MORE PRESENTS

Auntie Katy, Paul and Dawn (1) joined Uncle Pand and Dawn (2) with Nanna, Grandad and me of course for a present opening session. I spied several new "Tiggers" and lots of donkeys. As most of you know Grandad is a "Tigger Nut" and Uncle Pand is a great fan of donkeys (although not quite on the scale as the Tigger Nut !! Even Nanna got in on the act with more ducks to add to her growing flock.

We then all went to see Uncle Colin, Jan and Conor, Scott and Oliver to deliver even more presents and have something to eat with them.

SNOW WHITE

WINNING BROWNIE POINTS

Hello everyone its Dougal here again. Just to tell you that i've been earning brownie points again. Despite my indiscretion (running off) a short time ago Grandad took me for a walk to the BIG WOOD again one of my all time favourite places. Although I heard a few bangs I managed to keep going and concentrate especially as there were lots of rabbit holes for me to dig in. No rabbits though - still waiting.

Another good walk on Monday through the Driffield streets but we met lots of nice people and visited the pet shop where Grandad bought a whistle. Seems I respond quite well to it !! Also got three lamb chewy treats.

Everybody going to watch Dawn (1) in Panto tonight.

Oh yes nearly forgot Uncle Pando and Dawn (2) arrived last night.

AND SO HOME AGAIN

We travelled back fairly early on the Saturday after Boxing Day after Grandad had de frosted the car. Edinburgh suffered a -4 degrees overnight so the car was a bit iced up. However we were on our way just before 8am and headed for the A1 road which was very quiet. We managed a stop just before the Tyne Tunnel for sausage and egg muffins and coffee (a few biscuits for me) and a quick stroll about so I didn't get too stiff (and a quick wee wee here and there). So we arrived safely home again. Visited my own garden again and made sure our Xmas tree was damp !!!!!

BOXING DAY

Now the idea is that Nanna and Grandad take me for a walk with Martin and Mikey riding bikes along with us. Great idea. Half way Mikey says "i'm thirsty" so he and Nanna go back home and Martin and I carry on and they will catch us up. Still waiting Mikey. Martin and Grandad with Dougal carried on but Mikey gave up. No stamina. I did well as Grandad had already taken me out for an hour at 7.30am when it was still dark. And I found two rabbits but Grandad just managed to hang on to me although his right arm is now longer than his left. If only...............

We were joined before lunch by Auntie Karen's Mum and Dad and sister Claire, so Martin and Mikey had all grandparents at once which hasn't happened before. A very happy time for all and more presents for Martin and Mikey and even more football cards !!

FORTY WINKS FOR GRANDAD AND DOUGAL

Well what else do you do after a Christmas Dinner ??

CHRISTMAS DINNER

Auntie Karen and Uncle Simon prepared a wonderful Christmas Dinner for us all. We started with melon and palma ham followed by traditional turkey with all the trimmings. Even Dougal gets a bit of the turkey and I like turkey !! They both worked very hard and we all thanked them very much. Because there is so much to do at Xmas time it is good that it only comes round once a year !!

CHRISTMAS DAY

Christmas Day arrived with lots of ripping paper and things flying everywhere. Uncle Simon has already written a lot about the boys so I wont repeat it all but the boys were very good, got lots and lots of new games and toys, CDs and DVDs, new Liverpool football tops and lots of everything but their favourite at the moment is "football cards" and they got lots and lots of them. Apparently there are 20 teams in a Premier League and each player has one of these cards so you can collect hundreds and put them all in an album. Very exciting - well the boys seem to think so. They should now have enough new "stuff" to keep them going until it all starts again next Xmas.

DOUGAL THE BLACK NOSED REINDEER

Well hello to everybody. I hope you all had a super Xmas. I went with Nanna and Grandad up to Scotland to see Martin and Mikey, Auntie Karen and Uncle Simon and although we were running a couple of hours late we arrived at about 5.30pm on Xmas Eve. Just before we got to the house Grandad changed into his Father Christmas outfit and I became one reindeer. Anyone passing us during those few minutes would have seen Grandad taking his trousers off by the side of the road !!! So we walked up to the house and got lots of waves en route as people spotted Santa with a black reindeer. The boys were very excited to see us and I got lots of hugs on arrival. We were just in time for dinner (or we were late and dinner waited for us). I got lots of presents including a new big bone as you can see in the picture.

MARIE CURIE SANTA'S GROTTO 2008

Nanna has completed her help with Santa's Grotto at Cranswick Garden Centre this afternoon which was the last day. There was a last minute rush with lots of boys and girls coming in to see Santa during the last half hour. There was a raffle as well and a "Guess where the Santa is" to win a large chocolate Santa Claus. It is hoped that with all their efforts over the last few weekends that they will raise a few hundred pounds for the charity. Stay tuned and I will bark the amount to you as soon as I know.

DOUGAL IN THE DOGGY DOGHOUSE

Guilty as charged. Left poor old Grandad a quarter of a mile away and headed back to the car. Heard a "little" bang and that was it. In my defence I say that it was those fireworks back in November that have done me cos I was fine before that. Now every time I hear a "bang" i'm off. Forgot poor old Grandad is managing on one and a half legs still. I also made the cardinal sin of running over a main road. Sentenced to all walks now on lead. Review at end of January.

EFFORTS HELP CHARITY

STOP PRESS NEWS. THE GIRLS RAISED £31.50 FROM THEIR CAROL SINGING WHICH HAS ALL BEEN DONATED TO MARIE CURIE CANCER CARE CHARITY. WELL DONE GIRLS

DAWN AND FRIENDS GO CAROL SINGING

Dawn and three of her friends from "Starstruck" go carol singing in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Relief. We will let you know how much they raised when the box is opened and independently counted and verified. Well done girls.

NANNA DOING HER SHUFFLES TAP

Nanna is the one with the two television aerials on her head !!!

WEATHER PICTURES

Grandad took several pictures of the red sky over Driffield last Sunday and sent a few into the BBC. They sometimes show viewers contributions but haven't seen any so far.

VERY BUSY WEEK THAT WAS

Well we have finally got rid of the snow and ice but it took a long time and definitely cost me walking time. We still have a lot of snow at a place called Garrowby which is a long steep hill on the main road to York. However the snow was replaced by a monsoon which lasted 24 hours. Garden under water again. Water water everywhere. Dawn was starring in her school Xmas play - she was a wise woman !! Nanna and Grandad said the show was very good. Then on Friday Dawn's Starstruck Theatre Group put on a singing show and once more Dawn made a good contribution. (They do their pantomime very soon). To round off the week we had both Nanna and Dawn starring in a Shuffles Dance Class "Showcase". Lots of tap dancing with the little ones doing some cheerleading. All very entertaining. It was Martin's 10th birthday last Friday but you can read all about that on Uncle Simon's blog http://simesstuff.blogspot.com/

After all the snow and ice Grandad took me to the beach earlier today. We're lucky really that the beach is only 10 miles away but the sea was a bit rough and there were lots of dogs about. Yes I chased around with a few. Found one that was chasing me in a big circle and then we changed over and I chased him. Got cream crackered a bit. Good fun for an hour or so. Must remember not to drink seawater - it has a sort of flushing out effect !! No comment. Hope you like the picture - only taken three hours ago

HUMAN HORROR PLACE

Hello folks it's your old mate Dougal here again. Haven't written for a few days but pleased to report that Grandad's visit to the Vet (sorry thats hospital in human language) was successful although he is still suffering from mild akneemea (dogs can't spell). Anyway they didn't find any horrors. He was not a happy bunny on Monday and Tuesday (will spare you the details but safe to say he had a season ticket to the toilet !!!) but seems reasonable now although still suffering with the on going sciatica. He's a bit of a wreck, unlike me thats been leaping about in the snow we've been having lately. Early winter. We live in the middle of the Yorkshire Wolds and we tend to get snow as we are at a slightly higher level. Some schools are closed today but Dawn's is open (though I think really she wanted it shut). You can see a picture of our house and the lying snow. It's supposed to stop anytime now then get warmer and brighter. Nana and Grandad are due to go to York tonight to watch "Blood Brothers" so they are hoping the weather improves. They have seen Blood Brothers at least a dozen times but always go when it comes around. They've also seen it several times in London, in Leeds, Scarborough , Hull and York. I wonder if they like it ??

FOX SPOTTED ROUND THE HOUSES

Grandad and I were out for my nightly walk last night and we saw a fox in the middle of the road. He quickly dashed between some houses and was gone.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

Christmas will soon be here lots of presents and nice things to eat. Grandad says we are going to Scotland to see Martin and Mikey (and Karen & Simon of course) so we might be having roast Haggis for Xmas dinner. Now i've never had Haggis so I hope they find one and shoot it quickly, so it will be ready in time. Funny looking thing isn't it ??

SNOW DOG

Lots of snow yesterday, last night and today. Look what happened to me - digging out my old bone from under the snow. It's funny cos I go into the garden and the snow turns yellow. I wonder why.............?

BAD START TO THE WEEK

Unfortunately Monday morning started very badly. A phone call at 08.15 from Katy started it all. Her car had been hit at the back by a van when it was stood at traffic lights. She was ok but has suffered a bit of "whiplash" so didn't go to work for a few days - very sensible. The car will take a good 2 weeks to repair. Not Katy's fault but little consolation. Grandad decided he would go to Hull on the train and missed it by 30 seconds !! Had to wait nearly an hour for the next one. Leaves on the line was the excuse !! He has managed 4 films this week. "Zack and Miri Make a P****" (comedy), Baader-Meinhof Complex, Quantum of Solace, and Max Payne. He's fully equipped to award the Oscars now. By the way he missed the train back from Hull on Monday as well but then it didn't matter too much, they were back to running every half hour (although this one was 10 minutes late) Tuesday saw Grandad go for his diabetic check up and all was ok apart from cholesterol which was up a bit. He followed that with a trip to the local hospital for continued investigation into his akneemea. Now he has to go to a hospital in Hull when they put tubes into him from both ends. He is a real HOSPIPHOBE so the kicking and screaming have yet to start.

Dawn had to go to school on Friday dressed in "Tudor" costume so Nana spent most of Thursday making her a dress. The picture is shown above. They have been doing The Tudors in history at school. A few more Tiggers have arrived on the scene - A Halloween Trick or Treat one, A Cowboy one, a winter skier and a big hot water bottle cover. Not bad for a week's Tigger work!!

He missed two as well being outbid by miles.

GREAT GRANDMA EILEEN IS 85

November 8th is Grandma Eileen's 85th birthday and Colin's 58th birthday. Nana and Grandad went to York to meet Grandad's brother Peter and his wife Jill to take Grandma out for dinner at a restaurant called One19TheMount. By all accounts it was very good. I spent the evening with Colin, Jan and the boys rather than be on my own listening for those screeching fireworks again.

GUY FAWKES GONE ??

Hello everyone. Just to tell you all that I survived the night of screeching and bangs. I was shaking and panting heavily for several hours last night but I got through it and I think i'm ok today. Hope thats it but there still might be one or two this weekend. I'm ALIVE and kicking (and scratching - that word BATH got mentioned again.)

BONFIRE NIGHT

Its that day again. Guy Fawkes night. I hate it. Its all them screaming noises and bangs. They scare me so much that I shake very badly. Two nights already its been bad and tonight will be another. I know its fun but think of us poor old dogs (and cats). We hear all those noises that you humans don't.

HALLOWEEN PARTY

Auntie Katy had a halloween party for some of her friends and children. I went but without a costume and everybody made a big fuss of me. I had to resist the party food as it doesn't like me. The kiddies went out Trick or Treating and played lots of games like Apple Bobbing, Wrap the Mummy, Hunt the Pumpkin and everybody seemed to have a good time.

On Saturday the 1st November there were a lot of fireworks being let off and screeching sky rockets which I didn't like at all. I was not a happy dog for a couple of hours shaking very badly and very frightened.

I seem to be ok this morning.

NEW BISCUIT

When I went to the V E T the other day, I came across this biscuit which was in a jar on the VET's counter. I had a few and they tasted great so Grandad bought me a box full. I've nearly eaten my way through them all so someone will have to go shopping again !! I also got a nice new lamb bone as well. Lovely jubbly.

UNCLE PANDS SHINY NEW BIKE

Well folks - it's arrived. Uncle Pando has his new 750cc Kawasaki. Now wheres the Dougal seat?

GETTING READY FOR PANDOS MOTORBIKE

VET VISIT

Hello everybody Dougal here. Had my first e-mail the other day so i'm now a proper cyber dog. Bit of bad news - Dawn's pet rabbit Emily died at the weekend. Although she was quite old its still sad. Paul buried her in the garden and Dawn is going to mark the grave with a little cross.

Well I went off to that horror place yesterday (yes the VET) but I was quite well behaved. Had to have my claws cut as they were getting a bit long. Also got weighed - am now 28kg but all muscle. No fat on Dougal. Got some more worm tablets and flea drops to keep me clear and I also heard the word BATH mentioned. Not so sure about that !!?

Apparently there is a mobile dog wash that comes round. Mmmmmmmmm. We'll see. Grandad still suffering.

IT'S NICE TO BE LOVED

Mikey and Martin came to see me from Sunday to Tuesday (with their Mum and Dad of course. They like me a lot and have had me chasing balls and toys in the garden till I was right tired out.
They seem to love me a lot as you can see from the photo of me getting squashed by the two boys. It was a good chance for all the old board games to come out - things like Monopoly, Sorry, Snakes and Ladders and Knock em Out. Oh and the good old Space Invaders. Nice to know that the old ones are still the best. Have had a few good walks as well. They have all gone off to York today leaving me and "Quasimodo" behind !!!

NEW SQUEAKY TOY

Have got this new squeaky toy. Think its a shark or a whale but I seem to respond quite well to it. As i've got a suspicious doggy mind I think it may well be used on walks to get my attention sort of like a whistle. Well I dont mind that. Still no cheery news on poor Grandad he has good days and bad days. Seems to be real bad in the mornings when he tries to get up and then in the evenings again. Hope he gets well soon but Nana is doing a grand job and I still get my regular walking.

I'm just going out for a walk now so i'll report back shortly.

Well folks it seems to work. I respond to the squeak - well and the bag of cheese bits !!

SCOTLAND - WHERE ARE YOU ??

Hello everyone, its your old mate Dougal here again. Due to Grandad's continuing problem with sciatica we have missed our weeks holiday in Scotland. We were due to go last weekend up to Dunkeld (between Perth and Pitlochrie) but no chance of travelling. So i've missed out on some good Scottish walks. The picture shows where we were going. Never mind, as they say what you've never had you've never missed and maybe we can have another go next year. Nana has taken over most of the walking with Grandad laid up. She's doing a grand job in the circumstances and I still get out for a reasonable walk at least once a day. Grandad has managed a couple of short walks but thats his limit at present. Hopefully he won't be too long before getting better.

GRANDAD'S GOLFING DAYS ARE OVER

A sad day for poor Grandad. After struggling with the bad shoulder for about a year Grandad thought he better try and put his "new swing" into operation so went to play a few holes two weeks ago. All appeared ok at the time and he was hopeful of some Winter golf, however, within 72 hours he got an acute attack of sciatica which has laid him low ever since. A repeat of what he suffered back in the Spring of 2005 i'm afraid. He has therefore decided to give up playing the game. Can't risk any further problems when this lot of sciatica clears up. He has spent more time on the floor than me over these past two weeks. No doubt there will be a sale of golf equipment before too long. Just one consolation - he'll have more time to spend with me on walks !! Sorry Grandad.

CYBER DOG

Hiya folks. Just to let you all know that i'm now a cyber dog. My new e-mail address is
dougalthedog@bouncingtigger.co.uk
Hope you all send me lots of e-mails and pictures as I love hearing from you.

FRAISTHORPE BEACH

Last Tuesday (that was the 16th) Nanna and Grandad both came with me for a run on the beach at Fraisthorpe which is just south of Bridlington. The beauty of this beach is that it's long and flat and at low tide you have to walk a long way to get to the sea (as you can see from the picture) Well we timed it just right and I had a real good walk, and run, chased balls and had plenty of good fun. There are also lots of old sea defences and the remains of wartime "pillboxes" along the beach. Great for exploring. It was a nice fine day but still a cold wind so humans needed coats. I've got mine on all the time so a bit of wind didn't bother me. I also showed everyone that I can run through big puddles and don't mind the water !! Still couldn't catch a seagull though.

SAT NAV DOUGAL

Hello folks it's your old Doggy friend again. Been back in THE BIG WOOD this morning. Left poor old Grandad wondering where I was - must have been gone over half an hour but forgot to look at my dog watch. More rabbit chasing. Found several big holes where something has been digging. Maybe a badger ?? Anyway I eventually put in an appearance. Grandad says i've got built in satellite navigation as I always manage to find my way out. Thought you might like to see an up to date photo of me in the big wood. This is one of the few times that Grandad has found me looking in the trees. Anyway, there I am. Nice glossy coat you can see. Eee I look in reet good fettle !! (thats Yorkshire for looking well).

Its my birthday about now, don't know exactly when but I was born September 2004 so I am 4 years old. Thats 28 in human years !! No longer a pup.

BACK ON THE OLD RAILWAY LINE

Here's a quiz question : what's the difference in the two pictures ?? Yes quite right, the collie on the left can't sing !! Me - i'm in fine voice at the moment. Not sure if i'm a baridogtone or a dogtenor but I can fill the car with a variety of notes. Perhaps I can get recorded and you can all have me on your I Pods. What a good idea. We can call them I Dogs !! Back on the Railway line yesterday, first time there for a few weeks. Bit wet underfoot but a good healthy walk. Grandad did 3 miles. Dougal did at least 4. Now there was this rabbit sat on the path. It didn't notice me walking along so I changed gear gradually. Into 2nd, 3rd, 4th and then we're off. Top gear and flying. How I missed him I don't know but 6 inches is all I missed him by. Spent another five minutes buried in the undergrowth looking for him. If only...........Butchers Tripe dog food on special offer at the moment - looks like i've got a good supply in. Not much other news for you. Need some nice weather for a change.

WEIMARANER DOG

Forgot to tell you about this type of dog, two of which I met about 10 days ago. Its pronounced VIMARARNA and they are hunting dogs. Never seen many of them but these two were very well behaved and walked nicely with their owner. Put me to shame. Go to the bottom of the class Dougal. Need to learn a lot don't I.

ENZO AND THE SINGING COLLIE

Hello folks - meet Enzo, he's an Italian Spinone dog who I met twice this morning during my good long walk with Grandad. One of the best walks we've had. I've met Enzo before and his owner nicknames me "The Singing Collie". I wonder why ?? Maybe it's all that yowling in the car en route to the walk. I don't do it on the way home ! Anyway Enzo and I had a right good chase about through muddy puddles, up and down until we had to be seperated otherwise neither of us would have finished our walk. Also had a good time in the woods. Am sure I had something cornered but never got it. Good fun anyway. Had a bit plateful of grub when I got home.

RUGBY, HOLLY AND APPROACHING AUTUMN

Hello boys and girls, your favourite hound is back. Hull FC lost in the Rugby League Challenge Cup to St. Helens. Grandad met up with Simon and Martin last Saturday at Wembley Stadium to watch the match and it was very good by all accounts especially as the game wore on and players got tired. Hull were in front with only 15 minutes to go but then St. Helens got the better of them. Grandad went by car and train. Simon and Martin flew down to London from Edinburgh on Friday, went to see a show called SPAMALOT, stayed overnight, went to Hamleys toy shop then to Wembley and then fought their way through the crowds back to Heathrow for the flight back. A tiring day but they all enjoyed it.

Had a nice walk back on the Spellowgate round last Friday and was on my own most of the time until I spied a big bloodhound on my tail. She was all slobbery and her name was HOLLY. My trouble still is that I get distracted whenever I see other dogs. Can't help it. Must be a Dougal failure. Today is the first day of September and all the kiddies round here will be back to school on Wednesday. Martin and Mikey went back ages ago but Scotland is slightly different from England with their holidays. Autumn is now on the horizon and I heard a word called Christmas mentioned the other day. I wonder what that is all about ???

BIG WOOD FOR RABBIT CHASING

Hello folks, Doggy Dougal here again. Just thought you might like to see the place where I do my "disappearing" acts and go chasing rabbits, dig holes, and generally enjoy myself away from anybody. You can see the place marked BIG WOOD. I can easily get through the hedge and i'm in. Grandad has alternative names for me :- 1) Magic because I can perform disappearing acts and 2) Boomerang because I always come back. Have to do a bit of wimpering now and again because I do lose my sense of direction slightly and I hear these many calls of Dougal Dougal Dougal. But I eventually re-unite so alls well. Wore myself out earlier today running around in the wood. Maybe i'm a greyhound in disguise !!