A very special St Patrick's Day Surprise

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I often order stuff from the internet which I then happily 'forget' about and when a box arrives it's a surprise.  A few days ago I arrived home to one such box which I opened. It was several seconds into the rummaging that I pulled out a trophy, a trophy that I knew I had won  in the virtual sense and didn't think for a moment it would wing it's way across the ocean all the way to Ireland...I've been hopeless for many years and an addict for a while.  It's now official!

The boys were thrilled and since there was a St Patrick's day theme to the contents I decided to wait until the day itself and celebrate in Irish style.  The box of goodies was sent to me by Doris Knox and Flash and I had no idea it was coming.  Doris must be good at detective work as she got my address from somewhere???

Two beautiful collars, bandanas, a camera strap for me ( which will come with me on the Doodle Cruise) and a bow tie were in the box.  Apart from the actual Trophy the best thing was the most lovely note in the note book from Doris to me.  To say that DK is so very special to me is an understatement. I joined here some months before I got Riley and you were with me all the way on that journey.  I now have two gorgeous, happy, well adjusted and healthy doodles and that is thanks to you.  You are my friends, my confidants, my experts and above all we share a common bond which is often little understood. I am so proud to have reached 'addict' status and can't wait to pass this trophy on to the next in line so they too can share in this most wonderful aspect of being a member of this special community.

Yesterday I groomed and bathed the boys all ready for this morning.  We woke up to SNOW and even though it melted to slush it was a damp morning here in Maynooth Co Kildare.  It didn't dampen the celebrations though which took place just around the corner from our cottage.  So here are some pictures taken a couple of hours ago.  I have included some of the more ordinary ones so you can all see where we live and the somewhat 'agricultural' nature of our town.  Happy St Patrick's Day to you all.  Love from Me and the Irish boys. XXX

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Congratulations and welcome to the HDA club, Nicky! The photos are fabulous, we don't see enough of you and the boys! You all look great! And I loved the photos of your town's St. Patrick's Day celebration!  

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

Oh my gosh...what FUN!! Congratulations Nicky!! And I can't believe you pulled this off, Doris!  Well done!!!!

It's really nice to see where you live.  And even though it's really tiny, I love the picture of you and the Irish Boys out on the town. My goodness, Boris has gotten big and RIley is as handsome as ever.  Happy St. Patrick's Day to DK Ireland :) 

[Anne & Mr. Haley]

Congratulations Nicky.  And, Doris, good job.

Nicky, loved your pictures and thanks for sharing your St. Patrick's Day parade.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

How special that you have it today!  Great planning Doris.  So enjoyed seeing all the pics of you and your boys celebrating today!  Love it.

[Carol and Banjo]

Oh Nicky,  what a wonderful post with great photos!  Thank you for "bringing" us along to your celebration!!!!!  What fun!

[Becka]

Nicky, the picture of the girl in the green sweater is just priceless. The movement captured in the shot, the expression on her face, the colors--perfect!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

I love that sweater and Vern has the same head band :) LOL

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Nicky, Congratulations and welcome to the club. How exciting that the HDA trophy made its way all the way to Ireland. This is just so cool!! Great job, Doris. I am so amazed at how much Riley has lightened up and I would not have recognized Boris. Wow, does time fly :) Loved all the pictures!!

[DJ & Chance]

The photos of the St. Patrick's Day celebration are so much fun!  Thanks.  And your doodles look terrific.

[Camilla and Darwin]

I love the photos, congratulations! You and your boys are gorgeous!

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

Congratulations Nicky!!!  Welcome to the "Club"!  Just think, Gracie Doodle and all the other recipients have put their nose prints on that star!!!  I love that it made it all the way to Ireland and that your Irish Boys are the real thing.  They are beautiful and Boris has really grown up.  I can't believe how light Riley has become.  Loved, loved, loved the photos of your town and the parade.  We had ours yesterday.  It looks like the Irish celebrate the same way no matter where they are or what country they are in!  I am so happy that you are the new HDA recipient...you deserve it!!!  

[Cathy, Fozzie & Shaggy]

Congratulations Nicki, Boris, and Riley & Happy St. Patrick's Day. Thank you for sending us a bit of true Irish Spirit. I loved your pictures. I tend to forget while in my tiny town in mid Michigan that DK members are all around the world ;-}