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

[Lonnie & Libby Lu]

Great surprise, great day, great St. Paddy's celebration, and great, great pictures!  Thanks for sharing Nicky:)

[Sylvia and Malley]

Love these pictures!!!  Thank you for sharing a little bit of Ireland with us!!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Congratulations!!!!  How cool Nicky that this was done for St. Paddy's Day - and thanks for sharing the photos with us.  Perhaps for 2014 there will be NO doodle cruise - how about we all do an Irish Tour?  Now that would be fun!!!!! 

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Oh wow, that IS very special! Also, I can't believe how big Boris is already. We need more pictures, please! :-)

[Heather]

Congratulations, Great Surprise!!!! Beautiful pic's of Beautiful "DOODLES"~

[BG and Gavin]

What prefect timing!  Way to go Doris!

Congrats Nicky.  This award is well deserved.  It did seem like you were on forever while we waited with great anticipation for the arrival of Riley and look at you now!  Thanks you for the peak into your lovely town.

[Ginny Nightingale]

Thanks so much for all the photos! What a nice idea to show us how the holiday is celebrated in your town....everyone looks great! And congrats on the trophy----you deserve it!!

[Elizabeth, Bailey & Bruin]

Congrats on the coveted HDA trophy....Great timing Doris...  And Nicky, can't wait to meet you on the cruise!  Thanks for taking us on a mini vacation to Ireland today!!!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Congratulations, Nicky!  What a perfect day to be celebrating this news.  I've always told you I feel like you're my "real life" connection to Ireland and how special it is that you are sharing your St. Pat's Day parade with us.  Your Doodle boys are looking SO handsome and I can't believe how much Boris has grown.  Nicky, you look beautiful and happy...and I can't wait to meet you in person!

[Lynda Kamrath]

Love it.  What a beautiful post for St. Patrick's Day!  You are celebrating the real Irish way.  Fun, fun, fun!

[Sue & Lily Grace]

Nicky, congratulations! It could not have gone to a better person for the wonderful holiday. Thank you for sharing a real live St Patricks Day celebration. The boys look wonderful. Boris has gotten so big.

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

Congratulations and welcome to the club!  What great pictures.