Hunter's Masterpiece

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is one hot Sunday today! I just dialed the number where the lady tells me how hot it is outside. She said, "Temperature - 94 degrees!" Chloe and I are two sizzling hot dogs! Since it is a scorcher outside, we have been staying inside, playing checkers, and reading our very favorite books!

Speaking of books, we have a new favorite book! It is called, "Woody and Chloe Come to Taylorsville Elementary." It was written and illustrated by our good friend, Hunter. Hunter is a kindergarten student. We met Hunter during our visit to his school this past year. During the assembly, he earned a dog bone. We became fast friends! Anyway, his class had to write and illustrate their very own book this year and guess who they wrote about? You got it - Chloe and me! It is a terrific book! It talks about the day Chloe and I visited Hunter's school, and about how he earned a dog bone for answering a question. The illustrations are so colorful! Hunter and his classmates shared their books with their parents one night! I bet that was a fun night!

I included a few pictures. The first two photos are of Hunter and his teacher, Ms. Cundiff. Hunter is sharing his book with his classmates and his parents. The next few pictures are ones I took from the book. My favorite illustration is the last one - the one of Hunter and me! I think this book is a masterpiece! Chloe and I read it over and over and over...

Hunter, if you are reading this, thanks so much! Chloe and I have put a little surprise in the mail, so stay tuned!

I better go. Mom and Chloe are making a big pitcher of lemonade - a perfect treat to stay cool!

Have a great day! Drink lots of water, wear your sunscreen, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Cousin Patrick

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Friday afternoon and our family is enjoying a day off at our doghouse in Shepherdsville! We have been playing outside, chasing tennis balls and kitty cats, as well as picking dandelions for Mom! We thought we would take a break and say ARFF!

Last week, we spent some time at our Cousin Patrick's school in Paducah, KY. Patrick just graduated from the 5th grade at Clark Elementary. Mom, Dad, Chloe, and I wanted to give Patrick a graduation send-off, so we loaded up The Woody Bus and drove to Paducah to spend some time with Patrick's class before Graduation Day! Everyone knows that Paducah is my favorite place since I was born in that town! As usual, everyone made us feel right at home - especially Ms. Ruggles, Ms. Thompson, and of course, Cousin Patrick!

We took this photo! Can you see the resemblance? Everybody can!

Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the actual graduation ceremony, but the news in our family spread fast that Cousin Patrick had received the 5th Grade Math Award. We were so proud of him! Not only does he get his good looks from me, he also gets my math skills! I included a photo of me doing some calculations just in case there were any doubts!

Congratulations to Cousin Patrick and all the 5th Grade Graduates!

I better skedaddle. It is almost lunch time. Chloe is pouring the lemonade now! Have a great day! Enjoy the sunshine, pick lots of dandelions, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Memorial Day

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Once again, I have been a little behind in my journal writing. We have been finishing up our school visits for the year and preparing for our summer events. I have so much to tell you from the past few weeks like our great visit to McKinney, our day at Joseph Beth and the Kentucky Artisan Center, and about our visit to Cousin Patrick's class. I promise I will give you the deTAILS soon, but today I wanted to bark about Memorial Day!

Our family has always been patriotic, but ever since we spent a week in Washington, D.C. and wrote Mr. Dogwood Goes to Washington, our American pride has overflowed! Chloe and I have always loved Memorial Day. Before our trip to D.C.,the main reason we loved the day is because our family - grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins - gets together every year for a good ol' fashioned picnic. We eat hamburgers (yes, ONLY hamburgers), potato salad, baked beans, corn-on-the-cob, and ice cream! Dee-lish! After our D.C. trip, Chloe and I realized that Memorial Day is about more than picnics! It is about remembering the men and women who died while serving our country. Chloe and I thought about the day we spent at Arlington National Cemetery and saw where over 290,000 men and women who have served our country are buried. It made us stop and, as the day was set aside for, remember those brave people.

This morning, Chloe, Frannie the Body Guard, and I helped Dad put out our American flag. It is flying proudly! Frannie even put on her American flag bandana. And, of course it wouldn't be Memorial Day without singing our favorite patriotic songs like Yankee Doodle, You're a Grand Old Flag, and God Bless the U.S.A.

I better skedaddle for now. It is almost time to join the cousins for the annual picnic. I can taste that corn-on-the-cob now! Have a great day! Sing those patriotic songs loud and proud, remember those who have given us freedom, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

TAILS from McKee

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Hope you are having a terrific Monday. You know what Mondays mean for our family - it means we are packing the Woody Bus, heading out for a week of school visits. Mom is finishing the laundry, Dad is washing the bus windows, the security guard is making sure everything is secure and guarded, and Chloe is barking at the birds. I thought I would take a minute to tell you about our day at McKee last week.

Thursday we spent the day at McKee Elementary in Jackson County, KY. Since we had visited the other two schools in the county and had made so many new friends, we couldn't wait to visit McKee. Like Sand Gap and Tyner, everyone made us feel right at home. Students wore sunglasses, made signs, held up American flags, and even decorated their faces! It didn't feel like school day at all - more like a family reunion or a parade or something! Now that we have visited all three elementary schools in the county, we feel like we know everybody!

Like our visit at Cline, I had to take it easy due to my minor sports injury. I am feeling terrific, but my parents say I have to rest a few more weeks before I return to my usual schedule. So, even though I am traveling everywhere and saying Arff to everybody, my siblings are having to carry the load. I shouldn't have been lifting weights. I just really wanted to build up my muscles!!! Oh well, only a few more weeks of rest!

Speaking of carrying the load, a great big thanks to Ms. Elizabeth Norris of Jackson County for taking care of all our visits. Thanks to the librarians, the principals, the teachers, parents, and most of all the students! We can't wait to visit Jackson County again!

Dad just said the windows are clean so off we go again - this time our destination is Cynthiana! Have a great week! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Catching up - Again!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Is it May already? Where did April go? I can't believe school will be out soon. Speaking of school, I wanted to tell you about our last few schools.

Last Thursday, our family spent the day and evening at E.P. Ward Elementary in Fleming County. We haven't spent much time in Fleming County so we were able to meet lots of new friends! In fact, Chloe found a good friend named Ethan. I snapped a photo of Chloe and Ethan. I think Chloe had a little puppy dog crush on Ethan. I was teasing her about it and then Mom said, "Woody, don't tease your sister." They do make a cute couple don't they???

Yesterday, our family had a great surprise! We went to Cline Elementary in Campbell County. We were so surprised that one of our favorite people in the world was the principal at Cline. Mom went in the school early yesterday morning and came back to the Woody Bus and said, "Woody, Chloe, you will never guess who the principal is! It's Lynn Poe!!!" We met Ms. Poe several years ago at a school called A.J. Jolly. That school closed down and we had lost touch with Ms. Poe. It was so much fun catching up with her! Ms. Cinda Muenchen planned a terrific day for us. We felt like we were on vacation. (I had to take it easier than usual since I suffered a minor little sports injury, but my siblings did a great job carrying my load. By the way, I feel great, but my parents want to make sure I take it easier for a tiny little bit longer.)

We arrived home from Cline around 11:00 last night and are leaving again in a few minutes. We had just enough time to pack clean clothes in our Scooby backpack before hitting the road again. This time our destination is McKee Elementary in Jackson County. We have spent a good bit of time in Jackson County this year. In fact, we have been there so much that it almost feels like home!

I better run! Have a great day! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

TAILS from last week!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Wednesday evening and we are riding down the highways of Kentucky in the trusty old Woody Bus. We are headed to Wallingford, KY. I hadn't written for a while so I thought I would give you a quick, quick update!

Last week was almost like being on vacation. We kicked off our week at St. Catharine College in Washington County. It was a little different being at a college, but we loved it! It made me wish dogs could go to college!

The next day found us in Madisonville. After school, we went to the most delicious restaurant in Hanson, KY. It's called The Campus. Our good buddy, Colton, and his parents own the restaurant. It was the best catfish ever. DEE-lish! We can't wait to go back. Colton was the best server we had ever had wait on us!

After leaving Hanson, we found ourselves with our good friends in Ms. Evans' class at Cravens. Cravens is in Owensboro. They were faithful followers of Mr. Dogwood Goes to Washington. We had so much fun spending the afternoon with them!

Well, Dad says it is time for dinner, so I better close up my laptop! I will write more later! In the meantime, Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Catching Up on the News

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Monday night and past my bedtime. I can't remember the last time I was up past 9:00. It has been the busiest day, but I have accomplished lots of tasks that were on my "To-Do" list. It feels great to accomplish a task and scratch it from the list. One of the last things on my list was to write in my journal, so even though it's late, Mom gave me permission.

I wanted to show you a few photos from last week. This past Thursday, we spent the day in Frankfort at Peaks Mill Elementary. It was a beautiful school and we made lots of new friends. The first four photos were from Peaks Mill. I love the picture of the sunglasses. We look pretty cool, if I do say so myself!

On Friday, we spent a little time with Mrs. Punjack's 3rd grade class at West Point. Her class won the Hardin County News Enterprise Penny Drive. Their prize for winning was a visit from me! There were 10 students in her class - 9 students when the Penny Drive was happening. Can you believe that only 9 students raised over $100 for the Newspapers in Education program? How awesome!!!

This week is CATS testing in the schools. (They aren't really testing cats, but that is what the test is called.) Chloe and I hope everyone has a great two weeks of testing! Remember to concentrate, eat a good breakfast, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

The Roarin' Wiener Dogs

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Friday morning and Chloe and I are looking out the window as the raindrops splash on the pavement. It looks like it is going to be a rainy day at our doghouse in Shepherdsville! That's a great excuse for me to read my favorite books, challenge Chloe to a checker tournament, and even catch a cat nap! I think I may need a nap! We returned home around midnight last night from one of the most exciting school days!

Yesterday, our family spent the day at Ryland Heights Elementary in Kenton County. We were all so excited about our visit! Mom had been talking with Mrs. Judy Spegal - the librarian at Ryland Heights. We had never met her before, but we felt like we were the best of friends! Once we met Mrs. Spegal, we immediately learned that she loves dogs, children, books, and dogs!!! Did I say that already? Anyway, she planned the perfect day and evening for us!

The students at Ryland Heights made us feel right at home. When Mom and Dad were walking in the school yesterday, students were getting off the school bus shouting, "Woody! Chloe!" Chloe and I were in the Woody Bus saying, "Do you hear that? They are shouting our name!!!" We were so excited! As they were walking into the assembly, they were all smiles!!!

The students asked the principal, Mrs. Barwell, if they could change the mascot from the Ryland Heights Tigers to the Ryland Heights Wiener Dogs!!! Mrs. Barwell said that April 10th could be Ryland Heights Wiener Dog Day! Chloe and I felt like the king and queen of the school! We will be sure to put some photos up on the Picture Page soon. We wanted to show you some of our favorites now!

Chloe just told me she has the checker board ready, so I better say Arff for now! Have a great day! Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

A Tuesday in Tyner

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Wednesday and our family is in the Woody Bus, traveling down the Kentucky highways, singing our favorite travel songs! Destination - Ryland Heights in Northern KY. Yesterday, we were in Eastern KY - Tyner to be exact. We spent the day and evening at Tyner Elementary in Jackson County. From the minute we walked in the door, we felt right at home! There were signs everywhere, the cafeteria had been transformed into the Doggie Cafe, and people were even wearing hats and sunglasses! Chloe and I felt like regular rock stars!

Dad took over 100 pictures! We will put photos on the Photo Page soon. We wanted to show you some from the Family Reading Night! Take a look at these faces!!! Aren't they the cutest?

Ms. Gabbard (the librarian), and a host of other people planned the perfect day! They worked hard to make our visit so successful and enjoyable! Chloe and I are still barking about it!

I better go! It is hard to concentrate with Chloe singing On the Road Again.

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

WOODY

A Visit to my Birthplace!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is a gorgeous day today at our doghouse! The sun is shining a bright yellow, the grass is nice and green, and our bird friends are singing a pretty song! We love springtime!

Once again, we are packing our Scooby backpack for another road trip! Tomorrow we are going to the eastern part of the state to be with our friends at Tyner Elementary in Jackson County. We can't wait!

Last week, we were at the opposite end of the state in Western KY - Paducah to be exact - my birthplace. Of all the places to go, Paducah has to be a favorite since my roots are there! Not only was I born in Paducah, but my Granny and cousins live there too!

Our day at Hendron-Lone Oak was absolutely perfect! Ms. Wetzel, the librarian planned the perfect visit! I saw so many of my friends, and like always, made new ones too! My Granny came to see us at the assembly. I had to be on my best behavior!

I better go. Dad is loading the last few items in the Woody Bus. I am always the last one in the bus! Have a great day! Enjoy the sunshine, sing with the birds, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

A Visit to Sebree

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine! The weather man says it is going to start raining, so Chloe and I have been taking advantage of the sunshine! We are packing our backpacks to head to Paducah! Everyone knows that Paducah is one of my favorite places. It's my birthplace! We always love a trip to Western KY!

Speaking of Western KY, we have spent a good bit of time there lately. Last Tuesday we were at Sebree Elementary. Sebree is in Webster County. It was our first time in a Webster County school. Everyone made us feel right at home. A great big thanks to Ms. Mary Steely, our coordinator for the day. It was a perfect day and evening! We will put pictures up soon!

I have much more to tell you about, like our weekend in Madisonville, but I am so behind on my packing. Chloe's bag is ready to go and I haven't really even started! I don't want to be in the doghouse before we leave!

Have a great day! Enjoy the sunshine and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

A Day at Mary Todd

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Hope this finds you having a PAWS-atively perfect day! Once again, sorry I have been a bit slow in writing in my journal. You should see my "To-Do" list. It gets longer every day. We have been traveling, writing, and enjoying March Madness! Everyone knows how much Chloe and I love sports! I have also been a bit slow since we had some trouble with our email. By the way, if you tried emailing us and it was bounced back to you or you didn't receive a reply, send it over again!

Last Thursday our family spent the day at Mary Todd Elementary in Lexington. Mary Todd is located right off North Broadway and though nobody ever said for sure, I am certain it gets the name from Mary Todd, as in Mary Todd Lincoln, the wife of President Abe Lincoln. She was from Lexington, you know!

It was a perfect day! You could feel the energy in the building. For one thing, the Kentucky Wildcats were playing in the first round of the NCAA tournament. Almost everyone, including Chloe and me, had on their Wildcat blue! Unfortunately, the Wildcats lost - or came in second as we like to think. Even though we were sad, it didn't spoil our day. Nothing could have spoiled it! Everyone made us feel right at home! Ms. Campbell and Ms. Carroll (last photo) planned the perfect day and evening! We hope to see everyone at Mary Todd again soon!

I better say ARFF for now. Today is a busy day and I want to chop away at my list. Besdies, it is raining outside and it's a perfect day for a game of checkers or Old Maid. I will write later - promise! In the meantime, Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Trouble With Email

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Chloe and I wanted to let you know that our email hasn't been working for the past week or so. We just found out about it this past Friday. It was tough to figure out because we were getting some of our email while other emails were being sent back to the sender.

We are so sorry about this problem. The minute we found out about it, we contacted the people in charge and they were Speedy Gonzales and fixed it on the spot!

If you tried to email us last week or so and it wouldn't work, try again. Everything is up and running!

Thanks so much! I will be sure to tell you all the neat things we have been doing soon! In the meantime, "Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!"

Woody and the Gang

A Snowstorm in March!

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Once again I have to apologize for not writing in my journal sooner. Where does the time go? As usual, our family has been busy with lots of exciting events.

Last week our family spent four days at Kentucky Crafted: The Market. It is one of our most favorite events of the year. We see our old friends and make new ones too. (I always say that, but making new friends is my favorite part of being the Kentucky Wiener Dog! That, and eating, of course!) This year we had a great big surprise at Kentucky Crafted! We had a snowstorm! It wasn't just a little snow, but a good old fashioned snowstorm. It started snowing on Friday night and the flakes kept falling! It snowed so hard that it even thundered! On Saturday morning, Dad said it had snowed almost 12 inches. Dad had to shovel off a spot in our grass so Chloe and I could go outside. If he hadn't done that, the snow would have covered our body! It was the most snow I had ever seen! (The second picture is one Mom took on Saturday morning while we were driving to Crafted. Dad drove extra slow to keep us safe!)

The first picture is of Lynne, my Chief of Staff. I was obviously taking a break from my busy day. Lynne handles all our office work - and she has the perfect lap to sleep in when I need to catch up on my rest!

The last photo is of Mom, Kendall, and me. Kendall's dad is Mr. Keeling, with LG&E. The LG&E-E.ON Company sponsors our newspaper stories. We had met Mr. Keeling lots of times and heard all about Kendall, but had never met her. There I go again, talking about how much I love meeting new friends! Thankfully since Mr. Keeling sponsors our stories, I wasn't sleeping when he came to our booth! I was working!

Chloe missed Kentucky Crafted. She actually used a few vacation days. As you know, Chloe has really bad allergies. She has to take allergy shots every three days. (She never complains. She acts like the needle doesn't even hurt.) Anyway, because of the soaps and smells and all kinds of things at the show, Mom decided Chloe should hang out in the Woody Bus. Everyone missed her, but Chloe didn't miss the sneezing and scratching she would have done had she been there!

Whew! I still have so much to tell you but I better stop for now. Mom says Chloe and I have to take baths tonight. That is not one of my favorite activities, but Mom said I didn't have a choice. So, I have to find my rubber duckie, a nice clean pair of jammies, and four socks! I promise to write again soon!

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

WOODY