willowdot21 – An insight to a heart mind and soul.

Gloria Meets A Guide Dog.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Jennie and I came up with the idea that the children in the Aquaroom might like to find out about England..well my part of England. So we hit upon the idea of Gloria coming to stay and I can show her around. The Aquaroomers can follow my blog … And I will fill her Journal with stories and photos, for those who are there in Jennie’s class now and also future Aquaroomers. Jennie and I think this is a great idea. So does Gloria. Below is a post aimed at The Aquaroomers I hope you and they like it!

Day 9 Gloria meets Oivia

Gloria was having her early morning chat with Earl when she sensed there was someone or something else in the room. “Earl there is something new in the room. Look it’s big and black. I am not sure what to do?” Earl looked over Gloria’s shoulder, he smiled and said “Oh Gloria that’s Olivia. She is a guide dog” .”What is a guide dog ” asked Gloria.

” I believe you call them service dogs Gloria,” “Oh yes I know what you mean Earl. Is she a dog that deals with fits, diabetes, epilepsy, heart problems, cancer, hearing problems, paraplegic issues or blind people. ” ” She is a guide dog for blind people. Olivia actually retired last month, but she is a special dog. She worked an extra year because she was so good at her job. When she first started work saved her owner from walking under a bus. ” “What a heroine she is ” said Gloria.

“Shall we go and say hello to her” asked Gloria. Earl nodded and so they did.

“Good morning Olivia how are you today” asked Earl. “This is Gloria she is having a holiday with us !” ” Good morning Gloria it lovely to meet you! ” Gloria smiled and said ” likewise Miss Olivia.”

Gloria wanted to know all about Olivia and her job. She asked what is the guide dog for the blind association. So Olivia told her the facts. “The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (operating as Guide Dogs) is the world’s largest assistance dogs organization, providing independence and freedom to people with sight loss in the UK. Founded in 1931, it breeds and trains dogs, offers sighted guide training, and campaigns for the rights of those with visual impairments. Those are the facts Gloria” “Well” said Gloria , “when did you start your training.” “My training started the moment I was born. …. Tell you what Gloria, shall we watch some videos about how I was trained? “Oh yes Olivia that sounds like lots of fun 😊”

And so they did and here are the videos they watched.

Olivia asked Gloria if this was her first visit with willow and hubby and Gloria said it was and it had been very exciting. Olivia then said she had been here lots of times, sometimes with other dogs too. Gloria was interested to know why Olivia got to visit so often.

Olivia explained that guide dogs look after blind people…so say that the dog was ill or had an operation they would stay with someone who could see, and help them through their recovery. Or if the dog’s owner was ill or in hospital or had to go on work trip or a holiday the dog would go to a Guide Dog Association Volunteer. Gloria asked what a volunteer was. Olivia said that the volunteers were people who were trained. They can be puppies walkers or fosterers for trained, older working dogs and even retired dogs like herself. They look after guide dogs, in training, working or retired and the do it for free. The dogs bring their food and equipment with them so they are comfortable.

Gloria asked how long she was staying this time and Olivia said her owner and his wife were on a cruise so she was staying just over a fortnight! .. Gloria was very impressed. Olivia showed Gloria some of her pictures from earlier stays and some other dogs she had met. Not all guide dogs.

Then it was time to read Goodnight Moon and Olivia listened too.

Gloria has a Day Trip to London.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Day 8 Gloria goes to London

Gloria was up early and very excited. She told Earl that today was the day that willow and hubby were taking her up to London! Earl said “That’s wonderful Gloria, I came here from London, willow was born in London and hubby worked in London so they will have a great day planned. ” Gloria was positively beaming. ” We are going on a Train and a tube…. But I am not sure what a tube is?” “Ah!” Said Earl, a tube is a small but long train that goes along an underground tunnel. All the stations are under ground and there are lifts and escalators to reach the platforms. ” Well I never said Gloria…lifts and what’s the other thing, an escalator, Earl ?” “Moving stairs Gloria, that take you up and down! “

I came down stairs and asked Gloria if she would mind riding in a backpack because there was going to be a lot of walking today. Gloria thought about this and decided it would be a very good plan and fun too. So I helped Gloria into one of our backpacks. We tried three but none were quite right. Then we tried hubby’s new backpack and it was a perfect fit. Don’t you think Gloria looks happy and comfortable.

The three of us set off for the 20minute walk to the station. When we arrived we bought our tickets, all day travel cards including zones one to six on the tube. The lady in the ticket office said Gloria didn’t need a ticket because she was not old enough. We didn’t have to wait long for our train to arrive!

This is the view from inside the train. At first Gloria stayed in her bag on the seat having a good look around.

Then she got inquisitive as more people got on the train….then she asked me to lift her up so she could look out the window at the passing scenes.

The journey was an hour and ten minutes long with lots of stops 16 in all. At every stop Gloria asked “Are we there yet willow?” To which I replied “Nearly Gloria”. With my fingers crossed 🤞.

Finally we arrived at Waterloo Station and boy it was so busy. We were glad Gloria was in her bag… I think Gloria was too.

We left Waterloo Station, ( it’s called Waterloo after a huge battle which was fought on Sunday 18 June 1815, near Waterloo, which is ten miles from Brussels. Marking the end of the Napoleonic Wars. The French Imperial Army under the command of Napoleon were defeated by Arthur Wellesley and the Duke of Wellington)

The sun was out and the sky was blue and Gloria had a great view. We walked along the Thames and across the bridge towards The Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, and Westminster Abbey past the London eye. Here are some photos.

Gloria spotted Big Ben and the houses of Parliament.

After Gloria had seen the houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey we headed off to see Downing Street. Then HorseGuards Parade, we were headed off towards Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column .(The Battle of Trafalgar took place on 21 October 1805.) Gloria wanted to see and know everything. I was glad to carry her because I did not want to loose her!

Next it it was time to walk the 25 minuite walk up the Mall to Buckingham Palace. Here are some pictures.

Then we walked through Green Park to catch the tube and head for the Tower of London! We went on the Tube, down two escalators Gloria thought it was so exciting!

We caught the tube from Green Park. One stop on the Jubilee line to Westminster then we changed to the district line five stations to Tower Hill. As we came out of the station we could see the Tower across the road. We stopped to show Gloria the remains of the Roman City of Londinium. A prominent, 2,000-year-old fragment of the Roman London Wall stands in a garden just outside Tower Hill underground station. Built around AD 200, this, along with a smaller section inside the station’s westbound platform, constitutes a significant, accessible remnant of the original 3rd-century, 2-mile boundary wall.

We crossed the road and walked around the castle walls and saw the statues of a lion and two lionesses. “Why are there statues of wild animals here asked Gloria” I explained that that area was called The Royal Menagerie of the Tower of London was a historic, centuries-old royal zoo established in the early 1200s by King John to showcase exotic, diplomatic gifts like lions, polar bears, and elephants. Located near the western entrance, it became a public attraction before moving to Regent’s Park in 1835 to become the London Zoo.

After we had walked around the outside of the walls and Gloria had her photo taken at Traitors Gate. Gloria asked me “what is Traitors Gate? ” I explained that Traitors Gate is an historic water-gate entrance to the Tower of London beneath St. Thomas’s Tower, built between 1275 and 1279 by Edward 1st. Known for transporting prisoners accused of treason via the River Thames during the Tudor period, it served as the dramatic, often final, entry point for high-profile figures such as Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More and Queen Elizabeth 1st thoy she actually came out again.

As we walked away from the Tower we walked towards the Thames … Gloria was so excited to see Tower Bridge!

Finally on our way to get the tube to start our journey home we walked along to Pudding Lane to see the monument where the fire of London started . I explained to Gloria that The Monument to the Great Fire of London, often called simply The Monument, is a 202-foot-tall Doric column situated near Pudding Lane in the City of London. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Dr. Robert Hooke, it was built between 1671 and 1677 to commemorate the 1666 fire and celebrate the city’s rebuilding. I also told Gloria that if the monument was layed down on its side in the correct direction, it’s tip would reach the exact point where the fire started. Gloria thought that was very cool 😎

We were all tired by then so we got the tube to Waterloo and then the train home! Guess what Gloria did when she got in….Yes she told everyone all about her trip…then before going to sleep the all read GOODNIGHT MOON 🌙 🌝

Gloria writes a letter home.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Day 7 Gloria sends a letter home.

Dear Aquaroomers

My dear friends how are you all, have you missed me? I have really missed you all. I have to say though I have been very busy since I arrived here. Now if you were wondering the flight here was very pleasant the air hostesses looked after me very well. They all took turns in reading Goodnight Moon with me. I even got to go and sit with the pilot… Unfortunately the cockpit… (That’s what they call the business end of the plane where the pilot and co pilot sit and fly the plane.) Is a no photo area which is a shame because I got to wear the captain’s cap! It really suited me.

I hope you have enjoyed all my adventures,places I have been, people I have met and things I have done… because I have. I was a little shy at first but knowing that you have all been sharing this adventure with me has made me very brave.

I hope you have all enjoyed meeting, Jingles, Ozzie and Earl to mention a few,because I have . I still have some more friends to meet and tomorrow I think we are off to the big City of London on a train!!! How exciting is that. So now my dear boys and girls and Jennie I must be off to bed so I can be fresh and as bright as a button for tomorrow. I have enclosed some photos of the last seven days. Do you think you can tell Jennie who is in the photos and where the places are?

Sending lots of love and don’t forget read Goodnight Moon every day.

GLORIA 💜😊😊😊💜💜

.© willowdot21

Gloria Goes to Brighton and celebrates Mother’s Day.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Day 6 Gloria celebrates Mother’s Day.

Gloria and Earl where chatting when Earl asked Gloria if she knew what day it was. Gloria thought 🤔 and then she said “it’s Sunday Earl”. Earl said “Yes it Sunday but it is also Mother’s Day” Gloria thought then she said “but Mother’s Day is in May…” “Not in England Gloria it’s in March and it’s today. Did you notice willow’s middle and youngest son have already given her cards and chocolates. Now today willow and hubby are going to Brighton to visit their eldest son’. “Brighton? asked Gloria,”What’s that?”….” It’s a a town by the sea and guess what they are taking you” “Really” said Gloria “They are taking me too?”

*****

So we got ready and off we went. Gloria was sitting safe and comfortable in the back. It was a lovely day the sun was out and the traffic was light. We made good time.

When we arrived at P’s house the first job was to get P’s car going, it had a flat battery. Gloria decided to help, she was in charge of making sure the jump leads worked!

In the end the guys had to buy a new battery. While they were out Gloria tried out the furniture in P’s house…she found a comfy chair! When they came back the three of us and Gloria set off for a walk. We ended up at a pub…

Gloria liked the pub it was even nicer than the first one! She enjoyed a huge Sunday lunch with chicken and roasties and Yorkshire puddings.

After dinner we all walked home. We were all cold so P. Made up a fire in his wood burner … Gloria sat by the fire but at a safe distance.

When it was time to go home Gloria got into my bag she said she was going to look after my chocolates. I wonder 🤔

Then we drove home in the rain. Gloria thought the lights looked magical!

When we got home Glory told the boys all about her day. Then they all read Goodnight Moon with Gloria!

Song Lyrics Sunday.: Hurricane? What Hurricane.

Today Nancy the Scillian story teller has come up with a great prompt for Jim Adam’s Song Lyric Sunday. Thank you Jim for this great weekly challenge you run and thank you Nancy for this great post!

When I was growing up my brother JP. was a huge fan of Buddy Holly. I grew up listening to him along with Adam Faith and Jonnhy Mathis …until I developed my own taste. Buddy Holly, such a great singer songwriter, died way too young at 23yrs.

Raining in My Heart” is a song recorded by Buddy Holly on October 21, 1958 at Decca’s recording studio in the Pythian Temple on West 70th Street in New York City, with the orchestral backing by Dick Jacobs. The music and lyrics are written by the songwriting team of Felice and Boudleaux Bryant.

Charles Hardin Holley (September 7, 1936 – February 3, 1959), known professionally by his stage name Buddy Holly, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who was a central and pioneering figure of rock and roll. He was born to a musical family in Lubbock, Texas, during the Great Depression, and learned to play guitar and sing alongside his two siblings.

More information at Wikipedia

“Raining in My Heart” was also a 1978 hit for Leo Sayer when his recording of the song peaked at number 21 on the UK Singles Chart^[5] and number 47 on the US Billboard Hot 100.^[6] It also reached number 9 on the U.S. Easy Listening chart.^[7]

The sun is out, the sky is blue
There’s not a cloud to spoil the view
But it’s raining, raining in my heart

The weatherman says clear today
He doesn’t know you’ve gone away
And it’s raining, raining in my heart

Oh, misery, misery
What’s gonna become of me?

I tell my blues they mustn’t show
But soon these tears are bound to flow
‘Cause it’s raining, raining in my heart

But it’s raining, raining in my heart
And it’s raining, raining in my heart

Oh, misery, misery
What’s gonna become of me?

I tell my blues they mustn’t show
But soon these tears are bound to flow
‘Cause it’s raining, raining in my heart

Raining in my heart
Raining in my heart

When I was growing up my brother J. P. was a huge fan of Buddy Holly so I learnt to love him too. Such a talent such a short life.

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Boudleaux Bryant / Felice Bryant

Raining In My Heart lyrics © House Of Bryant Publications, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Then of course there Whirlwind by Sam Ryder. A gentle little song for a huge force of nature 💜

Due to the wonderful Gloria staying with me that all I have time for this week. Love to you all.

Happy Sunday 💜💜💜

Gloria goes Go Karting.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Day 5 Gloria goes to Go Karting practice.

This morning when I came downstairs Gloria and Earl were sitting by the window discussing the weather. It was zero degrees outside and everywhere was white! This is what I heard. “Earl I am worried about the critters they must be cold and hungry out there.” ” There’s no need to worry Gloria willow’s hubby gives them fresh food and water ever day” That made Gloria feel much better.

I went in and told them both that we were taking Gloria Go Karting. We were off to see our oldest grandson practicing at Daytona circuit Sandown in Esher. I also told Gloria that yes there is a Daytona racetrack located in Daytona Beach, Florida. Because I could see she was thinking. Gloria smiled and asked if Earl was joining us. Earl was quick to say.. “Not today Gloria it’s too cold for me!”

So we unplugged our electric car 🚗 and we all went to our son’s house. Gloria was delighted to meet both of our grandsons. The youngest one was going out with his mum but was really glad to meet Gloria before he left. M our eldest grandson showed Gloria around!

She loved watching him driving on a video racing program he likes to practice on! She also sat by the screen and tried to distract him….she could not.

Then she decided to try out the exercise bike.. yes she was having lots of fun.

Then Gloria asked if she could try on our grandson’s crash helmet… I think it really suits her…. what do you think 🤔

Finally it was time for us to head off for practice ! So we all headed off in our son’s car…. Hubby, me , J and M. When we arrived Gloria had her photo taken at reception.

We saw all the cars lined up and ready to go!

While M was at the health and safety briefing Gloria was allowed to have a go in a go kart. A very kind Marshal took her photo as we were not allowed on the track.

Then it was time to watch M doing practice laps. We were so proud and excited to watch M do his best. He did the fastest laps in his group, hooray 🎉 🙌 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🙌🙌.

When we got home Gloria was exhausted but happy.. spent ages telling Earl all about her day. Then it was time to read Goodnight.Moon.

Gloria meets a nearly centenarian

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Day 4 Gloria meets Jingles and Ozzie

Gloria and Earl were having a chat. “Gloria, have you ever met a nearly centanerian?” Gloria looked confused “A nearly centanerian Earl, what’s that?” “It’s someone who is nearly one hundred!” “No Earl I have not, have you? ” Earl beamed and said ” yes Gloria I have, would you like to meet one, infact would you like to meet two!” Gloria thought about this question her eyes lit up and then she replied! “Yes please I would”

So Earl disappeared for a few minutes and came back with a photo of two very old and senior friends.

” Now these are Ozzie and Jingles, Gloria and they would very much like to meet you!”…

“Let’s meet Jingles first…he is looking a little different from this picture and he can tell you why”

” Hello Gloria I am willow’s old Teddy Bear. I have known her all of her life”Gloria thought for a moment then said “well I know willow is old but she is not nearly one hundred years old! Is she? ” “No” replied Jingles laughing, ” but I am because I was someone else’s Teddy before I met willow. Her name was Margret, she was my first little girl. We Teddy Bears often have more than one owner 💜” “Oh!” Said Gloria. ” I didn’t know that. Can you tell me why are you all called Teddy Bears .” “Now that is an interesting story Gloria. Teddy bears are named after President Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. Apparently Mr Roosevelt was on a hunting trip. He refused to shoot a cornered bear. The story was made public and a candy shop owner Morris Michtom from Brooklyn decided to create a stuffed toy, calling it “Teddy’s Bear” with the President’s permission. Ever since then we have been called Teddy Bears.” Gloria was really excited. ” So all Teddy Bears are named after an American president… That makes me proud! But Jingles you look so different to your picture .. What happened to you.? “

“Well now Gloria it’s a rather nice story. willow’s hubby knew that she loves me very much and that she was sad that I was looking so old . He searched the internet and found a Teddy Bear Hospital . I was sent off by parcel post to a lovely place in Cornwall were a lady called Angie looked after me and restored me to health. She was really kind to me, she washed and mended me. She call what she did, a sympathetic renovation! Willow was so excited when I came home because she had no idea I had even been sent off. She said it was a wonderful surprise. And she cried because she was so happy. To be honest I cried too but no one saw “

Just then Earl came in with Ozzie who really looked in a state of poor repair. Poor Ozzie he needed to sit in the chair.

“Oh! my goodness” said Gloria “what has happened to you ?”

“Well said Ozzie, nothing really I just got old. I was truly loved by willow. Jingles and I have been the very best of friends forever. I also belonged to Margret before I was given to willow. ” “Oh! my goodness ” said Gloria.”are you the same age as Jingles?” “No Gloria, I am older and that’s what happened to me I just got old! Not long after I arrived at willow’s home her daddy made me a new suit out of one his socks. My old suit was blue and it had become very tatty”

Gloria thought long and hard then she looked at Earl and he nodded to her. Gloria them said. “Jingles and Ozzie I am Gloria and I am very pleased to meet you both. I come from America and I live with Jennie and all the children in the Aquaroom” Jingles and Ozzie both bow their heads and said that they were both very pleased to meet her too and they wanted to hear all about the children in the Aquaroom.

Earl noticed that Gloria looked a little sad he put his paw on her arm and asked why she looked sad, was she missing the children in the Aquaroom and Jennie. ..Gloria nodded, yes she was but she knew she was going back to them after her holiday so that was okay. No she was worried about Ozzie!

“Oh! No need to worry about me Gloria. I am going off to Cornwall in April to see Angie and be sympatheticly restored even though I am not a Teddy Bear…no I am a Rabbit 🐰” Everyone including Gloria laughed. Then it was time for everyone to read Goodnight Moon ….

Aquaroomers, who are those two bears on top of Gloria’s hat…. We will find out another day.

Gloria has a meal out.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

DAY 3 Gloria goes out to a pub.

Today we were due to meet friends and Gloria came with us. When we got up Gloria asked if she was going to school. Earl told her that no, she was on holiday and instead of going to school she would be doing different things. Gloria’s eyes lit up and she asked me what were we going to do today. I told her we were going out to lunch with friends and would she like to come with us. I could see Gloria was thinking 🤔 then she looked at me and smiled. “Yes please she said”

As I went out of the room I heard Gloria and Earl talking. “What is a pub Earl?” “It’s like a big house with comfy chairs and tables with cushions . You can get food and drink in there too” “Ewe ” said Gloria “is the food and drink free Earl?” “Well it is for us dogs but humans have to pay for theirs” Gloria looked at Earl and asked “Will I have to pay ?” ” Of course not , I know willow and hubby will pay for you” Gloria rubbed her hands together with glee! “Oh! Goody I am hungry today. Are you coming Earl” “Not today Gloria I have some jobs to do.”

This made me smile as I walked into the kitchen.

Gloria was very excited as we pulled in to the carpark at the pub. We were lucky as the rain had stopped for the minute. Gloria sat up and said. “I like the look of this pub … it’s just like Earl said a big house”

We went into the pub and we were greeted by the waitress. Gloria had lots of questions for her.: Are the dog biscuits and water free? Where are the menus , why do you have a computer, Oh? Is that the bar where the drinks come from, do you have a big kitchen, who does the washing up. The waitress was very pleasant and she answered all of Gloria’s questions. Then she showed Gloria how the computer worked. It has the names of all the people who are coming in for meals and which tables they would be sitting at. Also all the prices for food and drink. Then Gloria greeted a few customers, she smiled at them, gave them a menu then showed them to their tables. I think Gloria really enjoyed herself she certainly seemed very happy!

Then our friends arrived and the waitress showed us to our table. When we were all seated . Gloria spent time studying the menu.

In the end Gloria asked if we could share the pork and rice with vegetables. I was delighted to because I like a light lunch.

We all had a lovely meal, hubby had Slow cooked steak pie, and one our friends had steak and the other had a mixed grill.

When we got home Gloria was ready for a rest and she was really pleased to see Earl ( who had finished all his jobs). I went out to make a cup of tea and when I came back Earl was reading Gloria’s favourite book Goodnight Moon to her.

Cinquain Poetry Prompt 43: REBEL is your inspiration.

Wild child
No rules for him
Always bucked the system
Those eyes flashing green, a warning
Watch out

Rebel
Don’t toe the line
Thinking outside the box
Wearing red no uniform grey.
Freedom

This is part of Ronovanwrites American Cinquain Challenge.

Gloria discovers the Union Jack.

Gloria is from The Aquaroom which is in New England, where she helps Jennie Fitzkee of A Teacher’s Reflections.

Day two.

This morning Earl and Gloria were sitting at my big front window. Earl was telling Gloria all about the birds and wild life that visit our garden.

They saw the Squirrels who visit every day with the birds.

They also saw one of our more unusual visitors. One of two Parakeets who have taken up residence.

© willowdot21 A squirrel and a Parakeet.

While they were chatting Gloria spotted a tall white poll with a Flag fluttering at the top. “Oh! said Gloria , stopping Earl in his tracks. “What’s that Earl” . Earl looked across. “That’s a flag Gloria”. Gloria looked and then looked again. Then she stood up and announced. “That flag is wrong! Where are its Stars and Stripes?” Earl smiled and said, “It doesn’t have any Gloria because it’s a Union Jack flag ” “What is that ” asked Gloria who was confused. Earl smiled “It is the flag for the UK .”

Gloria said to Earl “I need a closer look I want to see this Union George” Earl coughed and corrected her, “Jack it’s a Union Jack”

So out the door went Gloria followed by hubby and myself. Quick as lightening Gloria shimmied up our next door neighbour’s flag pole to inspect the flag. When she came down she told us that it has the same colours as the Stars and Stripes but it’s a different pattern.

I explained that it’s the flags of England including Wales, Scotland,and Northern Ireland. That makes the Union part of the name.

The Jack,” a term for a small flag flown on the bowsprit of Royal Navy ships. It became commonly known as the “Union Jack” in the 17th century

So I asked Gloria what she thought of our flag and she said it was very nice and she loved the colours because they were just liked the Stars and Stripes which is the flag for the United States. Which has 50 white, five-pointed stars which symbolize the 50 states of the Union. Stripes: 13 horizontal stripes (alternating red and white) represent the original 13 colonies that gained independence..

“Well” I said to Gloria “we have all learnt something today haven’t we ” Gloria agreed with me. After all that excitement everyone was tired so I read Gloria her favourite book. Goodnight Moon.