Yes, I know, when it comes to blogging these days, my contributions are sporadic to the point of almost being nonexistent. If it wasn't for Penny the Jack Russell dog and modest internet superstar, this blog may well have gone for a permanent sleep.
I mean, I've been twiddling my thumbs instead of putting up this post. It's a post I should of posted up around the middle of July to compliment nicely the post on another site that I will mention further down this page.
Monday morning, 16th of May. Such a significant day. For this was the day Penny and I met up with Sharon Mayhew. Sharon, as an eight year old child, spent a bit of time with some of her relatives in this town of Leek, Staffordshire, England, before she moved to the United States. Penny and I prepared ourselves to meet up with Sharon and her grandfather.
I was very nervous about meeting Sharon. I was somewhat concerned that the place she was staying, "The Pawmier Inn", sorry, "The Premier Inn", might not be exactly be the best place to take a dog for breakfast. Sharon, bless her, had received special pawmission, sorry, permission, for Penny to be allowed in a discreet part of the breakfast area.
Upon arrival at the breakfast reception, we were greeting by a couple of the staff. "Hello, you must be Penny!", one of the staff stated with absolute, wondrous glee. "Come this way, please, Penny. Oh and bring your human with you." Okay, I made up that last sentence. It's not easy for me knowing that Penny is a world-famous blogging sensation. Yes, I'm rather jealous of the dog.
Penny and I were warmly greeted by Sharon and her grandfather, George. It was a wonderful chat. I felt at ease. I really struggle with social situations. To have challenged my anxiety was another step forward in my ongoing battle against my very low self-esteem.
Sharon and her granddad, George, at the breakfast section.
Sharon told me it was okay to mention that George is a youthful ninety five. She was teaching him how to use an iPad. Proves you're never too old to learn something new. George drove Sharon to various locations around England.
Here you go! Notice how starstruck Sharon is with Penny!
Sharon is delighted. Penny is ready to grab the bacon on the plate!
Awe, look! Penny ready to give Sharon some doggy kisses.
A photo off Sharon's phone as the two of them posed for a selfie....
And now for the link to Sharon's informative, interesting post about her trip to Leek. The Gift Of Visiting The Setting Of Your Novel (MS) With Your Grandfather (Samuel George Johnston) and Meeting Blog Friends. I would kindly ask you, if you haven't visited already, to go and check out Sharon's blog post. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Sharon. It was an amazing, inspirational experience to meet your good self and your incredible Grandfather.
What a special meeting! So awesome.
ReplyDeleteHi Alex,
DeleteSpecial meeting, indeed! Awesome and pawesome!
Thank you, good sir.
Gary
Lovely story, and sounds like a wonderful meeting. Those old English pubs are one of the things I miss over here.
ReplyDeleteHi Ian,
DeleteThanks and it was a wonderful meeting, for sure. The place we had breakfast at was once a pub. Now part of a major chain hotel over here.
Have a nice Sunday, good sir.
Gary
It looks like you and Penny had a very nice visit. I went over to Sharon's blog and read the post about her trip with her granddad. My gosh, he looks and has more energy than someone 30 years younger than himself. It was a delightful post to read and it was nice to see and Prnny having a good time in the restaurant.
ReplyDeleteHi Arleen,
DeleteIt was amazing and slightly surreal meeting a fellow blogger in 3D reality. Really pleased you checked out Sharon's fascinating posting. Thank you for that. Her granddad, George, has quite the youthful demeanour. Quite the inspiration. Penny had a great time and was very well behaved.
Thank you, Arleen.
Gary
What a wonderful meeting. And anyone who is prepared to ensure that the modest Internet Super-Star is welcome is good people. Very good people.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue,
DeleteIt most assuredly was a wonderful meeting. The good people at the reception were obviously starstruck by Penny :)
Thank you, Sue.
Gary
There is always something so special about meeting a fellow blogger pal. I had the fortune of meeting several of my blogger buddies within the past few years. Once I get back to Florida, I have a few more on my list. Mark Koopmans, Crystal Collier, and Shelly Arkon. They will be others too, but I have to scope them out.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to get over to England someday and meet up with my British friends (you and PENNY included). Too bad I can't bring my Westie, Hamlet along.... he'd have a crush on Penny for sure.
Hi Michael,
DeleteWow, that's an impressive list of blogger buddies you've met up. I would state it's also their good fortune to have met a good dude such as yourself.
Hopefully, you may head over and meet up with a whole bunch of your British friends and of course British fans. Would be a delight, Michael. Yes, a bit of a strategic nightmare bringing a dog. Hamlet and Penny, the movie, pawhaps!
Cheers, Michael.
Gary
Everyone loves Penny.
ReplyDeleteHi Pat,
DeleteFur sure. Hell, it sounds like the name of a TV show.
Enjoy your Sunday, my fine friend.
Gary
Heartwarming to read and look at Gary
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Hi Yvonne,
DeleteThank you for that, dear lady. I hope you enjoy a peaceful Sunday.
Gary
This is just so lovely to read on so many levels. Sharon's grandfather looks so youthful! I really do understand where you're coming from with social situations, so I'm glad it all turned out so very well. And how brilliant that Penny was also welcomed and quite right too :-) xx
ReplyDeleteHi Teresa,
DeleteYou're so right about all those levels. Her grandfather and Sharon were a joy to meet. Yes, social situations can be a real challenge. Especially when I worry about my social skills due to so little interaction these days. The staff at the hotel almost bent over backwards for Penny.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Teresa.
Gary :) xx
I'm glad you and Penny had such a wonderful meeting with Sharon and her grandad. 95, no surely not, he's amazing! Well done Gary on overcoming your anxiety and Penny was a happy girl to have such a special outing.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to meeting a blogging friend soon and I hope she won't mind me saying that she found me through your blog Gary, yes she did! :)
Hi Eileen,
DeleteThank you and we most certainly did have a pleasant meeting with Sharon and her youthful granddad! :) I appreciate your thoughtful words, Eileen.
I'm intrigued about you meeting up with that blogging friend. What an amazing situation. Have fun!
Thank you, Eileen.
Gary :)
I'm glad you all had a lovely meeting over breakfast. And I enjoyed reading it while I'm eating mine - excuse the munching, it's just the muesli! Penny looks to be enjoying all the attention . . . I guess when you are a blogging superstar you have to get used to it!
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne,
DeleteIt was a most wonderful breakfast bonanza. I got Penny to cover her ears as you munched away! :) Oh yeah, Penny gets loads of attention. Wont mention the pesky "puparazzi!"
Thank you, Suzanne.
Gary
Hi Gary and Penny - such wonderfully happy photos ... and so good to read. I'm lucky I've met Sharon and George here ... and George for 95 is certainly amazing -- while he has that wonderful rapport with Sharon - such a wonderful thing for both of them. The Leek connection is great isn't it ... and then they both come and visit ... and Penny is allowed in the Premier Inn ... but so well behaved obviously ...
ReplyDeleteFantastic to see you blogging and sharing with us ... I'm so pleased you'll have these happy memories -cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary,
DeleteIndeed, wonderfully, happy photos. I know that you've met up with Sharon and her incredibly youthful, grandfather, George. It's quite the amazing connection we all share. The Leek connection just shows how small a world this really is. Penny was a very modest superstar and very well behaved, fur sure.
Thank you for your encouraging words, my kind friend, Hilary.
Gary
Doggy cuddles are the best – especially when the doggy in question is a modest Internet superstar! I will be going over to read Sharon’s post just as soon as I’ve left this comment. Hugs to you both, Barbara
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara,
DeleteDoggy cuddles and a bit of Penny's extra special doggy breath....Penny, despite it all, has never been much of a diva dog. Thank you for visiting this post and visiting Sharon's post.
Cheers, Barbara.
Gary
Learning an i-pad at ninety five! Way to go George :)
ReplyDeleteAnd here's me not wanting to try an i-phone at 63.
I'm glad you and Penny had a lovely breakfast with Sharon and George.
Hi River,
DeleteIt gives us hope for the future. George may well take over the blogging world, at this rate.
Heck, I never got beyond using an iPen! :)
Thank you for your kind words, River,
Gary
Driving and learning how to use an iPad at 95. Good for him.
ReplyDeleteLooks like Penny had a great time.
Hi Diane,
DeleteYes indeed, George might just show me how to use and iPad.
Penny had the pawfect time.
Thank you, Diane.
Gary
That is awesome indeed. Penny sure was the star. Hopefully she got a bit of bacon.
ReplyDeleteHi Pat in the Hatt,
DeleteAwesome and pawesome. Penny the superstar dog and bacon called her name.
Thank you, good sir.
Gary
What great photos of Penny with her admiring fan! Now I'm off to check out Sharon's blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Debra,
DeleteYou got it! Sharon was totally starstruck! :) Thanks for visiting here and visiting there, eh....
Gary
I saw Sharon's post about you two meeting, and I loved it! So amazing to meet blogging buddies in person. I would be nervous along with you, but we're such a great community of people, we shouldn't be nervous, eh?
ReplyDeleteHey Crystal,
DeleteCool and I'm glad you loved Sharon's post about us meeting up. It was a surreal experience realising that people are actually real on the other side of my screen. Nah, we shouldn't be nervous. You are totally correct. Here, have some British cheese! :)
Gary
I've just read Sharon's post, what a brilliant trip down memory lane for her. It's great that you overcame your anxiety and met up with her and grandad George - and Penny certainly looks like she's enjoying the cuddles. I hope she got a bit of bacon for breakfast :)
ReplyDeleteJust to satisfy your curiosity Gary, the blogging friend who Eileen is meeting up with (this coming weekend) is me :)
DeleteHi Eunice,
DeleteDelighted you read Sharon's post. A fascinating journey for her on so many levels. On the walk to the meeting, I really had to challenge myself and not turn back around. It was a major triumph. Thank you for your thoughtful words. Penny had a bit of bacon back at my place.
How exciting and have a wonderful time with Eileen. What a positive result! :)
Thank you, Eunice.
Gary
I'm jealous of Sharon. I would love to meet up with you and Penny. I'd buy lunch and dinner. I'd also take photos of Penny but bigger! And better! And ... and... I'm so glad you decided to venture out and see Sharon. That was a great idea.
ReplyDeleteHi Joylene,
DeleteYou are way too complimentary, my lovely friend, Joylene! Penny and I are most flattered by what you have stated. Yep, you could take some really neat photos of Penny and make them into gigantic posters. It was marvellous meeting Sharon and George. I'm glad I challenged my anxiety.
Next stop, White Rock, Kelowna.....
Thank you, Joylene.
Gary
Hi Gary! How wonderful to meet up with Sharon! I'll need to head over to her blog to read her post. Good for you for stretching yourself. I get that way sometimes so I understand.
ReplyDeleteTell Penny hello! I saw she wasn't feeling well on one of your posts on FB. I hope she's okay now. Spike, my other Jack hurt his paw and was limping for a few days--which had me concerned. I think he's okay now. Fred's passing was last month so our family had a few somber moments missing him. That never goes away but it's okay. Anyway, hope all is well! Give Penny our love and hope she feels better.
Hi Mina,
DeleteIt was totally superb. Thank you for heading over to Sharon's post. Yes, anxiety and all that goes with it, it not a good situation. Still, the challenge was worth it. Thank you for your understanding.
Penny is much better now, thank you. It was almost comical what happened in regards to clearing the carpet area by the front door so I could open the door to get a delivery.
I sure hope Spike's paw is totally recovered. Fred, a cherished family member. Always loved, never forgotten. Bless you and bless the memory of your beloved Fred.
Thank you for such a kind, emotive comment, Mina.
Gary
How sweet of Penny to grant permission to be held aloft! I didn't realize, until now, she had such a royal turned-up nose!
ReplyDeleteAnd good for you, Gary, for stepping out of your comfort zone for a wee bit.
Hi Bish,
DeleteIt was pretty amazing that Penny allowed such pawmission, oops, permission! :) She has turned-up nose and she also smiles. Sharon couldn't believe her smile.
Ah yes and thanks, sometimes a comfort zone is actually an uncomfortable comfort zone.
All the best, Bish.
Gary
Brilliant! How lovely for all of you! I'm so glad this pawsitivity is abounding for you and your human Gary Penny Xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle,
DeleteBrilliantly brilliant for all of us! :) Penny, who is sleeping, will be most pawleased to see your lovely comment!
Thank you, Michelle.
Gary Xx :)
I absolutely love that they let you take Penny in there with you. Now that is some awesome stuff right there. And those pictures - outstanding! I'm proud of you too, Gary. Great job done by all!! I hope you're doing well these days, Gary. Sending positive vibes your way.
ReplyDeleteHi Elsie,
DeleteIt was very nice of the hotel's management to agree to allow Penny in a discreet part of the breakfast area. Of course, they also realised having her there was good pawblicity, um, publicity :) Delighted you liked the photos, my kind friend. All in all, a wonderful morning. You may note, or maybe not, that I'm rather absent from blogging these days. However, I'm feeling somewhat better. Thank you, kindly. Positive vibes back to you.
Gary :)
I'd love to be on a trip with my grandfather. Sharon's so lucky to have him with her on her journey. And I can see Penny was terribly spoiled with all that cuddling. Such a clever canine, that Penny.
ReplyDeleteHi Lee,
DeleteSharon is indeed blessed to have such an amazing grandfather. Penny gets spoiled by so many. Random fans of her are always asking if they can cuddle the modest internet superstar. Penny has tried to make me cleverer, alas, no luck.
Thank you, Lee.
Yep, as paw, yep, as per usual, I'm your starstruckest fan.
Gary
Franklin and Penelope would like it if I met Penny and passed on their kisses to her. Although you don't blog regularly, that's fine. You don't have to do so. We are glad to see whenever you feel like visiting.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Hi Janie,
DeleteI just had a visual of you passing on Franklin and Penelope's kisses to Penny. Indeed, I'm rather in a whatever mood when it comes to blogging. Thanks for your thoughtful words, Janie.
Hugs n'stuff,
Gary
What a wonderful visit. Penny certainly looked liked she enjoyed it. I hope she got some bacon. Not too much though, it is bad for a dog.
ReplyDeleteI'm off to visit Sharon's blog.
Hi Ann,
DeleteIt sure was a wonderful visit. Penny was lapping up the attention. She never had any bacon. She has some pretend bacon treats that she occasionally has.
Thank you for visiting this blog and Sharon's blog.
Gary
That's so great that you got to meet her! AND good for you for getting out there and overcoming that social situation anxiety and doing it. I understand how hard it is to do that. I actually bailed on meeting a FB friend for the first time cause it was going to be a large dinner party and I didn't know anyone, except the one woman and at that, only from FB. Everyone else there were her old coworkers so I'd really be odd man out. I got so worked up I canceled.
ReplyDeleteHi JoJo,
DeleteIt was a terrific experience. I know how much you can relate to social anxiety situations, my dear friend. It takes a lot of courage to confront such situations. Maybe next time you will find that extra bit of inner resolve. I know how daunting it can be. There have been a number of times I cancelled out of meeting up with folks.
Take good care, JoJo.
Gary
How wonderful all of you got to meet in person. I think it's awesome they allowed Penny to enter. Some places here dogs are OK on the patio or porch, but rarely are they permitted inside.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol,
DeleteIt was truly wonderful. They made sure that Penny and the rest of us were located in an area where it wouldn't be obvious that a dog, sorry, a superstar dog, was with us. It was very nice of the management.
Thank you, Carol.
Gary
Aw. I want to meet Penny. :D What a great meeting for you and Penny and Shannon.
ReplyDeleteHi Chrys,
DeletePenny would really like meeting you. Of course, you'd get starstruck! :) A great meeting we all had.
Thank you, Chrys.
Gary
What fun that had to be!! Sharon looks like a doll and her Grandfather does not look 95! Penny is precious!!!!! Don't feel bad, I am barely blogging on Dakota's blog so I know how you feel! DakotasDen
ReplyDeleteHi Caren,
DeleteIt was loads of fun. Sharon, the doll and her incredibly youthful grandfather. Penny is agreeing with you about her being precious :) Heck, I can barely keep this blog going. You do really well, Caren.
Gary :)
What a wonderful and moving story! George is remarkable, as you, Sharon and Penny are too. Don't ever stop Blogging - we need you. You are allowed to a long rest though. I do it every so often and come back with renewed vigour.
ReplyDeleteCLICK HERE for Bazza’s fabulous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Barry,
DeleteThank you for your kind words, good sir. Heck, we're all remarkable, even your mate, Sir Tom. Ah yes, a blogging siesta. Your vigour upon your wild times in Belgium, is duly noted.
Cheers, bazza.
Gary
I'm pawsitively uplifted by this episode, and by the fact that you had such an encouraging encounter with these special people.
ReplyDeletexo
Hi Robyn,
DeleteWhat a pawsitive comment. An encounter of great significance. Special people are so inspiring. You know you're a special lady!
Thank you, Robyn.
Gary x :)
So fun that you guys got to meet, and that they made a concession for Penny to get to come, too. After all, it's only fair.
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon,
DeleteIt was such a fun time and I got over my nerves fairly quickly. Penny might pawchase, sorry, purchase some shares in that hotel chain.
Thank you, Shannon.
Gary
Beau here. If Sharon had ME in her arms, she would have never let go. I'm just sayin' that I AM honestly that charming. My southern accent doesn't hurt either. I hope you got that piece of bacon you wanted.
ReplyDeleteHey Beau,
DeleteYou know, Beau, I could just imagine Sharon being totally charmed by your southern bark, y'all and ruff! Penny never had the bacon. Although, she went back home and had a luxury meal.
Penny sends you pawsitive wishes.
Penny's fictional character,
Gary
Glad you and Penny got out for a fabulous breakfast meet up! I'm sure Penny loved the attention and the bacon! Haha!
ReplyDeleteHi CraveCute,
DeleteThanks and it was a lovely time. Penny was grinning from one big ear to the other. Tempted as Penny was, she didn't have any bacon :)
Thank you, Diane.
Gary
What a pawsome...I mean awesome...get-together! Sounds like everyone had a great time and Penny got lots of hugs and kisses, too. I'll have to check out Sharon's blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Martha,
DeletePawesome, awesome! :) It was a good time and a good laugh with Penny getting all those cuddles.
Thank you for visiting here and Sharon's blog.
Take care, eh.
Gary :)
How fabulous! So glad you took yourself out of your comfort zone so that you and Penny could have such a great breakfast! So fun to meet up with a blogging friend and her grandfather sounds delightful. Penny looks like she is having tons of fun. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
Hi Jess,
DeleteFabulous, fur sure! I just knew I had to challenge my uncomfortable comfort zone. It was a delight meeting Sharon and her grandfather. Penny was the centre of attention. No surprise, there! :)
Thank you, Jess.
Gary
Oh, this is wonderful! I love the pics of Sharon and Penny. I would be totally star-struck if I ever met Penny too!
ReplyDeleteWill definitely have to check out Sharon's blog now. This is awesome.
Hi Julie,
DeleteThanks and yes, it was wonderful. Really pleased you like the photos of Sharon and Penny. No doubt, you would be totally starstruck meeting Penny! :)
Thank you for visiting and checking out Sharon's blog.
Gary
Awesome! I knew Sharon had visited you, but I missed her post - I'll check it out.
ReplyDeleteFabulous pics!!! I'm glad a great time was had by all - awesome! :)
Hi Jemi,
DeleteAh yes, surprised there wasn't more media attention when Sharon visited. Really glad you dropped by and checked out Sharon's post. Most pleased you like the pics. An amazing time for all of us.
Thank you, Jemi, eh!
Gary
I'd be starstruck too. What a wonderful meeting. I love seeing blog buddies in person.
ReplyDeleteHi Medeia,
DeleteI've no doubt you'd be starstruck in the presence of Penny! :) Seeing blog buddies in 3D reality was quite surreal for me.
Thank you, Medeia.
Gary
This was pawsitively wonderful to read, I mean positively. It sounds like you had a wonderful meet and greet. Penny enjoyed the spotlight as she is an internet superstar. Gary, it is really good that you were able to go out of your comfort zone and meet Sharon and her granddad.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a good week!
Hey Truedessa,
DeletePawsitively positive and I'm glad you thought it a wonderful read. A superb day with superb people and a certain internet superstar dog. Thanks for your thoughtful words. It was a challenge to get out there and meet them. I'm so glad I didn't turn around and cancel out.
Hope you have a lovely rest of your week.
Thank you, Truedessa.
Gary :)
I am pawsitively thrilled that you felt at ease with them. Very, very cool. Thanks for sharing this story with us. Have a woofunderful day.
ReplyDeleteHi Ivy,
DeleteYour pawsitivity is duly noted. Very pawleased to share this pawst. Oops, very pleased to share this post.
A wonderful day to you, Ivy.
Penny's fictional character,
Gary :)
Great weekend head for you, my friend.
DeleteHey Ivy,
DeleteThank you for your kind follow-up comment. Here's to a peaceful weekend, my amazing friend.
Gary :)
Penny is the cutest! So good to see her, and to hear about your chat.
ReplyDeleteAll the best from Singapore, Gary.
Damyanti
Hi Damyanti,
DeleteLovely to see you, my friend :)
Penny thanks you for calling her the cutest. A nice chat and Penny just kept on talking.
All the best from Leek, England, Damyanti.
May you have a peaceful weekend in Singapore.
Gary
Sharon and Penny seem to get along splendidly!
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry,
DeleteThey sure did. Sharon was totally starstruck by the celebrity dog! :0
Thank you, Sherry.
Gary
Awesome possom!
ReplyDeleteHey Shelly,
DeleteThanks, possum!
Gary
What a lovely couple! I'm glad you had such a good time - and Penny was such a hit. Quite a pawformer, that dog, isn't she?
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny,
DeleteIndeed, we all had a marvellous time. Penny the pawfect pawformer, pawhaps :)
Thank you, Jenny.
Gary
Wonderful meeting.
ReplyDeleteI believe it's difficult for most people to meet the first time.
Good for you.
I bet you and PENNY were both hits! x
Hi Kim,
DeleteIndeed it most assuredly was. I know you are correct about folks meeting up for the first time. My situation is compounded because I'm a virtual recluse. Thank you for your supportive words, Kim.
Penny was a hit and I was half a hit! :) x
Gary
What a sweet, sweet dog. "Hello, you must be Penny!" Gary, she sure is an internet star!
ReplyDeleteAs for your next post
From coast to coast
Laced with irony
In the place to be...
Doing the right thing's not always the right thing to do
Ask my friend Scooby Doo
But my heart goes out to you anyway
Night or day
Well, maybe not at night
That didn't come out right
But you know what I mean
At your Gary, Always Flairy Scene.
Blue
Ah Blue
DeleteIt must be true
The dog aint here
I'll make that clear
Have no fear
She's over at her human brother's home
Where she will roam
My next post
About the west coast
Irony alert
The irony hurt
Doing right
Has caused a plight
Thank you for that
As my mind goes splat
All the beast
From here in the east
Um, all the best
I do not jest.
Gary, Gary, nary contrary.
All the beast, Gary never scary always flairy. Think of three things all of us like about you.
DeleteHey Blue
DeleteI see you
All the beast
Is the very least
I can write to you
How very true
Three things about me
Let me see
One-I'm compassionate
Aint that great
Two- Try to be caring
Always sharing
Three-I make folks smile
There's no denial.
Have a good one
Have some fun
Thanks again
My Blue buddy friend
Gary, Gary, nary contrary.
Hi Gary, I know you are not accepting comments on your most recent post, so I’m cheating and leaving one here. Just want to say stay strong, sending hugs, Barbara
ReplyDeleteHi Barbara,
DeleteNo worries, my very thoughtful friend. I appreciate your support and your hugs. I'm doing my best to keep it together. Thank you and have a lovely rest of your weekend.
Gary