Where's Winnie?

Good question!

But first of all - Happy Thanksgiving to all my blogger friends across the pond. Hope you have a lovely holiday.

I am right here, where you left me, but my blog writing (and reading) exploits have slowed down to almost a full stop.

It's all the fault of the Lady Of The House, for taking her clothes off - and the Boy Of The House, for being a bit of a superstar.

Back in the summer the LOTH and her friends in the Little Theatre Company decided to do a Calendar Girls-style cheeky calendar in aid of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research. This is because they are doing the play of Calendar Girls in March and wanted to get into the spirit of the play and raise some money to help beat blood cancers. (This is a recap for those who missed the story first time round)

You may know that the original Calendar Girls were members of a Yorkshire Women's Institute group who did traditional "WI poses" - making jam, and baking cakes etc - but without any clothes on. The LOTH and her friends have done 'theatrical poses' instead.

Anyway, it's getting very VERY busy for them now and the LOTH is helping with the Burton Calendar Girls blog and social media and stuff and today she's been setting up a Just Giving page so if anyone further afield would like to support the cause, they can do it easily and securely. The 'girls' (and I use that term loosely) are also making lots of appearances at craft fairs and things to sell their calendars in person.

And what about the BOTH? Well, after he played one of the Lost Boys this summer - when his school did the Stiles & Drewe musical version of Peter Pan - he went along to open auditions to be in a professional panto version of the story in Derby. And he got picked to play John - Wendy's brother. He gets to FLY through the Assembly Rooms on a harness alongside George Sampson (winner of Britain's Got Talent 2008) who is playing Pan, and a great British actor called Larry Lamb who's Mr Darling/Captain Hook.

Rehearsals start this Saturday and the show runs from December 5 to January 6. The LOTH is going to be very busy taking the BOTH to and from rehearsals and performances - and she's been licensed to be a chaperone backstage.

Her work as a writer has got busier and busier too..... but don't worry, I'm still getting two walks a day and lots of hugs and cuddles. It's just that something has to give and it looks like it's my blog for a bit.

I'll try and get the odd word with you on here and on my Facebook Page but thought I'd explain why I'm quieter than usual.

In other news, I was delighted to win this striking pair of matching greyhound drinks coasters in an online auction by Kama's Cave Greyhound Sanctuary recently.

So I thought I'd choose one to send to my good Facebook friend Winnie in Tennessee, who sent me a lovely  greyhound suncatcher last Christmas.

I chose THIS one to send - and I kept the other.

Now we have one each. Tennessee Winnie's mum wrote to say hers arrived JUST in time for Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for your friendship and I'll be back in touch when I can.

P.S: The LOTH says she'd love to hear from any of you who might want to follow or leave comments on the Burton Calendar Girls blog. She says they have some exciting craft projects coming up that some of you you might enjoy.

Zooming and roaching with Winnie the greyhound

Well I am shattered after taking part in yesterday's Zoomies event at Susie and Sidebite's blog. Another chance for me to show of my athletic skills. I'm just a blur, a blur, I tell you, when I start zooming.

I was SO relieved after expending all that energy that the next event was Roaching and Rolling. Thanks to the magic of Blogville, I was instantly transported to Canada to compete on Ruby and Penny's blog. I went in heat 2. I like to think my entry was a slight homage to Usain Bolt.

I am also very proud to say that my performance in Roaching ALSO won me a copy of a print called The Howl in a Twitter competition run by Dog's Today magazine. The Lady Of The House is getting it framed and I'll post a picture of it soon.

No sunday lie-in for Winnie the greyhound today

I've scarcely recovered from the excited and sheer wonder of Friday's opening ceremony - than I am in the thick of the action today with TWO entries in the Pet Blogging Games.

You will find me in the Crazy Sleeping Singles Event over on Oskar's blog (it may LOOK like I'm resting - but that kangaroo impersonation takes years of practice to perfect, let me tell you).

I am also in Bouncing (narrative style) on Bouncing Bertie's blog. He's a TOUGH act to follow.

I need some more sleep now.

The big day is finally here!

Finally!! It's the opening day of the Pet Blogging games and here I am flying the flag for team GB. I stuck a flag of St George in there too for good measure.

You can see me and the other athletes, parading now over at Posie Dorg's blog.

Over at Roo's blog you can see the torch lighting ceremony - and some bloopers (not from me as I'm perfect *coughs*)

Here is the schedule of all events and links to each blog hosting it (borrowed stolen from my good friend Zola - who did all the hard work so I didn't have to bother).

Opening Extravaganza ~ http://www.roosdoins.com/

Parade of Athletes ~ http://posiedorg.blogspot.com/

SATURDAY, JULY 28

Swimming ~ http://sargespeaksout.blogspot.com/

Window Nose Art ~ http://jazzis-world.blogspot.com/

SUNDAY, JULY 29

Crazy Sleeping Singles ~ http://oskarsblog.com/

Synchronized Snoozing ~ http://oskarsblog.com/

Bouncing ~ http://bouncingbertie.blogspot.co/uk

MONDAY, JULY 30

Beach Ball ~ http://www.twofrenchbulldogs.com/

Cross Neighborhood Walkabout ~ http://cutecorbin.blogspot.com/

Hiding ~ http://housecatconfidential.blogspot.com/

Competitive Napping ~ http://hufflemawson.blogspot.com/

TUESDAY, JULY 31

Couch Potato Peeling ~ http://lovablelily.blogspot.com/

Gymnastics ~ http://downhomeinnc.blogspot.com/

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 1

          Bathtub Wrestling ~ http://ro-uj-iz.blogspot.com/

Cat Tree Gymnastics ~ http://housecatconfidential.blogspot.com/

Critter Stalking ~ http://justustexasdachsies.blogspot.com/

Tongue Curling ~ http://justustexasdachsies.blogspot.com/

The Raspberry ~ http://justustexasdachsies.blogspot.com/

THURSDAY, AUGUST 2

Counter Surfing ~ http://katniplounge.blogspot.com/

Discuss and Frisbee ~ http://pipinthegame.blogspot.com/

Pole Jumping ~ http://fourleggedviews.blogspot.com/

Singles Stick Carry ~ http://gospelofgoose.blogspot.com/

Team Stick Carry ~ http://gospelofgoose.blogspot.com/

FRIDAY, AUGUST 3

Digging ~ http://wethreedoxies.blogspot.com/

Marathon Chewing ~ http://murphyandstanley.blogspot.com/

SATURDAY, AUGUST 4

Best Nippy Faces ~ http://troublintimes.blogspot.com/

Fierceful Yawning ~ http://catboys.paulchens.org/

Keep Away ~ http://savetheboxers.blogspot.com/

Tuneful Farting ~ http://declansdogsblog.co.uk/

SUNDAY, AUGUST 5

Camera Avoidance KaeKwonDo~http://mayziegal.wordpress.com/

Equestrian ~ http://rubieadventures.blogspot.com/

MONDAY, AUGUST 6

DE Stuffing ~ http://k-9katastrophie.blogspot.com/

Synchronized Peeing ~ http://beagle-home.blogspot.com/

Wrestling ~ http://housecatconfidential.blogspot.com/

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7

Freestyle Zoomies ~ http://susieandsidebite.blogspot.com/

Roaching and Rolling ~ http://agenuineruby.blogspot.com/

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 8

DRAW Your Own Peeps ~ http://cheshiredanes.blogspot.com/

Smackdown ~ http://friendsfurevercatblog.blogspot.com/

Squirrel Hurdles ~ http://sheltietimes.blogspot.com/

THURSDAY, AUGUST 9

Boxing ~ http://chicamom85-sassysasha.blogspot.com/

Extreme Weather Sports ~ http://theadventuresofthetank.blogspot.com/

Snack Sack Race ~ http://www.thefogcitylu.blogspot.com/

Turbo Track ~ http://maxthequiltcat.com/

FRIDAY, AUGUST 10

Snoopendous Sniff-A-Thon ~ http://lunadogslife.blogspot.com/

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11

The Great Tennis Ball Tournament ~
http://kwing-dogeared.blogspot.com/

SUNDAY, AUGUST 12

Closing Ceremony ~ http://finnhoward.blogville.com/

ON GOING EVENTS

Balance Beam ~ http://corycattalks.blogspot.com/

High Jump ~ http://catfromhell.wordpress.com/

Red Dot-A-Thon ~ http://daphnex.blogspot.com/

Synchronized Snoozing ~ http://www.island-cats.com/

Team Lounging ~ http://daisymaemaus.blogspot.com/

Countdown to the Olympics

Just a few days to go before the start of the Olympic Games in the UK - and the even MORE important Pet Blogging Games.

But, first I want to take you back to a very wet Saturday morning, June 30, 2012, when the actual Olympic torch ran along the outskirts of our village of Stretton.

There was great excitement from the Lady Of The House as she prised the boy and the girl from their beds just after 6am and marched them through the rain to stand on a grassy bank next to the Burton Albion Football Club ground. They were joined by the Girl of the House's boyfriend. I stayed at home and watched the proceedings over the Internet with the Man Of The House. Look how happy the young ones were? (Well, one of them was, kind of sarcastically I think).

The LOTH says they weren't that miserable really. It has stopped raining. briefly.

There were a few big vans drove through first.

Then came the big moment.

Can you see it?

Look again.

And then it was gone.

But it did inspire me to get back out later that day to pound the pavements in my own training schedule for the Pet Blogging Games. This is me training hard for the Cross Neighbourhood Walkabout event being hosted on July 30 by Corbin. Please cheer for me and ALL my worthy competitors.

I see sunshine - and lots of birds

Shock, horror!! The sun came out this morning. There were shadows on the ground and everything when we went for a Saturday morning walk around Barton Marina (a short drive from where we live).

There are always lots of different types of ducks, and geese and waterfowl around the lakes. The Man Of The House said we should be careful as we went past the swan family because they would be very protective of their young family - and swan are NOT to be messed with. Not that I would.

You see, there was another reason for me to tread carefully. Ever since I posted to say that I thought our garden birds maybe got fed better than I did - I've been a marked dog.

It's NOT that I'm paranoid. They really are after me.

It started one morning when the Lady Of The House saw the unusual sight of a flock of white doves on our bird table. She thought it was lovely. But through the glass they told me I was being watched EVERYWHERE I went.

.

Next day, in the neighbouring village of Rolleston, a chilling cry rang out through the still morning air. It was a peacock. They were sending in the big guys to keep and eye on me now.

At the brook another swan came up close and personal to put the beady eye on me.

I think he wanted to be paid off, but the LOTH hadn't even brought any stale bread along! LOTH!!! What are you trying to do to me???!!

At the canal the ducks were even lining up to form a threatening cordon of beaks and feathers. I was getting really scared now.

So when the geese closed in this morning at the marina, I told them straight: "You tell those garden birds from me. They can have ALL the seeds and fat balls and whatever they want in our garden. I'll never say another word....just PLEASE leave me alone!"

I think it worked.

Phew!!!

Today I am joining the Saturday Pet Blog Hop hosted by Life With Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume.

If you'd like to join in and make new pet blogger friends, please follow your three hosts, add your blog to the Linky and copy and paste this week's new Linky code into the html editor of your own blog. The list will automatically update on everyone's blogs as new sites add themselves over this weekend and we can all hop from blog to blog and find out everybody's news.

Thanks again to our three hosts for putting on the hop!

If you follow a new blog after finding them in the blog hop - please let them know that you found them on the Saturday Pet Blog Hop.

Wordless Wednesday - I am the guardian of the clothes dryer

Feeding the birds

Come rain, snow or shine the Man Of The House always makes sure the birds in our garden get well fed.

It's just that SOMETIMES I think they eat better than me.

What do you think?

Just making myself PROPERLY comfy

I was delighted when the Lady Of The House bought me a new-to-me super comfy quilt cover from the charity shop.

It has lots of kittens and rabbits on it because it is covered with illustrations from the books of Beatrix Potter.  Maybe that's why I felt it needed a bit of rearranging.....

I think I'm comfy now, thanks

In the garden with Winnie

Sometimes I do wonder if I am trying the Man Of The House's patience a bit too far with my digging in the back lawn. So I sneak up behind him to check if he's cross.

But he isn't - and he even throws my Winnie the Pooh toy for me (see picture below) and plays with me. He's the best.

That's not my name

Whatever happened to The Ting Tings?

My lot loved singing along to That's Not My Name.

I remembered it when the very wonderful Sarge announced his nickname game for this week.

So, how it works (if you've not seen it on another pet blog yet) is that I have to list ALL the nicknames I've been called by my People Of The House.

YOU have to comment below on which is your favourite and then I have to be called by only that name for a whole week by my POTH.

(Um. Run that by me again? What do I get out of this?)

Anyway, it sounds like fun (as long as you choose WISELY dear friends) so here goes. This is my list of nicknames that you have to choose from:

Win
Win-win
Winnebago
Winston
Winifred
Smelly Dog (that's just plain RUDE! I'm not having that!)
Fartypants (No. No and NO!!!)
Baby Girl
Sunshine
Sweetheart
Petal
and
Krypto (that's a new one from the Man Of The House because he's decided I look a bit like Superman's dog)

I look forward to your comments - I think.

I'm ready for my close-up

The Lady Of The House has been getting to grips with the video camera loaned to her by Pedigree as part of the trial of their new Joint Care+ treats.

Once she got the technology sussed, she thought it would be an easy matter to get me to gallop around the garden in my usual style. But, frankly, I felt this was a little undignified, and took a bit of persuading. Besides, I like squeaking my toys.... a lot.

I love the camera - but I thought maybe I should get the chance to gaze into the lens and pose a little.

A close-up would be nice, Mrs Director.

The Girl of the House thought she'd finally persuaded me to get involved. But I wasn't going to jump around for long.

Eventually I decided to co-operate and if you want to see the final version, you can see it on my Facebook Page. It's called A Mad Few Minutes in the Garden. You can probably guess why.

Late - but it's still Wordless Wednesday here

It's Cat-urday on Winnie's Dog Blog

Got a few pieces of cat-related news so I thought I'd put them all together.

The first one is, I wanted to share this  lovely picture of a cat called Ernie, drawn by the Lady Of The House's talented friend Jane West.

Ernie was a much loved cat all the way over in California, but after he passed away his owners found the page on the LOTH's pet bereavement website where Jane offers to do drawings and they commissioned a sketch. They said it was a really good likeness and they will always treasure it. I'm so pleased it's helped them.

Staying with news from America, The Zoolatry Girls have made me aware that next Saturday it's Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for May 5) which is marked across the United States as a day to celebrate  Mexican heritage. Everyone is invited to celebrate on their blogs and cats AND dogs can connect up  and add their blogs to the Cat Blogosphere (very kind of them I think).

Thank you also, Zoolatry Girls, for sharing this lovely badge (left). Any ideas for how I can celebrate here in Burton-on-Trent will be welcomed from my friends overseas.

Do you remember my cousin Mickey cat? He's 21 now and feeling a bit fragile so I wondered if you could all send him your good wishes? He sleeps a lot now (like this picture shows) but he means the world to the LOTH's mum and although I am not allowed to be in the same room as him (because of my natural inclinations towards cats) I do love him really.

Finally, good wishes also go to MoMo - who I hear is also feeling under the weather. Although she doesn't get chance to blog very often these days, you can visit her blog called Mieow here.

Today I am again joining the Saturday Pet Blog Hop hosted by Life With Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers and Confessions of the Plume.

If you'd like to join in and make new pet blogger friends, please follow your three hosts, add your blog to the Linky and copy and paste this week's new Linky code into the html editor of your own blog. The list will automatically update on everyone's blogs as new sites add themselves over this weekend and we can all hop from blog to blog and find out everybody's news.

Thanks again to our three hosts for putting on the hop!

If you follow a new blog after finding them in the blog hop - please let them know that you found them on the Saturday Pet Blog Hop.

Winnie's equation

The Lady Of the House says the increase in the amount of time I spend dawdling, stopping and sniffing on my walks....

.... is in direct proportion to how wet and cold and miserable it is and how much she wants to get home for a coffee.

I say the LOTH complains too much. A bit of rain never hurt ANYONE (in a big, warm, red raincoat)

Wordless Wednesday: me and my pal Bunny Rabbit

Winnie the greyhound's back (pack) for her 300th post

I have been so BORED.

Really REALLY bored.

I've missed all my friends and it's made me so sad not hearing what everyone is up to that I had a little cry.

But I am BACK now!!

My care and concern for the Lady Of The House means her back is now feeling a lot better and she is able to sit at the computer for longer which means I can blog again (under her snoopervision).

I see blogger had had a big old change-a-roo since I was last here. It did make it easy for me to spot that this happens to be my 300th blog post!

Now I've got to start catching up on everyone's news (which could take a while) Do let me know if there's something I really should know, won't you? 

Thank you for all the lovely messages on my last blog post, by the way. Seems ages ago.

Yesterday a BIG box arrived and when the LOTH unpacked it there was something that smelled really interesting.

 

Well, will, you look at that......?

It really has got my name on it.

I am one of the lucky pet bloggers to be invited by Pedigree to take a six week trial of their Joint Care+ treats.

These sticks contain natural active ingredients - glucosamine, Omega 3, green lipped mussel powder and methionine.

They sent them to me in this brilliant Pedigree back pack (Did I mention it has my name printed on it?), and they also sent me a throwing stick and a load of rubber balls that fit in it and then get released. The LOTH laughed when she saw that and said I was too lazy to chase a ball.

Huh!

I soon proved her wrong. I had a good run in the garden as she showed me how it worked. I even chased after the ball - oh, at least four times before I got bored.

Pedigree has also lent us a snazzy little video camera so that the LOTH and the other People Of The House can try and capture me at my most playful. They say that if I have a treat stick a day you will see an improvement in my joints. Personally I think they are pretty good already. I was a top athlete you know.

I had my first Joint Care+ treat stick this morning and it was certainly tasty so I'm more than happy to eat one a day and tell you how I get on.

Now, I just need to get the LOTH to suss out how this video camera works..... once we've done that you might be lucky enough to see me in running/digging and playing action!