Club): F.T.Ch. Tayburn Valentina of Anahar, F.T.Ch. Anahar Bawbee and F.T.Ch. Anahar Tippet. This is a remarkable achievement and I believe may be a record.

All of the Anahar cockers were born at Denis & Dorothy's home. Together, Denis and Dorothy contributed significantly to the development of the breed.

I fondly recall one visit when I requested a photograph of all the cockers sitting on the lawn. Denis let them out of the run and as often happens, pandemonium erupted. 

Not one of the dogs were paying attention to Denis let alone obeying his commands (or the whistle). From the window, I could see Dorothy watching the madness of five Anahar's running around like children who have had far too much sugar. Dorothy could be seen shaking her head and briefly disappeared only to reappear outside next to the Land Rover parked near the front door. She opened up the back which resulted in all of the dogs focusing their attention on Dorothy. Thinking they must be going for a run "on the hill," the dogs made a beeline to the vehicle and in an attempt to get into the back at the same time, became a barking tail wiggling mass of black and white. Dorothy slammed the back hatch, exchanging a look with Denis who turned to me and said with that lovely Scottish burr ... "horrid little dogs."

Denis served during WWII; their memories of life during the 1930's and 1940's renews my faith in the strength of good people faced with adversity. Their home is filled with photographs of family and friends - including several with the Queen Mum and HRH Queen Elizabeth in attendance at field trials (Dorothy: "...she wearing a coat I wouldn't be seen out in my kennels in.") Dorothy once drove one of the cockers to the Queen's estate at Sandringham during a torrential rain storm in order to breed with one of the Queen's cockers, proudly adding Sandringham Mango to the Anahar line.

Hidden among the artwork on the staircase are two small watercolors painted by the Prince of Wales, even their dining room table has a close connection with the Queen. On a trip to Edinburgh when Sean Connery was knighted at the Palace of Holyrood, we visited with Denis & Dorothy later on in the week - Dorothy talked of being in "the city" on Tuesday ... we asked, "wasn't that the day Sean Connery was knighted?" Dorothy inquired,  "have you been?" "Ah ... no ... we weren't invited but wait ... you and Denis were there?" "Yes," Dorothy replied, "but we didn't want to stay (overnight) we wanted to get home to the dogs."

Even with their friends in high places, Denis and Dorothy were never pretentious. From the time we stepped off the train at Montrose until the time we had one last toast of sherry - Dorothy raising her glass, "hasten ye back" - and Denis waving at us from the platform until we pulled out of sight, we were treated like royalty.

When I think of Dorothy I think of strawberry rhubarb crumble, her quick smile and light-hearted laugh recalling stories of every cocker who graced their home and whose stones lovingly mark the spot where they now lay along the garden wall. When my mother asked Dorothy to explain the workings of the Aga, lunch was temporarily interrupted while Dorothy happily talked about the wonders of the Aga. 

As Dorothy's health declined and her rheumatoid arthritis progressed, visits to Frogfield no longer included lasagna with peas and crumble with clotted cream in the cozy kitchen but rather car rides around the countryside with lunch at a favorite restaurant, always ending with Dorothy's favorite: Baked Alaska.

All though they both have retired from the trialing circuit, it was fitting that Dorothy would live to see one of her Anahar cockers center stage. 

Photo Source: channel24.co.za

Dorothy was 90-years old and I know, had a wonderful life. She died in the arms of her son, surrounded by her family. The funeral and interment were at Fettercairn and I was told Dorothy "would have been proud of her day." Denis is "being very brave" and now is getting use to life without his beloved Dorothy.

I imagine Dorothy received a wonderfully noisy welcome in heaven with all of her lovely Anahar's on their best behavior and madly wagging tails. Her equal will never be among us again ...

Cha bhithidh a leithid ami riamh

With the exception of the photograph of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Joanne Harris quote

Text and photographs copyright (c) Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski. 2014

Wordless Wednesday: Luss, Scotland

 

Copyright (c) 2010 Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski

Wordless Wednesday: Anahar's Rhumel de Thump

A tribute to Anahar's Rhumel de Thump, call name Rum. Beloved pet of Denis & Dorothy Douglas who crossed the Rainbow Bridge. One less merry little cocker at Frogfield outside Laurencekirk.

What I Do When I'm Not Doing Genealogy

Aren't you thankful that Saturday Night Genealogy Fun is hosted by Randy Seavers instead of NBC? Who needs all that drama!! We can always rely on a good time - and no Sunday morning hangover! This week's mission (which I hope everyone has decided to accept is:


"Tell us about your "other" hobbies or interests outside of genealogy and family history research, writing, speaking, etc."


I'm a born-again stay at home Mom ... only in this chapter of my life, I am enjoying my role as Mom to adult children. Our oldest son (soon to be 36) and our beautiful daughter-in-law live in Michigan's Upper Penisula; son's #2 (age 33) and #3 (age 31) live nearby which allows for a lot of time to tell them how much their Mom loves them.


Photography is an activity I enjoy and share with my husband of almost 38 years, Al. Combined with outdoor activities, I am rarely without my camera.


I love to travel .... I have been fortunate to have made several trips to England and Scotland with my favorite traveling companion - my mother. Memories of each trip never fail to bring a smile to my face. It is a rare moment when I am in front of the camera so photo's such as the one below - taken at (one of) our favorite restaurants in London, Pont de la Tour, are special.

Dogs - like genealogy and family history research - has taken on a life of its own. From the moment I laid my hands on my first field bred English cocker spaniel, I knew they would always be a part of my life. It was also my introduction to the world of dog behavior and training. We purchased Casey from Badger Kennels in 1991 which was the start, as they say, of a beautiful friendship. Jim became my mentor, introducing me to upland bird hunting, something my husband had always enjoyed but now we added a merry little cocker to the hunting team. I will always be grateful for Jim sharing his wealth of knowledge on dog behavior and helping me understand the order of the pack. Our lives have been forever changed by each one of the cockers who have come into our live, each one unique and a joy to train and work with. The Anahar line was established in Scotland by Denis and Dorothy Douglas; having several of his dogs earn the title of Field Trial Champions. Now in their 80s, Denis and Dorothy have graciously opened up their home in Laurencekirk in Kincardineshire to Mom and I on several of our trips. Sixteen years after our first introduction to the Anahar cockers, we continue to work with Badger Kennels to keep the Anahar line of cockers going. Our son Jeff took the Anahar line in a new direction when, at his mother's insistance, he entered his dog Riley in a Dock Dog event. Proving little dogs can fly, Riley held the #2 position in the nation for dogs 17" and under, two years ago placing 7th at the national event.

                                                                              Photographer: Al Scherwinski

When the entire family gets together, a bit of dog hair in your potato salad is to be expected. In 2009 we lost two of our beloved dogs - matriarch, Emma (second from the left) at the age of 14 and her 12-year old girl, Lucy (far right). Seen in the photo below with my nieces, Alissa and Becky, is our son's Flat-Coated Retriever who is convinced she is one of the cockers.

When I'm not filling up my digital card and computer with photographs or running Camp Cocker - I am involved with the D.A.R. The Daughters of the American Revolution is a volunteer woman's service organization dedicated to historical preservation, education and patriotism. I made my application on John Space, who served from the state of New Jersey. John was a descendent of my mother's father's line. After informing my Mom we were making our application to DAR, she has enthusiastically added "Daughter" to her life description.

While it seemed as if helping others with their membership application and genealogy was a perfect fit for me in DAR - I have really enjoyed exercising my creative side. I am the editor of our chapter newsletter (which of course allows me a venue for my photographs as well as a chance to share my love of nature and silent sports). During the past state administration I served as editor of the state newsletter, created a monthly e-letter for the state regent, created all the handbooks for state events, magazine ad's ... if it looks like public relations and media, I have a hand in it. I also played a role in our state regent's successful campaign for the national office of Vice President General in 2009.

During this time, I produced two full size, full color calendars that were sold to benefit the State Regent's project. I was especially proud of the last calendar which was dedicated to our veterans. Between the State Regent and I, we were able to assemble our special family relics that spanned four generations of military service to our country for the cover shot.

Dubbed "the Daughter with the camera," I'm known for catching those moments that are not the standard "stand and smile" photographs - such as the petal perfect butter rosettes on our table during the State Officer Dinner.

Finding beauty in the ordinary and sharing my love of nature - passed on to me by my grandfather, shared with my husband and children - is what helps define who I am and keeps me centered when I'm not tracking down those elusive ancestors.

Copyright (c) 2010 Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski

Happy 101 Award

Lori at Genealogy and Me and Ruth Himan have both graciously gifted a Happy 101 Award. I was very surprised to 'open my gift' in a comment Lori left in response to my Treasure Thursday post, highlighting the journals of my grandmother Alma Polar Space. Ruth sent me a message via our connection on Facebook. Thank you. In the words of G.K. Chesterton I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.

Unlike trophies that collect dust eventually finding their way to a corner in your basement or attic, the Happy 101 Award comes with some accountability: to list 10 things that make me happy and 10 other bloggers who I will gift this award too. I hope that, if these blogs are unfamiliar to you, that you'll spend a few minutes. I guarantee they will soon become the favorite blogs in your life.

1. The knowledge that no matter what I encounter in my life, my faith will give me solid ground

2. The love and support of family.

3. The unconditional love of my dogs.

4. Spending time 'up north' no matter what the season.

5. Any time spent with my DAR 'sisters'

6. Planning a trip to Scotland.

7. Training or hunting with my English cockers.

8. Going anywhere with my husband in our '65 Mustang 2+2 Fastback.

9. Anytime spent on my bikes: mountain biking on a trail or on my road bike.

10. Listening to the sound of my children interacting in the next room.

1. Small-Leaved Shamrock

2. The Educated Genealogist

3. Cemetery Divas

4. CanadaGenealogy, or, 'Jane's Your Aunt'

5. Wild Rhododendrons

6. Moultrie Creek

7. The Chart Chick

8. Orations of OmcHodoy

9. Lost Family Treasures

10. Granite In My Blood

Treasure Thursday, 29 Oct 2009

Among the many treasures in my life, I count time spent traveling to England and Scotland with my Mother as some of my most cherished memories.


Over the years my Mom has gifted me with paintings she has created chronicling some of our favorite holidays. The Abbey Hotel in Cornwall and St. Catherine's Lighthouse on the southern tip of the Isle of Wight.


Shells gathered on walks on the beach fill the Ball jar that once belonged to my grandmother Mildred Little Bergeron. The shells, mixed together in the jar, represent visits from Lands End to John O'Groats, Dover and St. Ives to the Orkney Islands.

Copyright © 2009 by Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski

Celebration of Winter Solstice and the beauty of Maeshowe

Photo: http://www.maeshowe.co.uk

Quirky. In my younger years, "quirky" would describe my delight in the arrival of the shortest day of the year. No one actually celebrates the Winter Solstice. At least not in my recent memory. If you did, you were rather - quirky.

I could never quite understand why December 21st brought a sense of wonder. Being a lifelong resident of Wisconsin, it could have something to do with the fact that December 22nd brought with it one minute more of daylight. But the date always seemed to hold more of an inner rejoicing rather than having 60 seconds additional of daylight.

More likely than not, my celtic ancestors celebrated the arrival of the Winter Solstice with bonfires, bringing in of the greens and music and dancing to celebrate the arrival of the Oak King.

The Holly King and the Oak King were twin gods seen as one entity. Each of the gods rule for half of the year, fight for the favor of a goddess and dies. But the defeated twin is not truly dead but merely withdraws for six months. The belief of some was that the defeated twin retreated to Caer Arianrhod, the Castle of the ever-turning Silver Wheel - the Wheel of Stars. Caer Arianrhod, the Aurora Borealis, is the enchanted realm of the Godess Arianrhod, ruler of the astral skies where she rules as the goddess of reincarnation.

The Oak King, who is the light twin, rules from midwinter to midsummer. The Holly King, the dark twin, rules from midsummer to midwinter.

For centuries we have marveled at the existence of stone circles and henges scattered around the world. The one that immediately comes to mind is Stonehenge located in southern England. June 21st finds Stonehenge invaded by druids and tourists waiting to catch a glimpse of the rising sun aligned perfected among the Bluestones. I had the opportunity to visit Stonehenge when visitors were able to walk among the stones. Dispite the carnival tourist atmosphere it is spectacular. But it is not the Summer Solstice nor Stonehenge but rather the Winter Solstice, the light twin, that my thoughts turn to in the far reaches off the coast of Scotland.

Photograph Copyright © 2008 by Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski

Maeshowe is a neolithic chambered cairn and passage grave located on the mainland of Orkney. Believed to have been constructed over 5,000 years ago it is also the largest of the many tombs located in Orkney. A grass mound hides the complex chambers and passages constructed of flagstones, some of which weigh upwards of 30 tons. According to the Orkneyinga Saga, the Vikings looted Maeshowe, probably taking with them many artifacts but left behind a series of runic inscriptions - basically graffiti - on the stone walls. As our guide pointed out, while Vikings from the north invaded Scotland, not all Norsemen were Vikings.

Viking runes aside, the amazing part of Maeshowe occurs on the shortest day of the year. On December 21st, the setting sun aligns directly over a neighboring stone, called the Barnhouse Stone. The passageway into Maeshowe is aligned so that for a few minutes the setting sun illuminates the passageway and the rear wall of the central chamber.

It is a feat that I cannot begin to fathom has having been constructed 5,000 years ago, before the construction of the Great Pyramids of Egypt, to celebrate the return of the light.

Photograph Copyright © 2008 by Cindy Bergeron Scherwinski

While I may be sitting in my family room in north central Wisconsin my thoughts are thousands of miles away. Thanks to technology I watch the web cam from Maeshowe. At 14:28 GMT the fading light has begun to illuminate the passageway and central chamber. I celebrate by placing a piece of oak on my yule fire.

Blessings of light and life.