Easter Feaster!

Hello people, Mouse here.

Well, our Coffee Morning Easter Breakfast on Easter Sunday was a real treat!  The Staffs all made their best efforts and I must say, the treats were outstanding! Also, the sun shone on us, the breeze was cool and the temperature was perfect.

At least they’re blue…

Mum persuaded me to wear my Ears. I do rather feel it wasn’t conducive to maximum dognity and authority, but I’ll take the “aww, cute” comments. Also, I refrained from eating them…

 

Lotti went all out and wore not only her Easter collar, but also a rather magnificent and very fluffy pair of ears. I’d have been jealous, except that they were very girly and I do feel they suited her better than they would have looked on Me.

Tuppence, while not a grey and a bit lacking in the leg and length department, did look extremely adorable and seasonal!

And now to the food: For the doggos, there were Easter eggs for all the doggos with treats inside (in case you’re interested, lamb puff, beef jerky and dried herring, yum!) and peanut butter & coconut dog-cookies in the shape of bunnies. For the Staffs, there were scones, jam & cream, Vienna eclairs, peanut butter choc chip cookies and a variety of chocolate (yuck!) mini-eggs. There was probably a bit too much, Mum says, but at least no-one went away hungry. Also, by the time she thought about taking a photo, serious inroads had been made and it was all a bit messy. You can’t get good Staff these days…

It was all very zorsting, and Tiny and I had to have a lie down. It’s hard being this beautiful and clever all the time, you know… Sunshine and Lotti joined us after a bit, but Tiki and Tuppence volunteered to stand guard in case of marauding food thieves.

Miss Tiki

We learned that Tiki and Aunty Erika might be leaving us, which is sad for us, but great for them as it would be for a very interesting new job on the Sunshine Coast. We’re crossing our paws that Aunty Erika gets it, although we’d miss them both a lot. Sadly other members weren’t able to make it, although we hope they’ll be there next time. Not everyone is free on Easter Sunday, so it’s totally understandable.

After all that excitement, I had to come home and have a really large lie-down. Luckily there were plenty of dog cookie leftovers to revive me.

Anyway, we hope everyone will be able to join us next time on Sunday 7th May, usual time and place.

Till then,

Mouse 🐾

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New Friends #13

Hello people, Mouse here.

Sunday was the March Coffee Morning, and it went off beautifully. We missed Aunty Erika and Tiki and Aunty Tracy and the iggies, but otherwise, the regulars were there, the weather was great, there were some tasty treats for doggos and Staff alike, and we got to meet a new friend.

Aunty Rosslyn brought Vander, her new wheaten Irish Wolfhound puppy. And when I say puppy, he’s huge!  He’s as tall as I am, but much more solidly built and has gigantic paws and the start of some very impressive whiskers. Mum says he lacks the full ‘shaggy hearthrug’ effect still, we are mostly just seeing his wheaten undercoat and the true hairiness will grow in time. I wonder what he will make of Walter and Tilly next time they are able to visit… He’s somewhat rambunctious due to his age, but I’m confident Aunty Rosslyn will get him in shape soon.

Aunty Rebecca brought Bunny again, and Mum was able to get Bunny’s biography, so she and Vander have both been added to the Members page, as is only right.  Sunny and Tiny came with their Staffs, and I must say, Tiny is looking a different dog these days after weekly treatments with Uncle Nev. He stands differently, his expression is much less tense and his coat is now smooth and shiny. It makes me very happy to see such a handsome doggo looking his best. Aunty Lyn H brought my lovely Lotti, Aunty Lyn W brought Miss Tuppence, and that completed the gang for this month.

Next month, the Coffee Morning is on Easter Sunday. It was the only Sunday that Dad is free that month due to his shifts. We do understand if people want to spend that day in other ways, but if the Staffs have time, Mum says there will be chocolate, cookies, cake and Easter doggo treats, and it might be a fun opportunity for a doggo dress-up…? Let me know what you think. I don’t mind, so long as I don’t have to do any actual work for it apart from look handsome and lounge elegantly, accepting tribute (aka treats) from my Staff.

Next time: 8.30am Sunday 9th April at the Riverside. Bring your own coffee and Easter treats for you and your doggo. 

Till then,

Mouse 🐾

New Friends #12

Hello people, Mouse here.

Well, once again, another successful social event. Sunday was the February Coffee Morning, and it was an altogether much nicer time than January would have been if we’d attempted to hold it in that frankly appalling weather. I think the Staff are right, and the Riverside picnic area is a good choice of venue. We have it mostly to ourselves on a Sunday morning, there’s plenty of seating for Staffs, grass for the doggos to, um, investigate, fresh tasty water on tap, and a jolly fine view of the Pioneer River, with associated cool breezes. Might not be quite so jolly in July’s winter chill, but we shall wait and see…

The usual suspects

So, lots of Staffs brought tasty treats. Mum baked GF/SF peanut butter cookies which both she and Aunty Tracey were able to enjoy. Aunty Lyn brought caramel banana cake which Dad gave a punishing to, Aunty Simone brought chocolates and Aunty Tracey brought carrot cake. There were leftovers, but no-one left hungry, even the doggos, as Mum had brought lamb puff which was well received all round.

On the doggo side, we had Me, and Lotti, and Sunshine and Tiny and the Iggies Rocco and Zoë, and about halfway through proceedings Aunty Rebecca and her daughter turned up with Miss Bunny, whom we hadn’t met before. She’s quite senior, a retired racer, and we were all very glad to meet her. Mum is going to add her to the Members gallery, but will need to ask Aunty Rebecca for more info for her biography.

Meeting Bunny (far right)

Unfortunately, it appeared that a knock that Lotti had given her foot on arrival appeared to be a dislocation of her toe, and while she was mostly stoic about it, she was clearly in quite some discomfort, so Mum got on the phone to Uncle Nev Jackson to ask if he could manipulate it back in, and Aunty Lyn and Uncle Mark bustled off with Lotti to see him. It appears he got the toe back in place in seconds, Lotti didn’t kick up a fuss (no Greyhound Scream of Death, anyway), and what would otherwise have been a short social chat turned into a mammoth catch up, since it appears Uncle Mark and Uncle Nev are second cousins through their grandmothers. Much chat later, Aunty Lyn called to tell Mum all about it. Small world, greyhound friends!

The rest of us carried on socialising and chatting and sniffing and nose booping, and I feel I was incredibly restrained when I found that young whipper-snapper Rocco testing out my bed. Cheeky young pup. Glad to see Zoë had more sense of decorum…

Well, it was a good one, as I said, and all agree that we’ll meet there again next time. The March Coffee Morning will be on Sunday 19th March, 8.30am at the Riverside Picnic Area. Bring your own coffee and something to nibble, and don’t forget something for the doggos!

Till then,

Mouse, out. 🐾

The Travels of Mouse: Retrospective

Hello people, Mouse here.

Well, we’re on our way home, and Mum and Dad are missing Nambucca Heads already.

The mouth of the Nambucca River from the Shelly Beach Lookout

The weather was really good the whole time, the caravan air conditioning behaved itself, there were no incidents, accidents or mishaps, the wildlife was… interesting (you’ve seen the goanna, meet the magpie who insisted on sharing breakfast), and catching up with distant and greatly missed friends was memorable.

Last night the Staff did lots of very unsettling packing up and putting away, leaving only the bare minimum for My comfort. This morning it was even worse, so shortly after 7am I demanded to get into the car and away from all that nonsense. I must say, they do have the process down pat by now, but it sets my teeth on edge and ruffles my fur to see things being disarranged. Tonight, we’re staying over in Landsborough Pines on the Sunshine Coast again, and tomorrow at Tannum Sands near Gladstone.

The plotters, planning next year

Anyhow… It has been a fun getaway for Me too. I really did enjoy Swimming Creek Beach. All sorts of doggos, but well managed by their Staffs, and I particularly liked meeting all the whippets, my small cousins. And of course I did get several good runs in when the place was empty, so I could get a good workout and stretch my legs.

I know the Staffs had a good time too. To such an extent, mind you, that they are already plotting the next one. Not that I object… It appears that Mum and Aunty Chippy are agreed that the second week of February next year will be spent at the same place, and Aunty Dale has it pencilled in too.

Same time next year

Mum and Aunty Chippy have already booked their spot: Mum and Dad on the shady caravan site and Aunty Chippy and Uncle Jonathan in the cabin directly behind it, beside the beach access. Mum is compiling a list of things to do and places to visit. All the Aunties agree that we will get together again for a reunion meal on Sunday 11th. Fine by me, especially if Diesel and Dolly are there too.

So that’s it for this year. Just two more days of lounging in the back of the car, a night at Tannum, and then we’re home and I can do the sniffspection of the house and back yard to make sure all is well. I hope the chickens have been behaving themselves and that the rude cat from across the back fence has stayed away from My Yard, or I will be giving it another earful next time I see it. Not chasing it, you understand, that would be much too undignified, I’ll just give it a bit of a barking at to let it know the Boss is Back.

I believe there is a roast chicken lurking in the caravan for tonight’s dinner. I shall be insisting on doing Quality Control to ensure the Staff are eating correctly and that I also get my fair (largest) share.

Meanwhile, I shall snooze on my floof after all this hard work dictating the post to Mum.

Mouse, out.

🐾

 

The Travels of Mouse: Nambucca Valley top ten

Hello people, Mouse here.

I must say, it’s been a top notch experience so far. Last time, a few years ago, it was very nice and all that, but this time…

Dad has created a Top Ten Reasons to Love Visiting the Nambucca Valley:

1. Friends we miss and haven’t seen for ages. Lots of Aunties and Uncles. Lots of strokies and a big bag of super treats from my favourite, Aunty Dale. I love you, Aunty Dale ❤️.
   
2. The joint birthday party, something we should repeat next year because it was Fun. Orange cake filled with fruit, and cream on the side.
   
3. The After (Lunch) party the next day with even more new friends both human and canine. That’s Miss Dolly the kelpie having a snooze behind her Staff, Uncle Matt.
   
4. Big, beautiful, empty, white sandy beaches for me to run on. Dad’s put a video on my FaceBook page, it’s a comment to the last post there, if you scroll down. I haven’t lost all my form in retirement, it seems.
   
5. Strawberry tarts from Nambucca Bakery & Cafe (Staff pick). Dad’s birthday treat. You were lucky to see this, as he’d already started in on it when he remembered to take a photo. It didn’t last long. They never do, according to Mum. Prolly pretty good, then.
6. The delicious food at Nourish Café & Grocer, Valla Beach (Staff pick, but I concur – I got bits of Mum’s salmon and sweet potato fries and Dad’s burger and cheese)
   
7. The view (and sniffs) at Seelys Lookout Sky Pier, Orara State Forest. I approve, as I’m allowed out of the car in State Forests, and the sniffs can be spectacular!
   
8. Next time, we’ll be visiting with VanEssa. Bigger, comfier, more convenient. What is it they say? “Happy Staff, don’t make me laugh. Happy Mouse, Boss in the House”. Something like that, anyway.
   
9. The Nesting Needles Patchwork & Fabric shop in Coramba (Mum’s pick). Mum and Aunty Chippy parked the Husbands at the doggo-friendly pub next door and Did Shopping. The Husbands did beer. I did a bowl of water and lay on my blankie, sighing loudly. I think I got my point across because Mum and Dad gave me treats later, when they had lunch.
10. The sound of surf at night to lull us all to sleep. And we have all slept very well… At least, I have. Mum says I did lots of bum fluffs from too much chicken. Dad says he wouldn’t know, as the CPAP machine prevents the fumes reaching him. I wouldn’t know. I was asleep.

I think I’d agree with most of Dad’s points. I’m fairly meh on the subject of strawberry tarts and fabric shops, to be honest, though. But the plan with Aunty Chippy and Uncle Jonathan is to come back again same time(ish) next year, have the same get-together with everybody (if possible) and do lots more exploring in the fun places the area has to offer. Mum is developing a list already. Dad is muttering Oh Lord under his breath (dunno what he expects Me to do about it…). Aunty Chippy is looking excited. Uncle Jonathan is looking resigned. So I expect it’ll prolly happen. I leave that sort of thing to the Staff.

It’s Aunty Chippy and Uncle Jonathan’s last night here, so Mum is making Nasty Goreng, or something like that.  (Nasi, not Nasty, Mouse – Mum) so they don’t have to cook. Mum and Dad have two more days here and then we’re off too. It hasn’t been long enough, but I need to check everything is OK at home and tell Lotti All About Everything.

Right, must be off, I detect that My dinner is in the offing.

Mouse, out.

The Travels of Mouse: sun, sand and Mini-me

Hello people, Mouse here

Some of you may be wondering why the silence over the past few days. Well. Mostly it’s because we’ve been very, very idle, which is how I like it, but also because the phone reception here isn’t very good; we’re at the bottom of a cliff and behind a dune, which make for peace but not many bars of signal, so downloading images takes a long time.

This holiday park is lovely. It’s shady, very quiet (apart from a muffled roar from the surf behind the dune and butcher birds singing), and roomy. The bathroom is huge and clean and modern, which is nice for the Staff, and there are plenty of grassy bits for me to use. I do have to share the amenities with some rather larger permanent residents, most notably a 1.2m long goanna, who strolls around like he owns the place. Most uncouth, but I’m steering clear. I don’t do reptiles…

I have a choice of walks, but I do enjoy the sandy path up and over the dune and onto the beach. The sand here is squeaky!  Dad says it’s because of the high levels of silica. Even my paws make it happen, not just big human feet. I’ve told Mum to put in a YouTube link to show you what it sounds like. It’s nice white sand, very, very fine and it just drops off my paws so I don’t walk it into my floof (or the caravan, thankfully – Mum).

Anyway, the other day the Staff did Shopping and Laundry, which is boring, and yesterday we went to Valla Beach and had lunch at Nourish Café and Grocer, which is not: I got bits of both their lunches: salmon from Mum and burger and cheese from Dad. Mum says it was yummy and worth a mention here because the tables on the front verandah are dog friendly. The portions were pretty generous, and the grocery was good too: they had the milk I like (lactose free – Mum) and some very nice cakes. Dad had Ricotta & citrus crème brulée slice and Mum had a Fig & macadamia tart.

Later on, we went for a walk on the squeaky beach, and there were whippets!  Always fun to meet other sighthounds, but some of them were very forward and kept pestering and licking me and running in circles. There was one, though, who was more respectful, called Shadow. He was rather tall for a whippet, and black, which is of course the Best colour, and he wanted to show me his rock, which his mum said he’d been carrying around for a while. I gave it a polite sniff, and then he decided to bury it! The Mums decided he was my Mini-me, and I can see their point…

And then in the evening, Aunty Chippy and Uncle Jonathan arrived!  They had done a mad dash up the coast from Melbourne and had done 1400km about 24 hours, stopping briefly here and there for food and naps. They have a very nice cabin here, and they came over after they’d showered and unpacked to eat with us and plan for Saturday’s picnic party. Mum has lent Aunty Chippy a whole bunch of quilting books, so there’ll prolly be some boring chat about that, and she also handed over the miniature sewing room model she made for Aunty Chippy, which has been carefully carried all the way here in one of Miz Lizzie’s lockers. Amazingly, it’s still all in one piece and the light still works!

I’m expecting to score some very decent handouts at this picnic party, judging from what they were saying. I must fill Diesel-dog in when he arrives, he probably doesn’t realise the snacking opportunities ahead of him! There will be many Aunties and Uncles and most of them won’t know about limiting my intake of snacks, so I shall be playing the field with my best Poor Starving Greyhound impression! I’ll let you know how that goes.

Time for another snooze, I think. Mum took me out at 6am, but I’m not quite ready for breakfast yet. I’d better fortify myself for the day ahead at some stage, though. Walkies to take, strokies to demand, snacks to cadge…

Mouse, out.

🐾

 

The Travels of Mouse: a new one and a good one!

Hello people, Mouse here.

Sorry about the radio silence, but the Staff have been pretty tired and I wanted them to focus their energies on walkies and food for Me rather than posting. Still, it means this will be a fairly big post. Also, I will put links (who exactly will put links, again? – Mum) to all the dog-friendly caravan parks where we stayed in case it’s useful for another doggo and their Staff.

The Staff say that for a long trip south again they won’t repeat staying at the Coolwaters Discovery Park in Kinka Beach, Yeppoon, as it’s just not far enough for the first leg of a 1,400km trip. It’s very nice, but better for just a long weekend visit, perhaps even a forthcoming shakedown trip, of which more later. I’m a bit sorry, because it’s a lovely park, the area is very pretty, the beach is handy and I went for a nice paddle (I prefer quiet waves, less chance of wet fur).

Soooo, anyway, the plan was to stay the next two nights at the NRMA Treasure Island on the Gold Coast. Didn’t happen. By lunchtime it was clear that the almost incessant roadwork and speed reductions down to 60kmph from the usual 100kmph meant we wouldn’t make it. So Mum made an executive decision and we broke the trip at Ingenia Landsborough Pines instead of staying two nights at the Gold Coast. It was a good decision. We were all tired by that point, and I like Landsborough Pines, it’s very pretty and there are ducks and wildfowl and geese to look at in a meaningful but totally, totally non-threatening way….

Anyway, onwards and southwards and we just spent the night at the NRMA Treasure Island. We haven’t stayed here before, but it’s lovely. Generally, they prefer doggos of lesser stature for the convenience of other park residents, but made an exception in My case because I am Beautiful and Quiet and Polite. The ensuite bathrooms in NRMA parks are always really beautiful and well-kept, the sites are level and generously sized and here, there’s an onsite café where doggos are welcome on the deck, which is most enlightened. It also has an off-leash doggo area within the park itself, which was much appreciated after a few days of comfortably lounging being confined to the back seat of the ute. Mum and Dad say they would 100% recommend over the other place we’ve stayed nearby, which was the BIG4 Gold Coast, which is squishier, more crowded, less easy to get to and has a very confusing layout.

On the way here we crossed the Gateway Bridge which I always find a bit unsettling for several reasons. Firstly, all the lamp posts are wonky and it looks as if the place has been hit by an earthquake. Secondly, the bridge is very, very high and very, very steep. Coming up to it, it looks like you’re going to drive up a ramp and off the end into nothingness. See what I mean?

Mum wants to point out that I have missed out a Very Important Point. We put down a deposit on a new-to-us caravan! Miz Lizzie is comfy and familiar and homey, but a bit more floor space for Me to stretch out would be a great advantage and VanEssa offers that. Mum says she also offers one or two other significant advantages, such as a much larger fridge for My meals, quieter and more efficient air conditioning, etc. Apparently Van Essa arrives in Mackay on 13th February, so it won’t be long to wait. As soon as we can after that, we will take her out for a bit of a trial run to work out what she’s like to tow, sleep in, etc.

Also, we popped into see Dad’s brother Uncle Kev and Aunty Chrissy in their new home and had coffee and cake on account of Mum’s birthday, and I met their two doggos, who were polite but rather small and fluffy. I like Aunty Chrissy, she knows ezackly where to scratch. Also, they have horses, the big ones as opposed to noodle horses like me. Mum is allergic, so we stayed clear. Wouldn’t want the level of service to drop because the Staff can’t stop wheezing and sneezing…

Today we head out on our final leg, Gold Coast to Nambucca Heads. We actually cross a time zone, which means the journey appears to take an hour longer than it should and that has to be factored into arrival times, etc. But it’s all good. We’ll be staying at the Tasman Holidays Nambucca Heads, which is right on the beach but protected behind a wooded dune. I’m looking forward to a good run on the beach, as it’s doggo friendly. Also, Aunty Chippy and Uncle Jonathan will be there for a bit which will be great fun, even if it means the Staff will be doing a Lot of talking and perhaps not quite enough Looking After Me…

But most of all, I’m looking forward to not packing up and moving on for a few days. (You and me both, Mouse. You and me both – Mum).

Mouse, out.

🐾

The Travels of Mouse: the farewell tour

Hello people, Mouse here.

No, not MY farewell tour, I’m not retiring, or at least, not any more retired than I already am. Apparently Miz Lizzie is moving on to new career opportunities and a quieter life. Sounds OK to me, but meanwhile she’s taking us on her final trip south. The Staff and I are going on holiday! First night is at Kinka Beach, near Yeppoon, second and third nights are on the Gold Coast (during which time we inspect VanEssa, the new caravan), and finally we arrive at Nambucca Heads, where we’ll spend a week, have lots of fun and then repeat the whole thing in reverse.

Personally, so long as the Staff do all the work and I don’t have to lift a paw or even raise my head off my floof, I’m all good with that. I enjoy travelling, especially the bits where I can stand on the back seat with my head out of the window and take in the Sniffs. Mum says she’s glad I’m not one of Those Dogs whose faces go all flappy and tongues and ears trail in the breeze. I pointed out that I’m built for speed and my bits stay tidy, even when I have a smile on my face. The Staff appear to have packed my newest (and least ‘aromatic’ – Mum) floof and Squeaky Pig and my second bowl, so all should be well. Dad says my private enclosure is stacked up on the back of the ute. Mum says the food is under control and she has my papers, lead and (whisper it quietly) vet bag.

We haven’t been south of the border (QLD-NSW) for about 3 years, so everyone’s looking forward to it, especially as we’re also seen Aunty Chippy and Uncle Jonathan and Aunty Dale and Uncle Wayne – and most importantly, My Mate Diesel-Dog. Mum says there are also other friends to see and of course her sister and BIL, so it’s going to be a busy time. There will apparently be a Birthday Party on the first weekend we’re all together, so I sincerely hope she’s arranged for suitable edibles for me; I can’t be doing with all that “No, Mouse, that’s not safe for doggos” nonsense. And anyway, I’m a bit puzzled because My birthday isn’t until July. It must be a Staff thing….

Meanwhile, back at home, neighbouring aunties are keeping an eye on the house, the chooks and other Important Stuff. I shall miss Lotti and Aunty Lyn, but I’ll definitely have lots to tell them when we get back. I’ll post as we go to let you know my thoughts on each place.

Take-off is in about an hour and a half. Time to digest my breakfast and watch the Staff bustle…

Mouse, out 🐾

New Year, new venue?

Hello people, Mouse here

Well, that’s all the Christmas faff done with. I am Over wearing outfits for the amusement of the Staff. It’s time to get down to the serious business of Advanced Lounging, Snoozing, Being Decorative and Cadging Treats. So, let’s start 2023 with Something Different.

Brand spanking new tables and benches, and a nice breeze off the River

Mum and Aunty Lyn have been doing recces for new places to have our Coffee Mornings. After the enjoyable time had by all at the Christmas picnic, it struck everyone that we don’t really need a café if people (and doggos) are prepared to bring their own drinks and snacks. What IS needed is shade, seating, er, Facilities for the humans (although what’s wrong with a nice patch of grass, I’d like to know), water for thirsty doggos, and somewhere to park. Three potential options have been identified.

The first is Queens Park, close to the enclosed Dog Park. For this, bringing chairs and a table would be required, but all other requirements are available. The second is Schaefer Street Park, and all boxes are ticked. It’s nice, but not interesting or very big.

That’s it behind the low wall. Parking on this side.

Finally, there’s the new Riverside development in River Street, between Paxtons and the Fish Market. This is Mum and Aunty Lyn’s favourite. It’s brand new, under cover, there are tables and chairs, a very posh human Facility, grass for doggos, oodles of parking, a rather upmarket ‘water refill station’, a riverside view, and best of all from Mum’s point of view, permanent recliners for the Humans! It’s so new that it doesn’t yet appear on Google Maps, but the screen shot below shows the location.

So, Mum’s posting this on the Book of Faces also, to see what the other members think. We should probably give them all a try, but personally, I think we greys Deserve this rather upmarket option!

Just a reminder, the next Coffee Morning is Sunday 15th January 2023 at 8.30. Hopefully now at the Riverside picnic area, River Street, Mackay!

Until then,

Mouse 🐾

Season’s Greetings from Mouse and the Staff