Making my list and checking it twice...

Kentucky Greetings and Merry Christmas! We have been up since early this morning! We wanted to make sure we have everything ready for Santa's visit tonight. Chloe, Frannie, Wally the puppy, and I have already eaten breakfast, washed our face, combed our hair and brushed our teeth. Today is the last day to make a good impression on Santa!

It is raining cats and wiener dogs today. We have a fire going in the fireplace and I have my very favorite Christmas song playing in the background. It's The Christmas Song by Alvin and The Chipmunks! I love to hear Alvin sing about wanting a hula hoop! I don't have a hula hoop on my list. Speaking of my list, it is finally finished. I have worked on it for months and today I am just polishing it up, making sure it's perfect before Santa sees it. Tonight, Chloe, Frannie, Wally, and I will all leave our lists, along with some milk and milk bones for Santa Claus. Mom says that Santa might like real cookies instead, but it has worked every year so I don't think I should rock the boat.

I feel like we have already had Christmas this year. Our family had a treat last week. Our friend Cleo and her mom, Ms. Diane, drove all the way from Evansville, Indiana to see us! When Cleo got out of the car, she was dressed at Ms. Claus - white hair and all! She was in her very own sleigh - her wagon. If that wasn't enough, she had more gifts than Ms. Claus. There were treats for us, gifts for Mom and Dad, BBQ ribs and potato salad from Wolf's in Indiana, and of course, Ms. Diane's world famous, dee-lish, homeade candy. We had never seen so much candy in our life. Our house looked like Willy Wonka's chocolate factory! Just in case you are wondering, we didn't keep all the candy. Mom, Dad, Cleo, and Ms. Diane delivered some to various places in Bullitt County. Ms. Cleo Claus made lots of people happy that day!

Since Cleo was dressed as Ms. Claus, it was only fitting that I was dressed as Santa! We made the perfect pair! You should have heard me saying Ho Ho Ho! Mom said it sounded more like Arff Arff Arff!

I can't stay on too long. There is still so much to do. I think I will test one of Santa's milk bones to make sure they are okay. I want them to be perfect!

I will blog again tomorrow! Enjoy your day, get your cookies and your list ready, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christmas!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! December is such a busy month! It has 31 days like so many other months, but it sure seems to go faster!

Our family has been busy with traveling and school visits. In only 10 days, we have visited the counties of Madison, Hancock, and Pendleton. We are loading up the Woody Bus again. Destination: Clinton County. We especially love being in the schools this time of year! I get so excited seeing the trees and the decorations. Last week, at North Hancock Elementary, I caught up with the Gingerbread Man. He didn't think I could catch him, but I ran fast!

I am still perfecting my list for Santa. Chloe has her list and letter ready, but I am still working on mine. I want it to be perfect!

I better go! I hear Mom and Dad calling my name! Stay warm and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

December? Where did November go?

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! I have had so many emails saying, "Woody, where in the world are you?" No need to worry! All is well here at the doghouse in Shepherdsville! It seems as if November was filled with great surprises and um, not so great surprises.

The month flew by with tons of school visits. We were at Hardinsburg Elementary in Hardinsburg, Prestonsburg Elementary in Prestonsburg, Blue Lick Elementary in Bl.., uh, Louisville, the list goes on and on. We were rolling through the month getting ready to head to the Kentucky Book Fair when Mom got sick. If you know our Mom, you know she NEVER gets sick! No need to worry - the doctor said Mom would be fine - after a few days in the hospital! WHAT? Hospital? Yes, hospital. Mom was having a little trouble with her back and the doctor wanted to run some tests. I was sure hoping they would run a CAT scan. That sounded like something I would be interested in, but Dad said the doctors would be taking care of Mom and for me not to worry about it. Well, the doctors and nurses took great care of Mom and we were very happy when she walked in the door of our doghouse! In fact, it was the reunion of all reunions! Mom is going to be fine! In fact, we are loading the Woody Bus now headed out the door to Richmond, KY. I can't wait to tell you all about it. We are behind on our pictures from the schools but we will post soon. Also, while Mom was in the hospital, Dad and I signed books at the Kentucky Book Fair. I have some great photos - especially one of me and President Lincoln.

Anyway, here are some pictures from last week. We spent two days in Marietta, OH. We have been in the Buckeye State before. In fact, some of our dearest friends live in Marietta and Beverly. We met Patrick and Andrew (photo 1) and their grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Elliott (picture 2) several years ago and became good friends! Then, Mrs. Donna Sturm (picture 3) from The Marietta Times started running our story, Mr. Dogwood Goes to Washington in their newspaper. Mrs. Sturm arranged for us to visit four of the schools in the area. Both the Elliotts and the Sturms have a wiener dog! The only thing different about being in Kentucky and being in Ohio is that so many peope were Ohio State Buckeye fans! The fourth photo is of Dad and the principal of Beverly-Center. She gave Dad a buckeye ornament! The final photo is of students and their very own Mr. Dogwood Goes to Washington scrapbook. We were so sad to leave Ohio. I hate saying goodbye!

Speaking of goodbye, if I don't sign off, I am going to miss the bus! I promise to get caught up on photos, emails, and my entire Scooby Doo To Do list, so stay tuned! In the meantime, stay warm, stay well, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

November is so busy!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Boy! November is a cold and busy month, and I have been involved a lot of things. I haven't even been able to get to my computer to write! I will tell you all about it soon. As you can see, Chloe and I have been keeping warm by sleeping with big blankets whenever we get a chance.

Have fun, keep eating right even when you are on the go, and WORK AND DREAM LIKE A BIG DOG!

Woody

Catching Up with Cleo

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Mom says that I talk way too much about food, but I have to tell you that our family just had the most delicious dinner of Indiana BBQ! Now you know how much I love Kentucky Bar-B-Q! I even wrote about Kentucky Bar-B-Q in Tails from the Bluegrass II, but I have to say, the Indiana Bar-B-Q was hard to beat! Just in case you're wondering, we didn't drive to Indiana to eat dinner. Ms. Diane (Cleo's mom) gave the Bar-B-Q to Mom and Dad. She bought it from Wolf's Bar-B-Q in Evansville, Indiana. We ate it for dinner and our taste buds are still singing and dancing! We were so impressed that we looked up Wolf's Bar-B-Q on the internet. We learned Wolf's has been in business since 1925! No wonder their Bar-B-Q tastes just right! They have been perfecting it for 83 years! Chloe asked which I liked the best - Kentucky Bar-B-Que or Indiana Bar-B-Q. I think we should have a cook-off. Maybe we could have a table filled with both and do a taste test! That sounds like the perfect evening! A great big hug to Ms. Diane for providing dinner for our family!

We saw Ms. Diane last Monday when she and Cleo came to Louisville. Cleo (our friend we introduced you to on our blog a few months ago) had an appointment with Dr. Scott Campbell at Metropolitan Veterinary Specialists in Louisville. Cleo sees Dr. Campbell to make sure her heart is okay. The more we learn about Cleo, the more we are convinced her heart is filled with so much love! Cleo visits nursing homes and assisted living homes in Indiana. She travels in her very own set of wheels - her red wagon! Here are some photos of Cleo this past Halloweiner, I mean, Halloween. Cleo was visiting some friends at the Holiday Retirement Village. Look at the smiles she brings to the faces! Hey, is that Lucille Ball from I Love Lucy?

Cleo isn't the only one who is helping others. Her mom, Ms. Diane, helps others too! Besides being a great mom to Cleo, buying tasty Bar-B-Q, and making her world famous candy, Ms. Diane is a docent. Docent is a Latin word that means to teach. Ms. Diane is a docent for the Mesker Park Zoo in Evansville. She goes into schools, libraries, and other facilities and teaches about animals, birds, insects, and snakes. Yes, SNAKES! Here is a photo of Ms. Diane holding a snake. We love all creatures, but snakes can give me the willies. After Ms. Diane showed this picture to us, Mom had a dream about snakes that very night. It didn't help that while Mom was dreaming about snakes, my cold nose was on her face. She woke up one scaredy-cat!

Speaking of dreaming, it is time I slithered my way to bed! Since tomorrow is Election Day, our family is home tonight! Speaking of the election, remember that voting is a privilege - and it's our civic duty. I sure wish I could vote! If you are able to vote, be sure and do so!!!

Hope you have a great night and sweet dreams - dreams free from slithering snakes!!!Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Back Home in Western KY

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Everyone knows how proud I am of my Western Kentucky roots! Well last week, our family traveled back to Western KY for a visit to South Marshall Elementary School. Marshall County is about 30 miles from my birthplace of Paducah and about 18 miles from Mom's birthplace of Murray. Since we were so close, we had to visit Paducah so I could see my Granny and my cousins. Granny made a delicious dinner for us - complete with strawberry cake. YUM-MEE! Anyway, enough about food and on to the business at hand!

Our day at South Marshall was so much fun! Mr. Chuck Blanchard, the principal, made us feel right at home! We had met Mr. B. before in Murray. It was great seeing him again! He had the school decorated with wiener dogs and dog bones and you know the best part? He was wearing a Kentucky Wildcat shirt!!! What a guy! Actually, Thursday was Team Up Against Drugs day. Everyone was wearing their favorite team shirt. So, Chloe and I wore our Kentucky Wildcat jersey too! Chloe and I are always talking to students about teaming up against drugs. You can't be on top of your game if you are filling your body with drugs and alcohol. I could bark all day about how dangerous drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes are, but I will say this - you will never have to stop smoking, drinking, or using drugs if you never start in the first place! And that's all the wiener dog advice I will give tonight! Hooray to Mr. B and the South Marshall Wiener Dogs for teaming up against drugs!

It always makes me sad when we have to leave Western Kentucky. Mom reminded me we would be back home in a few weeks for Thanksgiving. That made me feel better and besides, I love our doghouse in Shepherdsville too! In fact, the next morning when we went for a walk, we saw the most gorgeous colors. The trees around the lake were bursting with orange and red and yellow. I went and grabbed my camera so you could see!

I better say goodnight! I have so many things to tell you about so stay tuned! In the meantime, stop to look at the colors of fall, team up against drugs, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Another prediction...

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! We are now in Chapter 6 of Heads and Tails. Mrs. Wilson's class emailed me to tell me what they think will happen. Take a look:

...We predict in Chapter 6 you are not going to get back to the 21st century. We think you will maybe go to 1951. We also think a good job for you would be to be a watch dog for Mr. Mobley's store.

We can hardly wait each week for the new chapter to come out so we can see what you are doing and what is going to happen. But for now just as you tell us we say, "Work and dream like a big dog!"

Sincerely, Mrs. Wilson and Johnny, JaBreel, and Rilan

I think being a watch dog for Mr. Mobley is the best idea I have heard!!! I may give him a call!

Have a great day! Save your pennies and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Boogity, Boogity, Boogity!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers and Boogity, Boogity, Boogity! Everyone knows how much I love Kentucky! Well, I wanted to tell you about a famous Kentucky man named Darrell Waltrip.

If you know anything about NASCAR racing, you will know Darrell Waltrip. NASCAR stands for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing. NASCAR is the second most popular professional sport. (Football is the first.) Anyway, Darrell Waltrip is a very famous and successful former NASCAR driver.

Mr. Waltrip is originally from Owensboro, KY. He started racing at Ellis track in Owensboro. He was so successful that he moved to Nashville, TN which eventually led him to NASCAR. He started with NASCAR in 1972 and drove until he retired in 2000. After he retired, he signed a contract with the FOX Broadcasting Company to broadcast the NASCAR races. After the cars start the race, Mr. Waltrip says, "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity! Let's Go Racing!" Chloe and I love hearing him say that!

Anyway, this past Saturday night, our family was in Nashville, TN for a wedding reception. Unfortunately, wiener dogs weren't allowed. Mom said it was for people only. So, while Mom and Dad were at the reception, Chloe, Frannie the Body Guard, and I stayed outside in the Woody Bus. Mom promised she and Dad would only be gone a little while. When they walked back in the bus, Mom said, "Woody, you won't believe who we saw!!!" "Was it Carrie Underwood?" Then Mom said, "Boogity, Boogity, Boogity!" I said, "YOU SAW DARRELL WALTRIP?" She and Dad were able to spend some time with Darrell Waltrip and his wife Stevie. Mom said Mr. Waltrip asked how we were doing. Chloe and I couldn't believe it!!! To think that Mr. Waltrip is a Kentucky boy like me! I think it would be so cool to drive a race car. Of course I would wear my seatbelt. Maybe Mr. Waltrip will let me drive around the track one day. I will keep you posted on my NASCAR career, but don't hold your breath!

Right now, the only race I am concerned about is racing off to dinner! Stay safe, wear your seatbelt, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

Boogity, Boogity, Boogity!!!

WOODY

An Exciting Ride Home

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Whew! Last week was a fun week for our family with a few twists and turns. Let me fill you in!

On Thursday, we spent the day with Mrs. Cheryl Million and all the students at Mason Corinth Elementary in Grant County. We were no stranger to MCE. Not only had we had been there before, but we have become great friends with Mrs. Million, her family, and the students. The school rolled out the red carpet for our visit!

We presented our assemblies and the writing workshops, posed for pictures, signed scrapbooks, and even signed broken arms!!! The day flew by! After a tasty dinner, we spent the evening with students and parents at the Family Reading Night. The day was going as smooth as silk. About 8:00 that evening, the families had all gone home, the Woody Bus was loaded, and our family was ready to make the two hour trip back to our doghouse in Shepherdsville. Chloe, Frannie the Body Guard, and I had put on our jammies and were resting on the way home when we heard something that just didn't sound right. The hair on Frannie's back stood up. She thought she was going to have to take action. We all looked at each other. Dad said, "Don't worry. I think some equipment in the storage bin just moved around." Ahh, a sigh of relief. Close the eyes again and think about the great day! BANG, POP, SHAKE!!!!! Frannie jumped on top of Chloe and me to shield us from any harm. "TAKE COVER!" Frannie instructed. Dad calmed us by saying that one of our tires had blown. He guided the Woody Bus to the shoulder of the road.

It was scary at first, being stuck on the side of the dark interstate while cars and trucks passed by. Every time a big truck would pass by, the bus would shake. Mom closed the curtains in bus, turned on the television to block out some of the noise, and we sat on the bed and waited for help to come. (Since the Woody Bus is really big, Dad had to have help from a professional.) While we waited - and waited - and waited some more, we talked, told stories, played Go Fish, sang our favorite songs and read our favorite books. Finally, a truck came! The mechanic and Dad worked a really long time taking the bad tire off and replacing it with the new tire. It took a long time and we could tell that Dad and the mechanic were tired - I mean exhausted! Finally, the tire was changed, and we were back in business. Chloe, Frannie, Mom, and I all gave three cheers to Dad and the mechanic - and, of course, to Frannie the Body Guard! Hip, Hip Hooray! Hip, Hip Hooray! Hip, Hip Hooray!

We pulled into our driveway at 2:30 Friday morning!!! Mom and Dad had been awake since our Scooby alarm clock went off at 5:00 on Thursday morning - almost 22 hours!!! Needless to say, Friday was spent taking long naps - and putting new tires on the Woody Bus!!!

Since Friday was spent napping, we are still catching up on laundry and chores. Therefore, I have to go. Chloe is helping Mom fold the clothes and I am sure there are tasks on my To-Do list! Stay tuned to the blog. We have lots of stories and photos to post!

Have a great day! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

TAILS from Anchorage

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is a gorgeous afternoon at our doghouse in Shepherdsville. We finished our lunch - baked chicken in case you are wondering - and had our afternoon walk. I thought I would take the time to write in my diary. I couldn't wait to tell you about the fantastic time we had yesterday in Anchorage, KY!

Our family spent the day and evening with the elementary students of Anchorage School. It was our first time at the school but you wouldn't know it! Everyone treated us like we were family! We felt right at home! The students were so friendly. I bet every student in the school came up and said, "Thanks for coming, Woody!" "No, THANK YOU!" I would say! "It was our pleasure!"

A great big thanks to Mrs. Robin Gomez and Mrs. Julie for planning the perfect day and evening. We spent the entire day in the library. It had state-of-the-art equipment. As impressive as all of that was, it still didn't top the way everyone made us feel! We also were showered with gifts - goodies bags with our favorite dog treats, a gift certificate to Feeder's Supply, cards, letters, and a lunch that was DEE-LISH!!!

By the way, the superintendent came by to see me. I asked him about changing the mascot from the Anchorage Anchors to the Anchorage Wiener Dogs. He said he would discuss it with the Board of Education. He thought it might be too tough to change the shirts, the letterhead, the sign out front, but again, he would do his best!

Dad took 175 photos at the school. We posted about 5! We will put the rest on the Picture Page soon so stay tuned!

Since it is Friday afternoon, I think I will call it a week! The CATS have a big football game tomorrow night against the Arkansas Razorbacks! In case you are wondering what a razorback is, well it's a pig or a hog! Surely the CATS can win! Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Have a great weekend and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

TAILS from Sandersville

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Wednesday evening and we are not in the Woody Bus!!! Before you worry, nothing is wrong. We are just close to home on Thursday. Because of that, Dad said we could leave early in the morning! In fact, Dad said we would have to be in the Woody Bus ready to leave home at 6:20 pronto. As you can imagine, I have to go to bed even earlier than usual!

Yesterday, our family spent the day at a brand new school in Lexington, KY called Sandersville. Sandersville Elementary just opened up this school year! It used to be Linlee Elementary. We visited Linlee two years ago and couldn't wait to return! The building at Sandersville was much different than Linlee but the teachers and the students were the same friendly bunch we remembered from a few years ago! A great big hug to Mrs. Lisa Spaulding for making Tuesday, October 14th, Woody, The Kentucky Wiener Day!

The new school was gorgeous! Chloe and I made sure we minded our manners. Dad reminded me several times that I couldn't have accidents of any kind! Mission accomplished - no accidents!

I posted a picture of the building for you to see. If you look closely, you can see that it says 2008. I also posted a picture of Frances P. Florence, or Frannie as we call her. She is our official body guard on the Woody Tour. You can see by the photo that she is scanning the crowd making sure that Chloe and I are safe! She's the best!

By the way, we have some new photos on the Photo Page so be sure to take a minute to sniff around!

Off to bed! Tomorrow we will be in Anchorage! We can't wait! I will tell you all about it! Sweet dreams and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

By the way, that's Anchorage, Kentucky not Anchorage, Alaska! If it had been Anchorage, Alaska we would have had to have left home before now!

Happy Columbus Day!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful October day! My apologies for not blogging sooner! Our family was gone the entire week last week! I know the wheels on the Woody Bus must be tired! Ha Ha (Get it? Wheels? Tired? Nevermind...)

Our family left home on Monday to travel to Southside Elementary in Belfry, KY. Belfry is three miles from Williamson, West Virginia. In fact, after school on Tuesday, Dad took us to West Virginia for dinner. It was funny to tell eveyone we were going to West Virginia for dinner! (The food is just as tasty in West Virginia as it is in KY!) Anyway, our time at Southside was terrific! Unfortunately, we don't have any pictures. Dad accidentally dropped the camera at school that morning and the rest, as they say, is history...

Our very first priority on Wednesday morning was to find a Wal-Mart and buy a new camera! While we were shopping, we realized we needed a few other necessities like toothpaste, soap, and a new tennis ball. Chloe and I helped Mom scan the items at the check out! I think I may have a future as a check-out canine!

We left Wal-Mart and drove to Grant County, KY to speak to teachers at Mason-Corinth Elementary. We were with Kriss Johnson (Newspapers in Education Manager at the Herald Leader). We talked about how students and teachers could use newspapers in their classrooms. In other words, we paper-trained them!

We left Grant County and headed to Jessamine County - Nicholasville to be exact. On Thursday, were with the students at Warner Elementary! (Don't you love the sign they made us???) Mrs. Lawson did a terrific job in planning the perfect day and evening! She even put a pawprint on her face!

Friday meant a day off! It was nice to be home at our doghouse in Shepherdsville. Saturday meant another trip to Lexington to watch our Kentucky Wildcats take on the South Carolina Gamecocks. Unfortunately, our CATS came in second! Dad says you can't win them all. So, we just try harder next week!

Sunday found us at church and then leading the walk at the Bullitt County Second Sunday event. Preston Highway was closed so folks could come out and exercise. The last picture is of Mom and me with one of the Bullitt County Sheriffs. He made sure everyone was safe! It was nice to see so many people walking, skating, roller blading, running, and just getting physically fit!

As you can see, the week flew by! Time always flies when you are having fun!

There are so many other things I need to tell you about - like the latest predictions for the story, some new friends we have met, and other exciting things we have done. But, this is Monday so you know what that means - yes, another trip. The Woody Bus is ready to go, so I need to go too!

By the way, Happy Columbus Day! On October 12th in 1492, Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World. Can you imagine what Columbus thought as he set foot on this great land? I wonder if any wiener dogs were on that voyage? I need to research that!

Off to Lexington for a school visit! Have a great day! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

And more predictions...

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is a very busy Monday here at our doghouse! Our family is loading up the Woody Bus for our school in Belfry, KY. It takes about five hours to get to Belfry. Therefore we are leaving early so we can make sure we get a good night's sleep for our school day tomorrow.

We had a few more predictions regarding HEADS AND TAILS. We lover reading the predictions. Take a look:



We are thinking that Woody will end up in 1929. My guys pointed out that this was the year of The Great Depression. People will lose jobs and have difficulty finding work.

Later,

Ms. Smith
C.A.
T.B.
K.K
J.L.
J.W
Spring Meadows School




This was a prediction from Todd County, KY:


We think Woody will dig up the potatoes and get paid for his work. He could never get a penny from today for working, but he could trade his old penny to Chloe for a new penny. Then they will go back to the real time in the 21st century. But if Woody messes up the potatoes he might not get paid and then he and his family be stuck in 1909.



From: Mrs. Tammy Sharp’s third graders at

South Todd Elementary School

Keep those emails coming! We love reading them! Stay tuned, save your pennies, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Guess What Happens Next...

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! My inbox is overflowing with people guessing what will happen in Chapter 4 of Heads and Tails. When Chapter 3 ended, I had just been hired as a potato digger. Students from Madison Southern High School in Madison County emailed me guessing what would happen next. Take a look:


Hi Woody!

We are students at Madison Southern High School. We are enjoying reading about you and your family every week. Here is what we think will happen to you next . . .



"I think Woody will earn enough money digging potatoes to buy a car.
Then he will use the car to drive around."
Michael



"I think Woody will work hard and get paid."
Nichole



"I think he hurts himself while digging potatoes. He cuts his paw on a sharp rock. Then he meets the town veterinarian who fixes his paw and he makes a new friend."
Mindy



"I think he digs potatoes and gets really dirty. Because he doesn't have any money for food, he has to eat potatoes when he gets hungry."
Ms. Kuhn



"I think Woody works really hard to be the best potato digger he can be.
While he is working, he meets some new friends. He finds it hard to leave his new friends when it is time for him to come "back" to 2008."
Mrs. Hudson



We can't wait to see what happens next week. If you are ever in Berea, Kentucky, please stop by and see us. We would love to meet you in person.



Sincerely,



Melissa Hudson and Class
Madison Southern High School
Madison County, KY

I love hearing everyone's predictions. I love the prediction about the car. Michael, I am curious, what kind of car would I drive? Let me know what you think and I will post it here for everyone to see.

Keep those emails coming! Stay tuned, save your pennies, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Close to our Doghouse

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Wednesday morning and Chloe, Frannie, and I just returned from our mid-morning walk. We were three chilly dogs outside. It won't be long before we will have to wear our sweaters. Brrrr....

You know the old saying, "There's no place like home?" Well, it's true! Yesterday, we were at home in Bullitt County. We spent the day and evening at Pleasant Grove Elementary. Typically, on Monday evenings we load the Woody Bus, leave our doghouse in Shepherdsville, and travel a few hours for our school on Tuesday. This Monday was different. We slept in our own bed at home, left home Tuesday morning, and made it to school in about 10 minutes! Everytime we drive to a school I say, "Are we there yet? Are we there yet?" I asked Dad yesterday and he said, "YES! We're here!" That was quick!

We had a terrific day! Ms. Weihe, the media specialist, planned the perfect day! The walls were decorated with wiener dogs! That's always fun! We had an extra-special treat at the Family Reading Night - a cake with my doghouse, my face, and my name! It was so pretty that I didn't want to cut it, but I figured everyone was hungry - and I knew Mom would never let me take an entire cake home to keep forever! Boy was I glad we cut it! It was dee-lish! The cake had three flavors - strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate! I had a taste of the strawberry. YUM-MEEEEEE! I am still licking my lips! A great big thanks to Ms. Dorane and Mr. Eddie for the cake!

I better sign off for now! We have chores to do before we pack the Woody Bus for the rest of the week. Have a great day! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

A House, um, Woody Bus Call

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Sunday evening at our doghouse in Shepherdsville. It was the perfect day - a Sunday afternoon nap, a nice hearty dinner, and beautiful weather that was made for playing outside!

Everyone knows that I am a small-town, ordinary, country wiener dog from Kentucky. But I will tell you that sometimes being somewhat well-known has its perks!

This past Tuesday, our family was at Eminence Elementary in Henry County, KY. After we arrived in Henry County, I had a minor - and I mean MINOR - issue that Mom thought needed medical attention. (It was so minor that I won't bore you with the de-TAILS. Think pimple/hang nail/ingrown hair/ear wax/you get the picture.) Anyway, we happen to have a friend in Henry County who is a veterinarian. His name is Dr. Muncey Pryor. Mom called Mrs. Pryor and asked if Dr. Pryor could see me - even though we didn't have an appointment. Dr. Pryor worked around MY schedule at the school and fit me in! Can you believe that? He worked around OUR schedule! While Mom worked with some students in the afternoon, Dad and I slipped away for our appointment with Dr. Pryor. He fixed me right up and I went back to the school as good as new!

Well, if that wasn't enough, yesterday we were at Commonwealth Stadium TAIL-gaiting before the UK and Western game. I had just finished up dinner when Dad said, "Woody, guess who is here?" "The Wildcat? The UK Team? The cheerleaders?" I kept guessing. Just then, I heard a voice say, "Hey Woody! I came to do a house, I mean, um, Woody Bus call. Let me take a look at you!" It was Dr. Pryor and Mrs. Pryor checking on me! Now if that's not service, I don't know what is! So, right there outside of Commonwealth Stadium, Dr. Pryor performed a re-check. He looked me over and said, "Looking good, Woody, looking good!" He patted my head and said he had to go focus his attention on the cats - and by that he meant the Kentucky WILDCATS! Dr. Pryor must be a great vet. I am back to normal and the CATS had a big victory! It doesn't get any better than that!

The UK game was a late game which meant our family didn't get to bed on time. So, Mom is making us go to bed earlier tonight - even though we had a good nap. She is making our bedtime snack now. I better scoot! Take care of yourself, see your vet regularly, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

More Predictions

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! We keep getting predictions for why I am shocked and what will happen next in Heads and Tails. Take a look at these:

Dear Woody,

We are Ms. Dunn's third grade class at South Todd Elementary School
in Guthrie, Ky. We really are enjoying your Heads and Tails, story this
year!

We are writing because you wanted us to E-mail you and tell you why we
think you are shocked. We think you are shocked because you have lost
the very special penny with Abraham Lincoln on the front of it. We are
excited to read next week and find out what really happens.

We hope you E-mail us back! Thank you for your wonderful stories!



Love,

Ms. Dunn's Class


Lost the penny... very interesting and very possible. I can be forgetful and clumsy. Here is another predition:


I have a small group of 5th and a small group of 6th graders who LOVE
the story this year! They were "quick" with these predictions, but
wanted me to pass them along to you!
Thanks for bringing this weekly book to us!

1) We think Woody will make a game called Heads & Tails.
2) We think Woody will donate his 1909 penny to a museum.

Classes taught by Mrs. Bess, Bracken County Middle School

A game called Heads and Tails- wow! That sounds fun! Donating it to a museum would be a great idea. I guess everyone will have to wait and see!

Have a great night! Keep the emails coming, save those pennies, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

HEADS AND TAILS

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! My inbox has been overflowing with emails telling me how much everyone loves our new story, Heads and Tails. We are only at Chapter 2 so if you haven't caught it, it's not too late!

At the end of Chapter 2, I open my eyes and am shocked at what I see. We asked students to email me and tell me why they think I am shocked. Here are a few emails:

(We) predict that Woody is in shock because he is in the year 1909. Chapter 3 will take place in 1909. At the end of this episode, Woody will end up in 1929-The Great Depression. They guys figured this out based on ten chapters and putting the dates in order.

Students from Ms. Smith's Class
Spring Meadows School
Bullitt County Public Schools
Bullitt County, KY

That's a neat idea! The Great Depression, hum...


Here was another email:

Our predictions as to why Woody was in shock when he opened his eyes:

He opens his eyes and he is in 1909.

He opens his eyes and the penny is gone.

He opens his eyes and the words property of Abraham Lincoln on the penny.

Ms. McClard's 4th Grade Students
Sharpe Elementary
Marshall County, KY


"Penny gone???" Oh no! Could it be? "Property of Abraham Lincoln" - I like that!


Here is another email I received this morning:

Hi Woody my name is Tyler. So what will you do with the penny. If you aren’t going to do anything with it could you send it to me at (my house in) Maysville Kentucky.

Sorry, Tyler! Nice try, though! I won't send you a penny, but check the mail, you may see something else!

Stay tuned to see what happens with the treasured penny! In the meantime, Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

TAILS from Eminence

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Thursday morning and we are at our doghouse in Shepherdsville. As usual, the Woody Bus is being loaded for yet another road trip! Before we crawled in and buckled our seat belts, I wanted to tell you about our day and evening on Tuesday. Our family was at Eminence School in Henry County, KY. It is a school that has preschool through the 12th grade! We saw students of all ages. Even though we only spoke to the elementary school, we met plenty of middle and high school students! Everyone made us feel right at home!

The principal greeted us with open arms. (See the first photo.) Students made posters for us and the walls of the school had our names all over them! We felt like rock stars! Ms. Bland and Ms. Tina from the library did a PAWS-atively perfect job in planning the day! (The fourth photo is of Ms. Bland and Ms. Tina.) It was almost like the school declared Tuesday, Woody, the Kentucky Wiener Day!

Well, as usual, my family is ready to leave, so I better skee-daddle! We are headed to Madisonville to talk to 50 teachers tonight. We can't wait! With 50 teachers, I have to be on my best behavior!

Have a great day! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY