TAILS from LeGrande

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Yet another busy week on the Woody Tour Calendar. We just spent the last four days at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center for the Kentucky Craft Marketing Show. It is one of our favorite times of the year. It's like a homecoming! We get to see all our friends, look at beautiful art, and taste DEE-LISH Kentucky made food! The show was terrific, but after it was over, our family was dog tired! Anyway, enough about that. I have to tell you about one of the best school days ever!

Last week our family spent the day and evening at LeGrande Elementary in Hart County. We were so happy to finally make it to the school. Our first day was cancelled because of the ice storm. Then our make up day was cancelled due to the ice storm. Thankfully our make up day for the make up day went off without a hitch! I was afraid we would have a tsunami or a volcano erupt or something else that would force us to have to postpone. Mom told us not to worry. She said volcanoes, hurricanes, or wild horses couldn't keep us away! It was definitely worth the wait.

LeGrande Elementary has students from Preschool up to the 8th grade. We saw all ages and sizes of students! We met lots of peopele - CAT fans, Cardinal fans (which were out numbered by the way) and even students with nicknames like NAILS. NAILS said he got the nickname because he was "tough as nails." I think I need a nickname - maybe PAWS or something. Woodster has a cool ring to it too.

Not only did I meet people, we were showered with gifts. Ms. Northcutt (the media specialist - third photo) gave us presents. My favorite present came from Ms. Northcutt's mother, Ms. Damron. Ms. Damron is the media specialist at Prestonsburg Elementary. While we were at that school, I fell in love with this bear. That bear was so big - and it belonged to the school so I had to leave it there. I really missed it! Ms. Damron sent me a belated Christmas present! It was my very own bear! You can see how much I love it! I have been carrying it around EVERYWHERE! It's a little harder carrying it around now since one of the ears is well, nevermind. The bear is my new best friend! I sleep with it every night. It keeps the lions and tigers away!!!

Dad took great photos at the school. He took over 100! My diary will only let me show you five or so. Here are a few of my favorites like the one of Frannie being held by a student. We also love the one of Ms. Spillman (the media assistant) and Chloe. The CAT and Card picture speaks for itself!

We will add more to the picture page soon. We had gotten behind with that but are trying to catch up! Also, check the site in a few days for our first ever clothing line!!! My very own sweatshirts and tee-shirts!

I better say ARFF! It just turned 9:00 and I have chores to do. Chloe and Frannie are helping Mom with the laundry. Wally and I are going to help Dad pick up sticks in the yard. Thankfully the sun is shining! Wally and I get the tough chores since we are guys! (Don't tell our sisters that.)

Have a great day! Enjoy the sunshine, work hard at your chores, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

aka WOODSTER

HelmWOODY Heights

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It's Wednesday afternoon and we just finished our afternoon walk. When we returned home, Mom treated us to a nice cold cherry PUPscicle! Yum! It hit the spot! Anyway, while I waited for my lips and tummy to warm back up, I thought I would tell you about our visit to Elizabethtown last week. (Sorry for the typing mistakes. My paws are still stickkkkkky.)

Last week, our family spent the day at HelmWOODY Heights. Well, the name of the school is Helmwood Heights, but I am sure they are just waiting until they change the sign out front before they officially start calling it HelmWOODY Heights! We had visited the school several years ago. When we returned, it was just like walking through our own front door. Everyone made us feel like family! They showered us with hugs, kisses, compliments, and gifts! A great big puppy dog thanks to Ms. Haycraft, Ms. Wilson, Ms. Wilson's Reading Class, and all the staff and students! We are still barking about our day!

Ms. Haycraft and Ms. Wilson gave Mom a brand new nightshirt. We love it! The first night she wore it, I was scared! I woke up in the middle of the night and thought there was another wiener dog in our bed! I was afraid our family had adopted another wiener dog and everyone forgot to tell me. After barking and waking up the entire family - and probably neighborhood too - Mom reminded me it was just her nightshirt. Whew!

I better say ARFF! Our family is getting ready to load the Woody Bus and drive to the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville. We will be at Kentucky Crafted for the next few days. If you are in the area, come and see us! It will be nice to be close to home this week. We can spend the night at our actual doghouse! Also, I can't wait to tell you about the fantastic day and evening we spent at LeGrande yesterday. I have lots of tails and photos from that visit too. I will write again in the next day or two so stay tuned!

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

WOODY

TAILS from The Lexington School

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Thursday afternoon and we are at our doghouse in Shepherdsville doing what we always do on our day off. Mom is cleaning, Chloe, Frannie, and Wally are napping after a hearty lunch, and I am answering email. I don't know how anybody can sleep with the noise. Dad has his chain saw outside and is cutting downs limbs from all the storm damage. Mother Nature has been busy!!! Chloe and I helped Dad pick up sticks, but when the chain saw came out, Mom made us come inside. She said it was too dangerous. Between Mom and Frannie the Body Guard, we are always taken care of!

Last week, we spent one day at The Lexington School in well, Lexington and another day at Walden School in no, not Walden, but Louisville! Both days were so much fun! It was our first time at The Lexington School. We met so many students and teachers. The school was beautiful. There were beautiful big photos of the students all along the walls. They had a yummy school lunch! We ate bean soup and cornbread. DOGlicious!!! Here are a few photos from the day!

It was our second time at Walden School. When we walked in the door, it was just like returning home. Ms. Donna Sewell made us feel right at home. The students had grown from the last time we had spent the day at Walden. Funny, they didn't think Chloe and I had grown at all!!! Unfortunately, we don't have photos. Last week, somebody (I'm not naming names) forgot to pack our camera. Well, it may have been me, but I can't remember. I am sure somebody will send us some photos and we will post them soon!

I better go. I can't wait to tell you about our visit to HelmWOODY Heights yesterday! It was too fun! Also, I made friends with a crocodile. Maybe it was an alligator. Oh well, I will tell you about it next time. Wally the puppy has just gotten up. He is running through the house. I have to go chase him!!!

Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

Prizes, For Me?

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Well you know what the say about New Year's resolutions? They are hard to keep! I had made two resolutions. I was going to keep my desk clean and organized and I was going to write in my diary more. Well let's just say that I am doing better about writing in my diary than I am about my messy desk. In fact, I just found a stash of Scooby snacks underneath my pile of papers!

We have been busy lately, but not really in the schools. The snow has kept us out of school lately. Our schools were cancelled last week due to snow and this week it looks like a major snowstorm is headed our way. We have plenty of dog food in the cabinet and our sleds are ready and waiting! The good news is that we have make up dates scheduled for all the schools we have missed. It looks like we may all be going to school this summer!

Remember how I told you we received a big literacy award from the World Association of Newspapers? Well I wanted to show you some pictures of it. The first picture is of Mom and me looking at the award. Isn't it beautiful? It was made from our very own newspaper articles! Of course, the second picture is of Mom, Dad, and me. The third picture is of James Asher, our illustrator; Kriss Johnson with KPA (we call her Aunt Kriss); and Cliff Feltham with Kentucky Utilities. KU and LGE are two of the big reasons our stories can appear in the newspaper! (If you were wondering where Chloe was, she was snapping the photo.)

If that award wasn't enough, this past Friday, we were awarded the Kentucky Press Association's Russ Metz Most Valuable Member award. The fourth picture is of Mom and Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear. We were so excited and so honored!!! We hung the award in a very special place and Chloe and I look at it every single day! Who would have thought that just an ordinary country boy like me could accomplish something like that??? It proves what Dad says, "Anything is possible but you have to Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!"

Check out www.nieconnects.com.

I better go for now. Mom says we need to run some errands before the roads get too bad. We need to go to the library to get plenty of books to read and the grocery store for some more milk and bread! I may need a few more Scooby snacks. I guess I should look under some more piles of paper first! Actually, Mom just told me we weren't going anywhere until I cleaned up my mess!

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

WOODY

An UGLY Dachshund???

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! It is Saturday morning and we just returned from our morning walk. It was much shorter this morning since it is raining cats and wiener dogs. We had to wear our rain slickers and rubber boots! We were sloshing water everywhere! We love Saturday mornings. After we finish our chores, we have the opportunity to play. Sometimes we play checkers, go to the library, or watch a movie. Today, our very favorite movie is coming on the Hallmark Channel. It is The Ugly Dachshund. I know, the title is very confusing. I mean, who has ever seen an ugly dachshund??? It may be a confusing title, but the movie is our favorite. It even features a dachshund named Chloe.

Speaking of pets, Mom and Dad are watching the news and the anchor is interviewing a man who has 180 cats living in his house! He helps rescue them and find homes for the cats. Frannie the Bodyguard and Wallie the puppy are both from rescue organizations. If you need a new pet, check out a rescue group!

We had a great week! We kicked off the 2009 Woody Tour in Montgomery County at Mt. Sterling Elementary! It was a big school - over 700 students! Even though it was large, it felt really small. Everyone made us feel like family! Mrs. Wendy Rogers, the media specialist, planned the perfect day - and boy did it fly by! You know the old saying about time flying when you are having fun!

We hope your day is fun! Chloe, Frannie, and Wally are settling down in front of the t.v. so I better go. The movie is getting ready to begin. We have seen it hundreds of times but that doesn't matter. It makes me giggle everytime - especially when the doxies make a big mess with all the yarn! They can get in lots of trouble!!! Just think, if that man has 180 cats in the house, Mom and Dad could get 176 more wiener dogs! Now THAT would be fun!!!

Have a great day! Stay dry, stay out of trouble, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

A New Year

Kentucky Greetings, WoodyWatchers! Breathe in, breathe out! Breathe in, breathe out! I think I am finally caught up! You should have seen my desk. It was covered in cards, letters, research for the new story Mom and I are working on, my favorite coloring books, the list goes on and on... Mom said I had to get things cleaned up. "It's a new year, Woody. It's time to start fresh so CLEAN UP YOUR MESS!" So, I cleaned up my mess and feel nice and organized!

Our family has been off for Christmas break. We had a great time. We slept a little later than usual, played more checkers, took more walks, and took advantage of our vacation. We also went to Memphis for the Liberty Bowl. Our Kentucky Wildcats played the Pirates of East Carolina University! Guess what? We won! Chloe, Frannie, Wally the puppy, and I stayed in the Woody Bus during the game but we listened to every play and cheered them on! (You should hear Chloe being our head cheerleader!) Our cousins Caroline and Patrick were at the game too. Dad took a photo of Mom, Caroline, and Patrick. Look at all that blue!

I also included a photo of President Lincoln and me. This was from the 2008 Kentucky Book Fair. (Ran across it when I was cleaning!) Thought you might enjoy!

We are loading the Woody Bus getting ready for our trip to Mt. Sterling Elementary. We have our warm clothes packed. We can't wait to get back in the schools tomorrow!!!

Everyone has asked if I have any resolutions for the new year. For one, I am going to get back to regular blogging. I had been a slacker! Oh, and I am going to stop being so messy. No more crumbs everywhere when I am eating, no more messy desks, no more toys all over the room. I am going to be Woody the Clean and Organized Kentucky Wiener!!!

Have a great day! Stay tuned, stay organized, stay warm, and Work and Dream like a BIG DOG!

WOODY

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