GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
TOBY here...
There are so many things happening in our neck of the woods:
Denzel Washington's new movie "Safe House" is causing a stir in Cape Town,
South Africa's victory at the US Masters has us all celebrating,
and the political protests in Swaziland (our neighbouring country) are being carefully monitored.
Today, however, I am going to focus on some other things.
My rehearsals for the musical production of
ANNIE
(25-28th May, 2011)
are back in full swing again.
I attended the practise session at the school last night and loved every moment. I simply adore the children and relish any time I get to spend with them.
Maxmom is delighted with my 'chilled-out' manner - especially after my behaviour at dog-training on Saturday. She says that I am well on track for the 40 days which are left before the curtain goes up on my debut as 'SANDY'.
My second bit of news is that Maxmom uncovered the reason for my inattentiveness at dog-school on Saturday.
You may recall that I was totally hyped-up during my 'Canine Good Citizen' class causing Maxmom to nearly tear her hair out in frustraton. She's later discovered, however, that my behaviour was as a result of my exceptional skill at 'counter-surfing' in her kitchen. This time, I'd stolen (and consumed!!!)
9 (yes, NINE)
silicone muffin casings when she wasn't looking!!!...
We are very pleased to report that they have all been eliminated by my effective digestive system. Maxmom says that she found all sorts of psychedelic packages dotted all over our garden, in the 48 hours following my misdemeanour. At first she thought the Easter Bunny had called, but then she realised it was just me.
Anyway,I also want to tell you about Maxmom and the Boss's excursion, on Sunday, to the...
These beautiful gardens are not far from where I live, but unfortunately dogs aren't allowed there, so my peeps went without me.
Many Johannesburg residents go there for a picnic over the weekends.
Children get an opportunity to ride along some of the pathways on the little 'train'.
Maxmom says that it was an incredibly beautiful day, and the gardens are looking stunning at the moment.
There are so many beautiful little pathways to explore...
...and so many unusual sightings...
There is a bird hide where one can sit quietly and watch some beautiful water birds in their natural environment.
Check out the swallow drinking water whilst on the wing.
Can you see him (above)?...bottom left-hand-side.
They also came across a colourful peacock...
The waterfall was looking glorious too.
One of the attractions of the Botanical gardens is the pair of
which have produced various chicks over the years. Maxmom managed to photograph them while they were in their nest.
At the moment, they are in their 'resting' phase, so they don't have any eggs or any chicks. They are really beautiful birds!
If you have the time, I strongly recommend that you visit the
(They are truly incredible birds and have an amazing story of mating, nest building and surviving hardships! Even I, a South African, was brought to tears when I read their 'story'.
You simply MUST go and read about them!)
You simply MUST go and read about them!)
Although there are hundreds of visitors to the gardens on a Sunday, it didn't feel crowded at all. The gardens are extensive and one is able to go and find solitude in numerous places.
What a beautiful, national treasure!
As for me...
I have found my own solitude in my lovely crate.
Winter is just around the corner and it is the perfect place to sleep off all my activities.
Sending lotsalicks to you all.
TOBY IN SOUTH AFRICA
25 comments:
Toby, are those silicon muffin casings even tasty? Glad to know your body eliminated them. Keep up with your Annie practice!
OMC! Yoo eated silicone muffin cases? Erm ... not a good idea! Good job yoo pooped them! MOL!
Toby, you live in such a beautiful place! So much to see and enjoy....I love the waterfall very much!! Thanks for all of the wonderful photos!! Lots of love, Debbie and Holly
Hi Toby
We're glad to read that you're okay after eating those casings! Neeli suggests waiting for the muffins first!
Lovely pictures from your beautiful country too.
Woofs
Nadine & Neeli
Angel doggie Apples (1994-2010)
OMD, you was poopin' rainbows huh? Wow, I'm just glad your digestive system works so well otherwise dat could haves been bad.
I can't wait till da play...my mum loved da movie when hers was little. You is gonna do fabulous!
What beeeeautiful gardens!
Puddles
Hi Toby, Loved all that you shared and of course the beautiful scenery too. So glad the muffin casings didn't get stuck!
I watched the Masters and was so happy one of your fellows won it-I even cheered.
Have a delightful week and stick to stealing carrots-o.k. they are much better for you!
Big pets to you today.
Noreen & Reggie-dog
What an exciting time you're having. I know you're going to be great as Sandy.
I'm so happy that you passed all those squidgy things. That could have been bad!
Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar
What stunning pictures! The gardens are just beautiful!
You would have looked pretty cute riding the choochoo train with all of the kids, Toby!
Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch
So, Toby got the muffins casings w/o the muffins? I'm glad he's got that out of his system,,,literally. See, MAXMOM, I knew there was a logical reason for Toby being upset Saturday. He might have had a tummy ache.
The gardens, flowers and eagles are stunning.
only 40 days!!!!!
Was there something tasty in the silicone muffin casings? Toby, I can think of much better things to eat!
We tried to go to the botanical gardens near us today and couldn't get in. It was very disappointing.
Bunny
Hi Toby! Wow we have missed so much on our forced visiting break! It is so cool that you are in a play - and as one of the stars (Sandy sounds like a star to us at least - we don't really know the play but mom just said yes, that is an important part when we asked). And oh boy you are so naughty to eat those silicone casings - we are glad that everything came out ok in the end! Hopefully you learned your lesson and won't try that again (but we do have to ask - is silicone tasty - we have never tried it before - we do like to lick plastic and silicone sounds like it could be nice to lick too). We are glad you are doing so well - and you are so cute sleeping in your crate!!
Caryl, what a beautiful and amazing place the botanical gardens are!!! THANK YOU too for the advice about Charlie's licking--Using the dryer has helped!!
Toby, I'm so glad it all came out okay in the end... :-)!!
Hi, The park is beautiful. Your weather is still really nice. We are waiting for spring. Even though it is spring, you would never know it!
I can't wait for our warm summer months. It won't be too long now. You must be getting very excited about Annie. Is it going to be video taped?
Have a nice week.
xxoo
Deborah
hey Toby,
You are rockin' in your red "ANNIE" scarf! Very cool! I am so furry happy to read how well you did back at rehearsal. We are so excited for you and can't wait until your big debut! :->
Your mom takes such beautiful photos of nature and animals! The Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens look absolutely wonderful! What a lovely way to spend a day. But...why no dogs? I think us dogs would bring out the beauty of the Gardens even more! We complement Nature very well!
Toby, the image of your yard full of colorful poop piles is so funny! BOL! I just hope your tummy feels better. I think the cupcake holders might not have digested very kindly.
Suka
Hope for Tobys sake there were muffins in the casings.
Toby, we love the Annie scarf. So stylish.
As for the muffin casings - all I can say is well done my boy! If only I was a few inches taller...(Gail always makes sure things are pushed back a couple of inches from the counter edges, where I cannot reach).
Those botanical gardens look lovely. What a shame you cannot visit. Especially giving the opportunities that are associated with relaxed humans enjoying a picnic!
Toodle pip!
Bertie.
Is there a place in SA that isn't gorgeous? As always, the terrain is absolutely magical.
I cannot imagine a dog eating all of those liners and not getting horribly sick. Toby has an amazing constitution!
The ones in your photo are 'extras' right? Not the ones you found in the yard - I hope!
Toby thought it was Easter already!!! Oh I loved your eagle shots now I see what you mean!!! Hugs, Valerie
I bet those cupcake cups did not even taste good. But I be it was fun to eat them! BOL
Grrrreat photos!
I sure wish there was a way we could ALL come to see you in the play!
Maybe we should ask Mayor Frankie Furter if he could get us a plane so we could all fly there to see you. I will have to ask.
I bet you need that nap!
woo woos, Tessa
Oh no! Toby! Thank goodness you were able to move the casings along and get them out. They must have been very unpleasant for you. You've taught us a lesson here, love. You weren't being inattentive you were being uncomfortable. We didn't believe in you. How very sad. Shame on us. You were always such a good doggie. When you were "off" we should have realized something was wrong. We hang our heads in shame!
Hello Toby, Tessa the Maltese Kiddo sent me over... I am sooooo excited about the PLAY. I was in one once and that is a fangtastic thingy to get to do!!!
I loved the outing you took us on... even though we weren't suppose to be there... hehehe It was beautiful.
I can't believe that you counter surfed and then Gave everythingy BACK.... I hope that trend doesn't catch on..hehehe
Toby, that last photo is just so sweet! We are sure glad you are OK after eating those silicone muffin containers. Wow. Colorful, we bet! Just glad your OK. No more counter-surfing, OK? (We have a few Sibes who love that sport too, one has perfected what we call the "Dolphin Dive," she's up, she's arched, she's nabbed whatever it is she was seeking!
Beautiful landscape pics!
Hi Toby! I'm ever so sorry I haven't been to visit you in abouts 287 years! Things have just been wacky crazy at my house and we're just now getting caught up.
Gosh, you ate ALL those muffin cups? Wow! That's Most Impressive. Didn't you realize there weren't any muffins in them while you were eating them? I suuuure am glad you were able to gets rid of them the natural way and you didn't have to go to the V.E.T.
I'm proud of you and how good you're doing for "Annie." You're gonna be the bestest Sandy that ever was!
Wiggles & Wags,
mayzie
PeeS. Thank you for showing us that ah-mazing place. What a Most Beautiful country you lives in!
Toby Toby Toby, if your gonna eat those things you need to at least wait until there is food in them.
I bet it felt goooooood to pass them along to the pasture.
Sure wish I could get on a big plane and come and see you in the play but Vickie says we have to settle for updates and pictures on your blog.
Love the pictures of the gardens and the waterfall. Too bad they don't let us dogs come to those places. WE sure would enjoy them too.
Whos the pink monkey sleepin next to you? He looks fun. I don't get a toy cause I eat them like you eat muffin containers.
Love
Bert
Oh my gosh
the photos show such peacefulness.
I wish I could see every place you have shown.
I wish I could smell your flowers and hear your birds,,
I cannot
but I am thankful for all that you share with us.
Toby, I am so happy you feel better
love
tweedles
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