GoY WELLIE OLYMPICS ...

lol, excellent,,,,,,,, just havin a cupa b4 heading out to work and that blog gave me a good laugh. thanks for that.

What about the Hop Skip And Jump with a bucket of compost.

and of couse Mower Dancing on Ice lol

Irish:

Glad this gave you a good laugh, before going off to work.

Buffriddler:

I've just read your blog. Good news:

YOU'VE BEEN SELECTED FOR THE WELLIE TEAM !

You'd do well in any wellie contest involving jumping with a bucket of compost....

..... but you aren't allowed to eat your carved cucumber medal.

What not even the skin lol please just a little for protein and energy........☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺

Very funny! Loved it!

What a good blog thats but a smile on my face well done.

CLARICE :

I'm very pleased the Wellie Olympics has given you a smile.

WOHLIBULI and MARGUERITE :

The Wellie Olympics very much welcomes overseas competitors.

There's a new gymnastics demonstration floor event where Wohlibuli's Texas Tumbleweed would be a great asset.

If Marguerite could bring along Australian Silvertop Ash and Sydney Golden Wattle ( yes, I've done my research ! ) she will be in with a good chance of a medal.

Do you have WELLIES ? If so, please let us know, and then you are both eligible to join in the fun and games.

Brilliant blog TT welcome to goy sorry a little belated.Glad to read not the only bonkers one out there have no sporting pretentions myself closest I ll get is probably a bad case of atheletes foot with all this wellie wearing.

BONKERSBON:

Athletes Foot ? That's wonderful ! Surely you know that immediately gives you automatic selection to any Wellie event you wish. (unless my budgie says otherwise)

Over the next few days I shall be wading my way ( in my wellies ) through your super-looking blogs.

Thanks for the words of welcome.

Well I wasn't going to say anything but since you ask I don't own wellies, cause we don't get enough rain for them. When it's damp out I just wear my Crocs!
So I guess that disqualifies me completely. I'll just have to route on my favs.

Of course, if it ever stops raining, we could all take up wellie whanging (for those of our distant correspondents who don't know about this esoteric sport, you take a wellie and throw it as far as you can)

ANDREW:

You sound like a specialist in wellie whanging, so, weather permitting, you are immediately signed up for that event.

WOHLIBULI :

I'm showing my ignorance here. But what exactly are CROCS ? I'm sure that word is used for different meanings in the UK. lol

If they are some type of wellie substitute, you could maybe still qualify for the Tumbleweed competition. Perhaps we need to see a photo of these Crocs ??? Do you use them a lot in the garden ?

How about javelin with a bean cane
put the plot
cable tennis
and of course push the water bosh.

BUFFRIDDLER:

I just knew you'd come up with a whole bunch of Wellie sports. I especially like the cable tennis. You are definitely selected for that event. Excellent !

I wear my Crocs a lot when working outside, but also for walking, shopping, strolling, almost everything. They are made of a breathable polyresin I believe and sort of mold to your foot for cushioning and support. They were recommended by my orthopedic surgeon and are very popular here with people who have to spend a lot of time on their feet, and a pic of mine has been posted, (although I'm ashamed of the condition they are in.) Time to get a new pair I guess!

WOHLIBULI:

Those Crocs are super. They ABSOLUTELY allow you to join in the Wellie Olympics. Seems like we're building up international input now. Hoping to hear from Marguerite. She must definitely think we're bonkers.

I have footwear a bit like the Crocs which I call clogs. I would be delighted to see photos of what other folk wear on their feet while gardening. Please let me know. I must confess I often do gardening in bedroom slippers. lol

OMG LOL!! Gardening in your slippers, oh noooo!
Crocs are like clogs but a name brand of a patented material that is just amazing for comfort. My slippers are too pretty for gardening, red of course!! My favorite color!

Love the wellie sport thing, I still yearn for a pair of good green wellies.
As to crocs, there are two definite groups here, either enthusiatically for or against - sorry Wohlibuli, I'm in the latter! I'll stick to my gardening clogs! At least you had the good sense not to buy the little decorations that fit in the holes!

GILLIAN:

Are you saying you'd like to join in the Wellie Olympics in your clogs?

We'd be glad to have you. Just let us know which sport you've thought up. Kev has already commandeered the cable tennis, Andrewr is throwing his welllies, and you'll see some more suggestions above.....but I'm sure you can think of another event you can enter.

I'll be making a provisional list of competitors soon. lol

Well Gillian, I probably would not have ever bought them without a Dr's recommendation, and I must admit they have worked well for me. They are NOT good for wearing in a lot of water, just if it's a little damp. As for decorations, oooohh no, not on mine, and hot pink color, no thank you!!
There are a lot of cheap "knock offs" out there and they are NOT made out of the same material and are not as comfortable to wear. I know this sounds like I own stock in the company but I assure you I do not.

Wohlibuli, you sound so enthusiastic about your shoes, I think you should definitely earn dollars commission on every pair of Croc sold. lol

Seriously, it's good to know that your feet are so comfortable while you're working in the garden.

You say no to decorations on your Crocs, but you might reconsider if you win a medal in the Wellie Olympics. What better place for the medal than on your gardening shoes.

Ok Wohlibuli, if you have the genuine ones and not the nasty knock-offs that's different!
Terratoonie, can I do the Cow Tipping event? I know it's not an olympic sport yet, but it could be...... Not sure if it would be me or the cow in the wellies though.

GILLIAN:

I'm so PLEASED that someone has volunteered for the Cow Tipping. Of course, not everybody approves of extra tipping - thinking the bill should be inclusive.

Please supply Wellies for yourself and the cow. Good quality boots, not nasty knock-offs or Wohlibuli will disapprove.

Irish recently posted up a good photo of a concrete cow, so that might give you extra inspiration. Do you think we could persuade her to join the team ?

lol count me in

IRISH - that's really good news. Thank you.

With your concrete cow in the garden experience you'll be of great benefit to the team.

Maybe, as with pantomime horses, you could be one half of the cow and Gillian the other half. (Both with Wellies) I'll leave you two to decide who is which half....

OMG just the mental picture of those two in a cow suit wearing wellies is enough to give me a pain, a pain from laughing so hard!

lol dont know which end would be worse .

Irish, I just posted a picture of our team shirts!

Gillian, those shirts are superb. What a brilliant idea.

How about puddle jumping in wellies? Whoever makes the biggest splash is the winner!

Well, Angie, that's a great idea.

With all the rain we've had this summer, one thing's for sure. We won't be short of water for the competition.

Did you see at the Olympics in China today, the rain teeming down on the athletics track?

I reckon plant growers in China this summer are having some of the same problems as the British gardeners.

I am a bit late finding this great blog Terra, but what a laugh! Made my evening, thanks!

So glad you like it, Pottygardener.

Very soon, I'll be listing our Grows On You provisional team for 2012 Wellie Olympics.

So get your flags ready !

Oh, dear, maybe that wasn't a very good choice of phrase. LOL

should have fishing in welly olympics could maybe catch sole and(h)eel on the same hook

Oh, that's very good, Islander. LOL

In the real Olympics, GB did very well in swimming, rowing and sailing, so it seems we're good on the water.

So, YES. Welcome to our Wellie team.
Please represent us in the sole and (h)eel fishing events !

I'm glad you've joined GOY.
A very big welcome.

With Beijing now a magnificent memory, it's time to put forward our GOY WELLIE OLYMPIC TEAM for LONDON 2012.

This is only a provisional list, and new members are welcome to join up at any time over the next four years.

I'm delighted to announce that for FLAG BEARER at the opening ceremony, the unanimous choice is....... MUDDYWELLIES.

Our team has international support. A MASCOT is required, and we are pleased to reveal it is the CONCRETE COW belonging to IRISH. (Please see her photo page for a picture of this BEAUTIFUL BOVINE. I'm sure she would welcome lots more 'likes' on that picture).

From the USA, WOHLIBULI will be competing, wearing her best quality Crocs footwear. No nasty knock-offs for Wohlibuli. Her event is GYMNASTICS: the TEXAS TUMBLEWEED floor event.

From Australia, MARGUERITE is assured of a medal - nothing but the best - because of her associations with the SYDNEY GOLDEN WATTLE.

GILLIAN has the special privilege of supporting TWO teams at the same time, with one Wellie boot on CANADIAN soil, and the other firmly placed in SURREY. She represents us in the COW TIPPING competition, wearing her Cow Tipping DESIGNER T SHIRT.

One of our first volunteers was CLARICE, up in BLACKPOOL. She'll be wearing FLIP-FLOPS for footwear, in honour of her two goldfish, FLIP and FLOP. (See her wonderful picture of these superb swimmers on her photo page. More 'likes' for this great garden picture please).

In WALES we are lucky to have POTTYGARDENER, a proven expert at WINDOW-BOXING, and so representing us in the BOXING ring - WELLIE-WEIGHT division.

From the BLACK ISLE in SCOTLAND, ANGIETEALE will be PUDDLE JUMPING in her wellies. With the excessive wet weather in our gardens this year, Angie is currently WORLD CHAMPION in the sport. Well done, Angie !

For track events, YORKSHIRE-based BONKERSBON has gamely offered his support for the ATHLETE'S FOOT races. In the THREE-LEGGED WELLIE RACE, he is joined by his very lovely lady-friend, BONKERSBONNE.

ANDREWR has a wonderful Yellow Book garden in
BRACKNELL, Berkshire, so we're grateful he finds the time for WELLIE WHANGING. We all know that Andrewr is very knowledgeable on gardening topics. However, there was almost a disastrous TYPO - (spelling error) which would have found him signed up for the WELLIE WHINGING, which is quite a different sport, and one which wouldn't suit his sunny disposition at all, being the happy chappie that we know and love.

A last-minute sign-up is ISLANDER, from the ORKNEYS.
He'll be in his wellies, fishing to catch SOLE and (H)EEL with the help of his lovely Labrador, LASSIE.

There are still vacancies for a DRIVER and PASSENGERS on the LONDON RED BUS. Volunteers from home and overseas are all welcome. The only requirements are membership of wonderful GoY and ownership of GARDEN WELLIES.

There will be occasional up-dates on our WELLIE OLYMPICS TRAINING, and we might even hear from new volunteers.

Meanwhile, GoY members, it could be a muddy winter of gardening ahead of us, so please get those WELLIES ready.

: )

lol brilliant, can i volunteer for the bus driving job

Wohlibuli : ) to you in the USA.

Irish : Yes, please be the bus driver. Will you need SatNav?

Maybe we can persuade David Beckham to carry your concrete cow. As long as he doesn't kick it into the crowd, I reckon that's okay, don't you ?

lol id rather frank Lampard carry it but mind you he might no make it off my bus .
i wont need SatNav thanks, janette can be the co.driver.

I dont have any Wellies, however I think I might go on the hunt for the perfect pair just so that I can participate...tho perhaps I could be a passenger on the Bus? I have loads of experience with Wellie wearing and some Wellie Whinging (when they wore out) during my few years on the Emerald Isle. Love the blog lol!

Good news, found a pair of Wellies, have posted pic on my site..please let me know if I qualify lol!

Hi Lorraine:

Your Wellies have been examined and they qualify with FLYING COLOURS - literally - what very multicoloured boots.

Is that ROLLER-BLADES in the top corner of your picture?
Looks like you could wear those and hang on behind the red bus, waving the Canadian flag.

With the short gardening season you have in Alberta, that should leave you plenty of time to rehearse.

We're DELIGHTED to have you on board.

LoL, terriffic! Glad to be on board!

Just caught up with this blog. This is a crazy site. Sadly you have no entrants from Hungary. That's probably because we don't need wellies either being a relatively dry place with sandy soil that drains in a trice.
The nearest I get to wellies is fur lined snow boots.Maybe we can have a garden path snow clearing competition for the Winter Olympica. I've got a path (see my photos) and a bright yellow plastic snow shovel.

Your on Chrispook, have winter boots but need to know.. can I bring my Snowblower?

Thats cheating Lorraine. Hand shovels only I say.

Chrispook, looks like the Winter Olympics blog is all yours.

But a photo of the yellow plastic shovel and fur lined boots will give you honorary entry to the Wellie Olympics.

Surely you aren't going to let Lorraine score one over you with her multicoloured wellie photo? Hungary needs you.

Chrispook you are a tough task master lol! Ok, hand shovels it is, maybe we should do this blindfolded and see who has the straightest path!

I'll work on it. Since it's due to be +35 C this week my hubby will be sure that I've got a number of screws loose when I start digging out my winter boots and the snow shovel.

Brilliant Terra....what fun we will have! My wellies are out, well actually they have never been away! Lorraine...like your colourful wellies....

Pottygardener,
I'm so pleased you're kitted out and ready to go.
Please bring along Welsh flags to brighten up the bus.

Thanks Pottygardener, they certainly brighten up a rainy day!

Chrispook: Hungary is proud of you.

Yours photos are fantastic.

I don't understand the weird hair-do on the shovel.

But terrific tinsel around your furry Wellies.

Welcome to our Wellie Olympics team.

the shovels hair do is actually the fur on my hat as seen in the next photo. The top of the hat got cut off in the longer photo, as I guess the dimensions were not right for GOY upload.

Just caught up with this absolutely mad but brilliant blog and can't believe I nearly missed my chance to join the GOY Wellie Olympic Team. Please, Please can I join? My wellies might be boring green but I'd be really good at Mud Slinging! I've been practising all summer and helped fill 3 skips. I therefore feel sure I could win us a Gold medal.

Joannie:
Your recent photo entitled Soggy Patio demonstrates beyond question the huge amount of rain and Wellie Experience you've had this year in Derbyshire.

You helped fill 3 skips ...
...so your event is the hop, skip and jump.

Your patio floods look suspiciously like the pond at Pemberley in the Pride and Prejudice TV series.

Is Mr Darcy about to leap in ?

Please bring your green Wellies.... and Colin Firth in his wet white shirt.

Now then Terratoonie, as much as I would love to participate to the Wellie Olympics, it is going to be very difficult as I don’t own a pair of this rubber footwear – they’re not much use in hot parched weather!!

I suppose I could invest in a pair next time I’m in Eggland but of course they would have to be designer branded – do you think I could find Armani wellies in Woolies???? Failing that, would I be able to qualify in my flip flops??

Terry60 ~
You'd be wonderful. You can represent both Italy and Britain at the same time!

There's discussion above about Wohlibuli's CROCS.

You can see her magnificent photo of these amongst the GoY footwear collection on my favourite photos homepage.

While Gillian was in a garden centre, she took a brilliant photo of a whole display of Crocs !

It sounds like your flip flips could be very similar to Crocs.

Any chance, please, of posting a photo of these flip flops you use when tending your beautiful garden ?

Then a final decision can be made about your Wellie Olympics application.

I've examined the blue-and-white flip flops,
and the rosy pink nail varnish -
Is that what you really look like when you're gardening ???
......very glamorous..

..excellent - what a combination...
red, white and blue...
you're in Terry60. Welcome.

Yippeee !!

Terry you a Brit living in Italy ? If so may I suggest you as Team Manager - know its your blog TT but as overall organiser you ll need to delegate - after all we have an Italian managing England football team.Seems only right we get our own back.

BB ~

I occasionally hijack your photos or blogs,
so feel free to borrow mine ~

The Team Manager is a great idea.
Terry 60 will soon let us know.

She's planning on photographing some Italian garden centres for us, so she would have good camera experience when it comes to taking the team photo.

Sorry Bonkers to disappoint you but I don't think I would qualify for the magnitude of the role - being half Italian !!

Top half or bottom half? :-)

Do you mean which half of Italy, Andrewr.

I would guess the boot-shaped bit. LOL

Just to let you all know that in response to Chrispooks entry of a garden path snow clearing team I have posted pics of my favorite snow shovel and accessories! Would like to be an honorary member of the Hungary team please!? Need TT and Chrispook to vet my equipment and let me know if it passes lol!

Lorraine ~
with that super-size scoop you qualify for any team you wish.
To me, it still looks like a plastic toboggan.

Welcome aboard.

P.S. Due to Terry60's dual nationality,
the position of Team Manager is still open.
Any offers ?

I still propose Terry.Think dual nationality brilliant.We win shes English we lose then Italian .Rather like we do with the Scots - they win they are British , they lose they still Scots! Ps anywhere near your age yet TT with all these comments?

BB ~
There's a very interesting debate going on under Terry's flipflops photo.
Xela has given some useful input.

Check it out.

And, sorry, BB.
To get anywhere near my age, we need at least another 70 comments.

Fellow Olympians ~

~ A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT ~

Introducing our GoY Wellie Olympics Team Manager :

[ drum roll ] [ and new paragraph ]

~ G R E N V I L L E ~

To find out exactly how he was encouraged to accept this demanding role, please see Andrewr's blog entitled:

"Green Footprints (This isn't what you think it is)"

Yes, that's the title. It's about a robin with green feet, and of course, also about wellies.

And how did we know that Grenville has the X factor?

What was the decider ? Make up your own minds, but, personally, I think it's his fantastic green hairdo.

More announcements will follow about Grenville's managerial responsibilities and his badge of office.

Disgraceful decision . A member of the Somerset Mafia as Team manager there will be Spritz Andrewr possibly Phillip in this south west team.

As I.O.M only representative I will need to enter most disciplines.Clearly going to specialise in 3 legged race.Dont fancy the hurdles but will enjoy the triple jump.

BB:
Can't wait to see you in the synchronised swimming.

3 legs or 6 ?

Obviously my 3rd leg is false and able to accept various attachments. A dibber for planting out and seed drills , hoes rakes etc.My favourite is the rotavator attachment.

This allows me to sprint over muddy fields , when placed behind me acts like an outboard motor in the pool.
Unfortunately to use this in synchro swimming would have me looking like a whisk!

My lawn needs scarifying.
Sounds like you could be scary enough to have a suitable attachment ?

If you could trim the edges at the same time, please, that would count towards your final score, and thereby move the I.O.M. higher up the medals table.

New sport suggestion: Mud-plodging. It's a relay event and four members have to run, one at a time, across the Bath and West Showground (after even more rain to make it even more of a quagmire) in wellies, of course, and you have to pass on your wellies to the next plodger. That is if you haven't left them in the mud on the way across! It's a very demanding sport, this one, and if you lose, you get that sinking feeling! ;-) Obviously, BB is a highly suitable member of this team. He will have to be made an honorary member of the Somerset Mafia, though. (HEHEHE)

Sounds like you're a real expert in this sport, Spritz.
An activity of which Muddywellies would be proud.

Just checking: is mud-plodging the event where the elite competitors are allowed to use West Country clotted cream?

Your answer will be relevant as to whether you are accepted.

lol

Sorry, TT - that's Devon or Cornwall, not Somerset - see, you didn't catch me out with that tricky question!

Well done, Spritz.
You're obviously on the alert.
Just what we need for the team.
The cream of the crop.

so W E L C O M E
You are now officially a ~
GoY Wellie Olympian.

Hi all
After much deliberation I have decided I can't be left out of such a a classy bunch of future Olympians!I
have decided to enter the husband and Honda VFR in the motorbike polo class which involves driving across the Bath Showground holding my large Cycas revoluta and cacti whilst wearing wellies , whilst I will enter the dogsledding class with the boxers on sleds made of wellies tied together to give some bounce and comfort!
Warm welcome to Grenville as the team leader!At your command sir!
Can't wait to start practising!
Arlene

Wow, Arlene.
Doubling-up on events.
Hoping to be a multi-medallist.

So pleased you can join us.
Photos of the cacti, Honda and wellies would be great.
Please identify any cacti to avoid confusion with the Winter Olympics plants such Christmas cactus.

If you need any advice on cleaning the Hondas, or the cacti, please see Andrewr's recent Harley Sportster photo.
He's very speedy with the cloth and polish.

An honorary member of Somerset Mafia ? Something not quite right with that - think I may be disqualified . This Team manager Grenvilles ruse ? Whats he up to?

Grenville hasn't contributed a comment on this thread yet.
His wellie interest was declared on Andrewr's green feet blog.

How can we alert him to possible irregularities and that his managerial expertise might be urgently needed?
BB : Your help might be needed here.

Your Captain decrees that all events have to be vetted by an events commitee to ensure that the original ethos of the Olympic games is not abused or corrupted in any way.

I'm delighted to report that all submissions and suggestions for events mentioned to date have been accepted, and they fully meet with, and comply with all the current rules and legislation.

In addition, the lost art and former Olympic event of Green 'wellington boot sluping' will also be included.
This involves running through varying depths of mud while wearing green wellington boots over the course of 400 metres, skipping for a further 20 metres, carrying a lightly boiled egg (free range) balanced on a hand - carved wooden spoon for 25 metres, and finally pole vaulting over hand woven hurdles (made by craftspersons from the Somerset levels) set to a height of 18 metres.
The construction of the hurdles will have to meet the exacting standards of the Somerset Gardeners Mafia vetting committee.
The winner is the competitor who still retains and wears their green wellington boots when landing on a natural duck and down filled mattress at the end of the track.

In the event of a tie, the race will be re-run and timed.The winner will be the competitor who completes the course within a five minute limit.
Finally, I'm delighted to report the following good news.
The committee of the Somerset gardener's Mafia have been consulted regarding affording membership to team member 'Bonkers'
Their ruling and press release reads as follows:
'The committee will be delighted to offer temporary membership to any team members who wish to participate, and this will be subject to the normal vetting and selection proceedures for all existing Olympic events.This is in accordance with their members rulebook of 1876 (revised edition.)

What good news ! That's marvellous - reviving the lost art of Wellington Boot Sluping. I've noticed the obvious differences between this discipline and Andrewr's Wellie Whanging event, notably the lack of Sportsters.

I am very concerned that the sluping measurements have been issued only in modern metres. Team Manager's input here please, on equivalents in 'old money', i.e. groats,cubits and ells (for the uniforms).

Must object to animal cruelty if the winners are required to land (quote) "on a natural duck." Couldn't the competitors manage with merely the down-filled mattress? Your ruling, please.

Finally, although remaining respectful to the Team Manager at all times, may I dutifully point out that, looking at your photo, I can see that your super green hairdo is wilting just a little. Looks like the roots need attention again.

Excuse me 18 metres for the pole vault? Is that nearly 60 feet ( ! ) in old money. Why dont we just vault Glastonbury tor instead.

Thank you for confirming temporary membership.With rules and events like this I expect it to be be very temporary indeed. I must insist that if any events prove fatal to me all my invertebrate and amphibious friends are sent back with me by over - night courier .

Ps I have a spare wellington free if there is a one legged competitor.

Thank you for raising the concerns.
The Olympic committtee have been consulted and suggest the mattress be filled with down and other synthetic materials. Hopefully this will not cause any allergic reactions to the competitors, should the vaulting poles puncture the outer covering and release the filling materials.
Track measurements will be given in metric in order to make the events international.
My super green hairdo will be tended by a hair dresser of international repute to ensure it meets with the high expectations and aspirations of the competitors and the Olympic committee.
With kindest regards to all team members.
Captain Grenville.

I guess spare Wellie also useful for another 3 legged athlete - three pairs for two people, 3 for 2 special offer ?

We really need Team Manager's advice on quite a few technicalities here. I don't have the revised 1876 rulebook.

Working from the old 1815 Waterloo issue.
Quite a bit about Wellington in that one.

Expert training will be given to ensure that all competitors reach the height targets in the Pole vaulting contest.
High energy drinks will also be freely available, and Pole Vaulting heats will be staged over Glastonbury Tor prior to the games. Specially sprung running shoes that provide extra lift are currently being manufactured, and will be provided for all competitors in this event.
The Poles are a bi- product of space research and have the capability of providing incredible lift and thrust.
Competitors will also have the option of being catapaulted over the hurdles in an elastic harness if they so choose.

Hi TT you missing some medication as well? Think Captain G might ve over done it?

Oh I can just see Captain and Spritz pulling back on that harness with me in it .Think the Olympic record would go and I d be back in Yorkshire faster than I thought.

Yes indeed spare wellingtons must be available for all three legged events. The 1876 rule book states that the spare must fit a left foot hence two left feet and one right.It must be the same size and colour as the other two.
Heels and soles must not be modified in any way.

Team member Bonkers please do not worry..... Spritz and myself have had many years of expert training and experience with the pole vaulting harness.
Health & Safety officers will also be on hand together with Olympic officials to ensure there is no foul play or lack of safety proceedures.

Hi Glenville
am I right to be worrying about whether we all have to wear the same make ,height and colour?
My Muckboots are only mid calf height and are green but are very comfortable- not sure all the other competitors suit green?
Arlene

Spritz is being suspiciously quiet. Sunshine today, dried up any chance of training in her chosen sport of mud-plodging.
She's wondering if her gold medal chance now in jeopardy.

BB: we might need to add our special medication to shampoo for Captain G's Olympic perm.

Captain G : if you scroll back about 352 comments, you'll see that Islander's chosen specialist event is fishing on one hook for sole and (h)eel, so this will provide a regular supply for the cobblers.

This is excellent news..... I like the idea of the events being totally inclusive and generating more work for local craftspersons.
Arlene, please do not worry. Your boots sound wonderful.

Arlene : re. team kit. Guidance on the correct shade of green will be given, similar to paint colour charts. Little green squares in various shades, so that kit exactly matches the green hairdo colour of Captain Grenville.

SOME people have been working in their gardens! SOME people have been walking their Labrador too. HA!

The fields are still like swamps, so mud-plodging is still on.

Hi TT
Oh good! I am relieved!
Went to local fuchsia nursery today-Hywel told me the 9cm pots were only 50p.
Omigod!
Bought 39 different I think! then wandered about their display area of 700 stock plants and saw another 50 that I liked.
Talk about a kid in a sweet shop!
Too dark when got home to have a good look but tomorrow will see exactly what I have.
Woohoo!!!!!!

I'm delighted that the team kits will be colour coordinated with my hair style. The team photos and television coverage should be quite spectacular!
Spritz- some huge splatters of mud came flying over Bristol this morning.
Were you testing the elastic pole vaulting harness?

Will we get extra marks for being like,totally green?

Arlene ~ even more marks.
I'm green with envy.

BB ~ Your frog and toad experience useful with the following, please. Is this a coded message ?
email I received from ~
"KERMIT, somewhere across the pond" ~
"It's not that easy being green"

Thanks TT!
so pleased to be pulling my weight-by the way is that another discipline?

Think it could be from Flowercrazy ,TT you seen her lovely frog photo?

"'The committee will be delighted to offer temporary membership to any team members who wish to participate, and this will be subject to the normal vetting and selection proceedures for all existing Olympic events.This is in accordance with their members rulebook of 1876 (revised edition.)"

I think our Team Manager may find there is a residence or family relation requirement before anyone can compete in the Olympics for a new count(r)y.

I also want to know when the random drug tests are taking place as I will volunteer to take the random drugs (can't have BB taking all the medications)

Oh knew this would happen . Have I been entered for the hurdles as obtacles already being put in my way !

My mother was Irish ( that come as a shock Eileen ) .. by birth not by name and always said I was all at sea.Think this qualifies me to represent an island in the Irish Sea.

I also feel that having 3 legs the symbol of the I.o.M should count.is it any wonder I need medication ?Who said that ....?

Stop Press:
Spotted Captain Grenville's secret Essex training HQ today en route home from dog show. Despite the darkness, my trusty chauffeur took photos, which hope to upload on GoY this week, if my nerves can take the stress.

Random drugs not in evidence, but photos might prove otherwise.

Re. Kermit communication ~ Flcrazy will be frog-marched to Captain's HQ for interrogation.

My dogs have ancestors in Wales and Shetland Isles. Budgie has convict cousins in Oz. Does that make me internationally connected? Captain G's ruling needed.

Officially it's only your own ancestors TT and only back two generations. My great-grandfather was Polish but I can't do the Pole Vault. However one of my grandfathers was born in Edinburgh so I'm perfecting the Highland Fling in the Wellie Whanging event

I'm delighted and proud to report we are truly international and fully inclusive in all aspects.
I'm looking forward to seeing the secret training HQ photos from Essex. I hope you will agree that the facilites are second to none.A lot of money has been spent updating them and providing the best amenities. It's a little while since I last made a visit so the photos will help to refresh my memory.

My great great grandmother(and gggrandfather) were from Poland. Does that qualify me for the pole vault? Otherwise I think the only thing I'd be able to enter is tennis and in Wellies (or Crocs) that is going to be very funny!

Wohlibuli
Pole vaulting is most acceptable, and you also mention 'crocs'.I've taken advice and 'croc teeth gnashing' would also be acceptable. You throw a table tennis ball and the crocodiles catch them in their teeth. The winning team is the one with the greatest number of table tennis balls that the crocs have spit out into a bucket after catching them and gnashing their teeth in the process. Croc training can be provided by expert handlers.
Competitors have to wear green wellies while throwing the balls to the crocs.
(If the Crocs insist they can wear green wellies as well.However,the wellies must coordinate with their green crocodile skins.)

And H-A-N-D-bags (well, I do live in Bracknell!)

At great expense, I've managed to acquire the help of a new trainer:
My Sheltie, "Conker", vaults poles ( wooden and human ) puts tennis balls in buckets, and carries unusual objects. No good with the teeth-gnashing - far too sweet-tempered.

Wohlibuli ~ are you now competing in THREE events :
the Texas Tumbleweed Gymastics, the Wellie Croc Tennis AND the Pole Vault ?

Obviously all that gardening has turned you into an extremely fit athlete. Congratulations.

Thanks Andrew for mentioning Handbags..... I forgot to mention that uni-sex, faux crocodile skin hand bags/shoulder bags must also be worn by all competitors for the 'Croc teeth gnashing event.' (Shoulder bags are the best option so that aiming is more accurate.)
Your Dog is now an official team member Terrattonie!

Captain Grenville ~
Our team is already stronger for your remarkable guidance. Thank you on behalf of the whole GoY Wellie team.

I promise that selecting Conker will prove a master stroke.
Yesterday at the dog show when winning with his gardening trick routine, he used his toy tape measure to calculate the size of his vegetable plot. He can do this in both metric and imperial.

TT - congratulations to Conker! Please could he teach Henry how to pick up snails and drop them either in a bucket or, preferably, in the stream? Thanks!

Part of Conker's trick routine is to find a fluffy hedgehog, a furry tortoise and a green frog. No snails yet, but what a good idea Spritz. Thanks !

Whilst musing on the comments to this blog in the shower this morning, I shampooed my hair with a bottle of stuff meant for one's nether regions by mistake, and therefore have been forced to come back to you on it.
Over lunch with my garden robin (he had mealworms with digestive and chopped peanuts, I had a Greek salad with lettuces from the veg. plot) we were discussing this Olympic thing. He seems to think that the green feet/wellies a good look for robins, and is going to contact all 5 of his offspring to see if one of them (should they survive) would be willing to carry the flag in 2012.
He asks whether any consideration had yet been given to Team GOY's uniforms - and suggests the floral wellies/gloves/trowels/secateurs freely available from Garden Centres, would serve for both sexes (no gender stereotyping). I would add a bee-keeper's hat and veil.
I personally would like to enter for Virginia Creeper wrestling. At present I am not sure whether this is an individual or a team sport - mine I think has it's feet in the sewage system. (Such a lovely thing to cover that blank brick wall)
Sorry about all this, but I spent last night chasing a wood mouse (humane trap in one hand, and a sandwich box in the other) around my bedroom. Quite what sort of sandwich I thought it would make, who knows.
Finally dropped off at 5.30am. Hubby's alarm clock goes off at 6.

Firstly, congrats. Shirleypoppy on perusing approx. 120 comments. No wonder you ended up using the wrong shampoo.

Our team members' special shampoo contains an extra secret ingredient of the medication which BB and I need to take regularly.

Do you grow your own loofahs? Could be an asset.

Your ideas for uniforms sound great, and will no doubt be vetted by Captain Grenville.

Virginia Creeper wrestling seems ideal, especially if West facing. Could you cope with the other 49 states if required ?

Flag bearer at the opening ceremony is Muddywellies, but the robins could fly along holding the flag out, to give a very pretty 'Disney' effect.

I don't make the final decisions. Others will have their say. But in the meantime, WELCOME, to the Wellie Olympic Team.

Am finding copious amounts of mud in local wood so if anyone wants some please let me know!Can send by parcel2go!
Managed to slip on the slope and land on my posterior should i be trying out the dogsled ?Dogs too interested in playing!
really sticky stuff at the moment!
Haven't yet found green wellies for the dogs but know you can get those little black lace up boots in various sizes.
When will the uniforms be ready?should I be dieting yet?

Arlene ~
re. the diet. Shirleypoppy seems to be I.C. catering with her sandwiches and Greek salad.

Waiting for Captain's ruling on the bee-keeper's veil.
Might ensure a regular supply of honey for energy.

Shirleypoppy ~
I've just discovered that Flcrazy grows loofahs!
See photo of cute kitten, Buffy, and loofah on page 11 of her Fl's photos.

to team captain grenville: I have just returned from the local tip with a trailer load of old slippers ,boots, shoes and wellies. I will be releasing these into loch harray and stenness loch just in time for the spawning season. By the time the fishing contest starts the lochs should be in fine fettle with lots of young (h)eels and soles shoaling in the bays. the downside may be that there could be an excess of bootlace eels in among the better fish. I have been tying lots of flies for our anglers to use, it is a delicate job as they keep trying to fly away before i can get them tied down

seeing some of the team are bringing crocks, can we include crock wrestling in the games

Islander ~
I admire your tenacity in persevering with the flies. What a brilliant idea to release the old boots and shoes into the loch. I hope you aren't accused of fly-tipping.

With so many shoals you'll get a good catch and achieve the Wellie Olympic Record and World Record.

Talking of records. The Guinness Book of Records 2009 is published today. I do hope the book includes our own Captain Grenville, who together with Alan, has the smallest Yellow Book Garden, which raises lots of cash for charity.
Surely that deserves to be in the Guinness Book?

Unless Grenville and Alan grow large lemons or Jack o' Lanterns, or own a maze, there doesn't seem to be a category to accommodate smallest gardens. Nevertheless many congratulations to them on the fundraising. If ever down Bristol way, I shall certainly check to see if their garden is open.
However, I am so glad someone else has the ability to grow loofahs - my duties in the Catering Dept. (due to the team size) means that I shan't have much time to learn how to grow them before 2012.
Captain Grenville has gone awfully quiet - I suspect he is, as we speak, organising a posse of white-coated people..............Sorry, I'll have to go - there's someone at the door.

Fellow GoY Olympians ~
Please be on your guard.
A rival team is amassing among our photos~
namely the FLOWERPOT PEOPLE.
I've put two pictures of these on my favourites to demonstrate the invasion. They are trying to keep themselves apart and appear inconspicuous, but one picture. is near the top, cleverly spotted by Peter, and yet another, from Arlene, is lower down.

Please alert team members if any more flowerpot people are lurking. We don't want intruders in our secret training HQ.
The picture of this venue will be posted when rules underneath Cow Watering Lane photo have been fulfilled.

CHECK OUT MY LATEST PIC!

Arlene ~
I've checked out your photo.
VERY well spotted.
These Flowerpot People are definitely invading GoY.
I've added this new one to my favourites so that we can keep track of them.

How do you think these Flowerpot People are multiplying ~
propagation ? cuttings ? seedlings ?

hI TT
I think they are sprouting and definitely need to be kept in check-perhaps some Roseclear?

We'll fight back by building up our team.
Need more GoY Olympians.
Helen60garden has recently uploaded some wonderful wellies - now on my GoY footwear fav. photos.
Arlene ~ can we get Helen on our team?
You'll see under her photo I reckon she would be ideal for cementing international friendships.
See what you can do ~

and yes, if necessary, to quell the Flowerpot People, we'll have Bonkers in the saddle on his trusty steed with the ultimate weapon ~ Roundup.

Just let me say you guys are hilarious ! I would also love to join the team. As I have no wellies either, ( a flip flop wearer like Terry 60), I ask to be a health consultant for your team ! With all those feet in all those wellies, running all the obstactle courses, I know your feet are going to be in dire need of some exfoliating to say the least ! Luckily I have just the thing for the job,loofahs ! If some of the feet are too far gone that they are beyond loofahs, well then, I have some loppers.... Let's all pray it doesn't come to that..lol. Just keep my husband's feet out of those hot, rubber wellies and everyone should be okay !
While I'm at it, let me go on record by saying, I don't know any frog named Kermit, and all my frogs are innocent,innocent I tell you...., I swear...! Right Bonkers, (wink).

Flcrazy ~ health consultant ~ yes PLEASE.

A bonus if you upload photos of your latest loofah crop ~ that would give us renewed strength.

Not sure if you know that Helen60garden is now on the team, following her recent photo of amazing concrete wellies ~ sure to cement international friendship.

Your husband's feet sound like the secret weapon we've been looking for to quell the invasion of the Flowerpot People. So, Fl's hubby ~ keep wearing those hot rubber wellies. That's what I say.

Not sure about all this winking at Bonkers.... or is that some kind of physio exercise regularly undertaken by health consultants ? :o)

Welcome to FLcrazy! Can I make an appointment?
My feet are in dire straits already from all the wellie wearing whilst jumping up and down-can we stop yet?
As daughter is currently in London she kindly volunteered to see Gordon about the Olympic funding particularly for the compulsary
green wellies.; however Gordon seemed a bit preoccupied muttering about black horses and told her to BOGOF, however didn't elaborate on where she would be able to buy them buy one get one free so currently stopping anyone wearing green wellies to find out!
Hope she can crack this one for us as we will make a big saving!
What should we do about the black horses TT?

Excuse me TT but at my age a wink from thousands of miles away keeps me happy! That said I am concerned about the use of loppers . I have no objection to the thought of files and even power sanders on my false leg - quite sexy or is that another site , fun in the stumpery ? - but loppers ? Thats scary.

Interesting comment Arlene. Dont worry about the Black Horse he s well supported.Sure he will qualify for more tax payers money - our logo is a robin. Robin the poor to fund the rich.

Well TT, I downloaded a pic of my luffas, don't know if I still get any bonus points for last year's crop. I shamefully didn't grow any this year, I know , I know, I'm terrible ! This spring I'd been daydreaming of kiwis so I decided to grow some hardy kiwi instead of a luffa vine. Kiwis taste sooooo good, and I needed to quell my ever growing sweet tooth, the older I get the larger it grows ! So please forgive me.
Also TT, I have to warn you, using my husband's feet as our new secret weapon could turn ugly. We are talking biochemical warfare here...Do you really want to take it that far....? I don't know if you have the stomach for it . Trust me, it takes years of training to conquer this milestone. Get back with me on this dilemma !
Arlene, my luffas, or should I say loofahs, are primed and ready to exfoliate, just say the word and you can consider your feet as good as buffed.

This blog is taking an equestrian turn ~

Arlene worried about Gordon and his black horses.
Bonkers on his trusty steed with Roundup.

Are we becoming adept at another Wellie Olympic sport here?

Anyone who thinks they've spotted a dark horse, please report back to the blog.

Flcrazy : are you willing to help out as health consultant to the horses?

All this talk of the Kiwis. Are you working for another team?

Would any of these problems be answered by uploading a photo of hubby's wellies? Zoom lens recommended.

ta terratoonie for the mention .I suggest me as anchor woman in the tug o war!
regards Helen

Helen ~ fantastic idea.
Your concrete boots would really serve a purpose.
Well done in thinking up the ideal sport for those welllies.:o)

I loved this ...I wear blue clogs, brand name "Anywear" closest thing I have to wellies are my Muck Boots and my rubber boots I wear in the paddocks...I also have leather riding boots called Ropers and regular Cowboy boots too...I love shoes..red ones are nice but I think if I were to get Wellies I woulkd get them in Red with white poa dots... :) Could I still wear them in the Wellie Olympics? Or maybe my Muck Boots will have to do..

Wow, Catfinch ~
You qualify for the team by having more variety of wellies than anyone else, and clogs that you can wear anywhere.

Are you planning to enter the rodeo events on Flash?
Photos of any of these boots or clogs are very welcome for my GoY footwear collection on my page of fav. pictures.

Could be an advantage if Flash also wears wellies.

Captain Grenville would probably have to rule on the Muck Boots, but he's been awol. Hiding from the press and paparazzi. Very in demand since a newspaper scoop on his Yellow Book garden. :o)

Catfinch ~
I'm curious.
You've not yet mentioned your ace card...

Under your Sunflower Birds photo, you reveal that you live on Washington State's OLYMPIC Peninsula.

Could be an advantage if you're permanently training in an Olympic village. :o)

Wow TT what a fab team uv got goin here!cant believe iv now become a member of this wonderful blog on Wellie Olympics Mania :)

Jacque ~
it's really great to have you here.
I'll post the official announcement tomorrow. :o)

Official announcement ~
A special person has just joined the GoY Wellie Olympic team ~
refreshed from her holiday we now have JACQUE.

Jacque has more than 2012 photos uploaded on GoY, and she will be competing in her special JACQUE BOOTS.

Welcome to the team, Jacque.

TT....Bonkers suggested our logo is a robin, could we use my photo of a robin for this purpose?

Pottygardener ~
your robin photo would be ideal.
It's already on my favourites.

The robin is demonstrating how to balance on a beam with one foot while simultaneously singing as loudly as possible.

Are these Wellie sports, in which you could represent us?
The robin looks an expert. Could give us all lessons.

Training has started for balancing on a beam TT, please see my latest photo. As for the singing...as in Beijing I may have to mime, as no amount of practise could make my voice acceptable to the crowds! Would that be OK with you?

Hi TT
Is Pottygardener remembering to wear her wellies whilst practising?and what should we be singing?Do we have a team song? what about mud,mud glorious mud? in harmony of course!

Pottygardener ~
I thought everyone in Wales sang like a bird...
or should that be like a robin.

Your photo is very impressive.
Are the boots competing on their own,
or do you intend to wear them?

Either way, miming will be fine, provided you can find a suitable recording, or a GoY member willing to sing on your behalf,
Any suggestions?
Tunelesskev? Pavarottigardener?

Arlene ~
Looks like you're already rehearsing.
This enthusiasm could be contagious.
I sense the emergence of a Welsh choir :o)

TT- the boots were trying the 'beam' for size, I will be wearing them when competing.
Perhaps we can put out a call for any volunteers to sing on my behalf?
Or I could use a recording by Bryn Turf~el?!

Pottygardener ~ great idea.

Must admit I would not be eligible to sing,
being Terratoonie and not Terratuney. :o)

I like singing2 TT im going 2 show u my Wellies 2morrow hope ul like them as ul see spots b4 your eyes LOL :)

Jacque ~
I bet you're much better at singing than that postman from Norfolk. Lol

Can't wait for the Wellies. :o)

LOL ~ we're on form tonight!

Well TT 2be honest i do sound much better & may i say Move better 2 :) lol

What about Billy Connollys Welly Boot song or ask Irish to tell us about Kellys Wellys by Gaelic Storm? Come on guys thinking caps on!

kellys wellys???? think ill need to google that Arlene lol.
i like your choice of Billy Connolly's song, prob cos i know the words lol

Whew!!!! I don't know if any of my boots can keep up with ya'll....you were just doing wellie Olympics now we have to sing too &&&& dance? Whoa...there...yer losing your grip er yer wellies or something....and I do live in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains.. so watch out...~Cj

I took your advise and used the zoom lens for a pick of my hubby's wellies, and good thing I did too, it turned the flowers I put in them to mush in a matter of minutes, I could have lost an arm ! Expecting some Big bonus points for this one TT.
I'm with you catfinch, It's getting out of my league here, glad I'm just on the sidelines, competition's getting too stiff for this ole bird ! How are you holding out bonkers ? Sounds like you're really going to be carrying quite a load for the team ! Fingers are crossed ! If It gets too tough, cheat..lol.

Catfinch ~
having seen that photo of you on the tractor, I reckon you're capable of anything.

Wearing your wellies, you could sing and dance, while riding Flash, and balancing a couple of wind wheels on your shoulders.

Looking forward to photos of you in your clogs, boots and wellies, waltzing across the Olympic foothills.

Flcrazy ~
Amazing picture of hubby's wellies. Was he the one who took the photo of you in your garden, scantily dressed, hiding behind the giant elephant's ear?

Lucky his boots didn't make that giant leaf turn to mush.
Bonus points for maintaining your 'garden privacy' behind the huge piece of foliage.

Fellow GoY Wellie Olympians ~
Good news on the Cow Watering Lane photo.
It now has 12 likes:
Janette, Arlene, Bonkersbon,Xela, Terry60,Chrispook, Owdboggy, Fifi, Lyd, Islander, Poaannua and Jacque.

Only another 9 likes and the next photo will be revealed ~
our alleged Training HQ (honestly ~ it's in Cow Watering Lane).

A quick warning about the rival team - the Flowerpot People.
They've been lurking in cold frames and outhouses, but will be making a definite comeback over the next few weeks. Please report any sightings.

Terratoonie - This being on my patch, so to speak, I've known for a while where the secret training HQ is likely to be, but I won't divulge a thing until you've got your full quota of likes, honest! (but I am open to bribery..........what's it worth, GoY Wellie Olympians?)
On a visit to said establishment a few years back, I saw loads of young men in shorts, as it was a blazing hot day, so I'm afraid I did not notice whether they were also wearing Wellies. This was obviously well before it was chosen as a Training Camp.......

Shirleypoppy ~
The HQ is a dilly. But I don't recall men in shorts.
Maybe you're thinking of the decoy venue?
But I'm so glad I can count on your discretion... or can I ?
Flcrazy advising cheating ! You open to bribery !
Quick, Bonkers. Medication for these mutineers.

Maybe give the photo a 'like' so that we don't have to keep anyone in suspense for too much longer. Thanks.

PS. Once members are on this blog, they feel somewhat obliged to compete in a GoY Wellie Sport.
What is your speciality? :o)

Cheat at the Olympics? If I hadnt seen your pic Flower ,would have thought you related to those Eastern bloc female weightlifters - now theres an image that ll keep me awake at night.

I still feel reading all this you should be Mental health consultant you d be in great demand.I have trouble keeping my own head semi - straight cant carry others.False leg has weight limitations.

As for pin-up well if in the US I d have to plead the 5th!

OK-OK
OK....off....I ......go....to....your ...photo...of...watering cow lane.....to say...I like....it.......just call me ....Eyore

~Cj

Catfinch ~
Here's something weird.
I woke last night, came downstairs and switched on my computer while I made a cup of tea. As you made the above comment, I was actually watching the screen.
Went back to bed. Decided to fill in a crossword puzzle.
The first clue : Donkey friend of Winnie-the-Pooh. Eeyore.
Creeeeeeeepy...........

Decoy venue....? Hrmmmm.................I'll have to drive along CWL to check this out now.................
Just decided it was time to re-read the original blog - and a suggested sport was platform diving, fall off a ladder, but into a muddy puddle. My husband did this into my philadelphus bush (it has never been the same) whilst re-felting the shed roof - I wonder if this will be allowed, although I would prefer it was a muddy puddle next time he has a go.

Shirleypoppy ~
Firstly, congrats. on reading 171 comments.
That alone deserves several gold medals.

You and your husband, as a duo, could enter synchronised platform diving, both wearing wellies, and falling into bushes and puddles of your choice.

Thanks for remaining secretive about CWL. It would be disastrous to spoil things when your 'like' has brought us so close to the magical total of 21.

Careful as you drive along Cow Watering Lane... I hear the FlowerPot People are planning a resurgence with underhand tactics.

On my favourite GoY photos, I'm keeping a close eye on the FlowerPot People. Peter was the first to spot these, back in the summer of 2007. Now they're everywhere, popping up with their flower pot heads, intent on forming a team capable of beating the GoY Wellie Olympians.

We're so lucky to have Captain Grenville in charge of our preparations and training.....

Okay, Okay.....I see things are getting a bit too serious on this blog....You'all need to lighten up (lol)....at this rate you will all be nervous wrecks..not able to concentrate on your individual and team events by the time 2012 arrives...I have, what may be the perfect solution....I am an amateur clown...(went to clown school and the whole nine yards)..retired now...but I see a need here....I could pull out my costume, dust off my shoes...try to keep the paint on my face (bit hard to do with the wrinkles I have earned over the years)...don't own any wellies (didn't know what they were til yesterday)....might protect me from the dust, though...No...way too hot...I'll stick to my CROCS.

I could keep the Olympic atmosphere light as a feather as everyone tenses up in anticipation of their events.....just a thought....let me know

Hello Skippy ~
Interesting that your ancestors were from the UK.
No wonder you've excelled so well at Clown School.

I'd like to offer you a task which requires great responsibility ~ preparation and participation in the Opening Ceremony. Plenty of clowning around required.

This weekend in Britain, the Cultural Olympiad was launched - a four year programme of cultural projects.
This began with Chairman Lord Coe, Dame Kelly Holmes and others, all in shorts, racing through Tate Britain.

Skippy, I'm sure you could arrange something similar for the GoY Wellie Olympians. Maybe we could all put on our shorts or clown costumes and race through Garden Centres with our trolleys, picking up bargains. I'll leave the details in your capable hands.

Worried that you say you're going to STICK to your Crocs.
This could be another task for Gluelesskev.

There's another contender for our official song while we're out training in our wellies - "These Boots Are Made For Walking" (Nancy Sinatra in the mid 60's from memory)

That's a good one, Andrewr.
But in the sixties, you were presumably singing this in your pram? :o)

I'm too young to remember that hee hee! Good one Andrew....

Here's another song Arlene won't remember ~
from the stars of The Avengers:
Patrick MacNee and Honor Blackman ~
"Kinky Boots". :o)

'Fraid not terratoonie - I'm older than I look. I was born in June 1953. My mother claims I was supposed to be a Coronation baby but that is wishful thinking unless she sat with her legs crossed for two weeks

Thanks for sharing that Andrew! lol

BB ~
which Coronation was your birthday ?
You say you're blond like Barney Rubble.
That indicates either very young and dashing ...
or stone age. :o)

Skippy might appreciate this - October 5th Streetsville is having a 'Clown Convention' where clowns arrive by the busload. Our store had to 'adopt' one who is our responsibility for the day! We're supposed to wear red noses and the street is going to be closed for all the fun (?!). One person from the store has to make sure the clown meet and greet finishes on time so our clown gets to the convention on time.

Gillian ~
A photo of you with your red nose will inspire Skippy for her Opening Ceremony preparations.
Exactly how do you meet and greet a clown?
Is there protocol for this?

To be honest I'm really hoping I don't get asked to work this day!

Prehistoric - bit of a dinosaur I m afraid.

That explains why your pond is surrounded by flint stones.

Gillian ~
Dress up a gnome to deputise for you.
Then you can take the day off.

Quote from Lyd on the Cow Watering Lane photo:

I've been practising lifting wellies with a little soil in them then adding a little more after each lift.
I've got my eye on the gold medal for wellie lifting.

We're proud of Lyd doing this demanding training.
Welcome from your fellow GoY Olympians. :o)

couldnt train today tt, some theiving robin nicked my wellies

Stolen in that Jellystone Yellow Book garden I reckon. :o)

Eeyore...hmmmm....as for that robin wellie nicker....I am going to put Eeyore on the lookout for that rascal...I need all my boots. I have a giant stuffed Eeyore and a pair of Eeyore slippers I keep in my guest room that my grands use...he's good...he's verrrry verry good....the crossword puzzle..? he's good...No messin around her Mr. Robin!

Beneath Terry60's recent FlowerPot Cat photo, Jacque hints there may be undercover donkeys spying on our GoY Wellie team.

Catfinch ~
Do you have Eeyore spies in your camp ?
Hold on to your Wellies and please report back....

Eeyore's are everywhere.....what was it we were going to do with our Wellies...I seem to have lost track...the Eeyore's are the only ones who seem to know what is going on in my garden these daze too...oh my oh dear and Pigglet is starting to show up now...

Catfinch ~
We were relying on you to keep track of things.
When it's quiet in your store, please go back over the 195 comments and give your summary of things so far - in less than 100 words. Lol

I think you were going to enter an event wearing Wellies and riding your horse Flash, while balancing wind wheels.

Or were you going to ride on Eeyore ???

Hmmmm - can I suggest Polemonium vaulting? Runnerbean de-CURLING (which I understand the vegetable show brigade are pioneering)? And what about topless beach veggyball? - Like topless beach volleyball, but the ball is substituted for, lets say, a cauliflower. Any volunteers for umpire???

Sid ~
Welcome to the team.
Some brilliant suggestions there.
You won't be short of volunteers for umpire, linesmen, or spectators.
What do you have in the way of footwear?
Any impressive Wellies? :o)

Think Irish has unfair advantage given previous exprience.

<shuffles nervously> Erm....well.....I don't actually own a pair of welly boots....I garden in a pair of walking boots or trainers or whatever I happen to be wearing at the time - I sometimes garden barefoot!! I wonder if the National Lottery will sponser a pair of wellys for me so I can compete?

Sid ~
If you look at my favourite photos page, you'll see a variety of footwear which has been accepted as suitable for the GoY Wellie Olympics.

e.g. Crocs from the USA, flip-flops from Italy.

So, don't despair.
Upload a photo of any footwear and it's most unlikely that it won't be accepted as suitable for your events, and the picture will go straight to my GoY Footwear photo collection. :o)

Ok. What about my bare toesies? ;-)

Edit: Woo-hoo 200th comment! Is this the longest blog? Deserves a medal surely?!

It's quite a challenge scrolling down these 200 comments.

Any GoY members having achieved this, please report. You're being awarded Wellie Olympian Marathon Medals.

Sid ~
I'll keep an eye on your photos in case any footie pics. materialise. :o)

So sorry i,m so late checking in , must have been away when the recruiting started ,
I would love to be in the wellie olympics , I only have some " Hunter " wellies , doe.s this qualify me for the Equestrian team , somebody could run behind me to collect the Hors-d,aeuvre , then we could share it for our garden roses . My brother has a lovely rocking horse that I could practice on , please let me know at your earliest opportunity .
Signed
N.O.T to be Miss.ed Out

Dear Miss Not Out,
From your name, sounds like you're good at cricket !

Hunter Wellies are excellent. Any chance of a photo, please, for my Favourite pics. GoY Footwear Collection ?

Don't worry about being late checking in. We're taking recruits right up till summer 2012.

Will Paddington be acting as your groom? On your BSA photo, his red wellies look wonderful ! In fact they've just marched over to my Favs.Footwear Collection. Thanks.

On your rocking horse, could Paddington ride pillion ?

And do you think Paddington's marmalade medication would be of benefit to all of our GoY athletes ? We're looking for a secret ingredient to impress Captain Grenville. :o)

I will be riding Flash...he is insiting on no boots...we have had quite the arguments about it....he has finally agreed to his regular boots that do not cover his hoves but protect his hocks...he does not seem to get the idea at all of wellies...maybe I should have a word with eeyore on this...I am not good at keeping track...so you are on you own there mam....I do not have to balance my windwheels I have clever ways of attaching them to my saddle..it will be a wonderful sight to see....will have ot show them to Flash however...those things could be very scary for him and make him run way too fast...could kick another wellie olympian...oh my...

Seems like our equestrian team is galloping towards full strength.
Catfinch ~ Could you put the Wellies on the Windwheels.
Would that work. ?

All going well at the secret training camp. Slight crisis on this blog :
Bad news is that we're struggling to get past that 'Unlucky Thirteen' likes.
Good news is that we're over 200 comments.

I'm thinking Scotkat's neckwarmers might be just the thing to protect Flash. Sort of Hock Socks ? :o)

THE Windwheels WILL wear Wellies...yes of course..!

Now that would make an amazing photo. :o)

14 likes ;-)

Sid, thanks.
I didn't realise I was superstitious until I kept seeing that number thirteen. :o)

No probs ;-)

are we close now to having full teams for the olympic events TT lol, cos ill need to move this bus soon

Irish ~
We're getting new GoY Olympians every day !
Looks like we'll need a convoy of buses.
How would you go about teaching GoY volunteers to drive these?
Would their gardening skills come in useful behind the wheel? :o)

I love the number 14...perfect for a team..rev up the engines Irish...TT? ready yet?

We've got 14 likes on the blog, but there's huge number of GoY Wellie Olympians now volunteered for an amazing array of Wellie Events.

We'll need lots of wheels to transport our Wellie teams.

On a cold winter's day, I'll have a count up of team members recruited so far. :o)

it goes...1-2-3-4-....etc....

Catfinch ~

We have a lovely sunny weekend here in England.
I won't start counting Olympians till the weather worsens!

well TT gardeners have lots of patience so i think they would have no problem behind the wheel of the bus lol

Irish ~ that's settled then.
The whole of the transport for the GoY Wellie Olympians is in your capable hands - bus-driver training, transporting members from far flung places including Hungary, Italy, USA, Canada, Australia, the Orkney Isles and Milton Keynes.

We know you'll relish taking on all these extra responsibilities. Please tell us the types of transport you recommend to get everyone to the Olympic Village.
Garden wheel barrows? Go-karts?

And please make sure any routes take in stops at good nurseries and tours of yellow book gardens, such as Grenville's, Andrewr's and Spritzhenry.

no problem TT, im heading out on a lesson just now, nothing as exciting as training for GOY Olympics just a boring car lesson but ill get back to you with my suggestions on transport as soon as i get home

That's great news, Irish.

I'm thinking we should ask Janette to help out in the capacity of Special Advisor on how to avoid our rivals en route....

.. namely the FlowerPot People and Fancy Dress Gnomes. She has useful experience of tactics we should employ...

Good news TT Paddington has agreed to be my groom in the equestrian event at the Wellies Olympics .
He is excellant at riding pillion with lots of practice on the rocking horse also the BSA .
He,s thrilled that you like his red wellies ,they are his favourite ones as well .
He tells me that his Marmalade has a very special ingredient ,it keeps him very young and fit , you wouldn,t believe how old he is ( 50 on mon.13th Oct . this monday ) he says that a teaspoon of his marmalade each before we start the Olympics wil see us running circles round any other team.
He is also prepared to help Eileen ferry contestants about on the BSA

I can,t believe this ....... I,ve opened my Eastern Daily Press , the headlines are screaming at me . the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution ( RABI ) are going Welly crazy this year !... tomorrow on the Peterbourgh show ground there will be the chance to partake in welly wanging etc. etc. Have we a mole in the camp , this is disaster , they could steal our best welly wangers .
They are also bringing out a calender in 2009 called the Welly Wallmanic ,...every month will have a picture of farmers with wellies on , I must buy one as soon as possible to see our competition .

How did this happen TT you must report to Captain Grenville . I,m sure Jacque must get the EDP she can verify this .

Welcome Paddington. That's great news.
Will he be representing Darkest Peru?

Is he like royalty with two birthdays...
....a real birthday and an official birthday?

I'd heard he was 50 years old on June 25th ?
Though maybe my memory is suffering from a lack of marmalade.

Fuel being at such a high price these days, Amy, I would welcome your input as to whether Irish could run some of our Wellie Olympics transport on marmalade ...

... thin-cut for the Bendy Buses, and thick-cut for the wide loads. ...

Sorry, Amy, my replies haven't kept pace with yours, but I can well understand the urgency of your information. No wonder you reported without delay.

It seems we have spies all around. I still blame the FlowerPot People and Fancy Dress gnomes.

Andrewr is our GoY Wellie Whanging athlete. Different spelling but surely the same sport. Nobody's going to get the better of Andrewr. He's been practising all summer in his Jellystone garden with Bruno and Barnie. Be assured he is one of our finest athletes.

Yes, if a calendar could be acquired, that would be wonderful. Good to keep track of the opposition.

Important to remember that GoY was first. Our Wellie Team has been building strength all through 2008.

Captain Grenville, is, I think, still hiding from the Paparazzi
- having such a fantastic famous garden requires occasional breaks from publicity. As winter draws nearer he'll be there to advise us, but in the mean time we know Jacque will be on the alert.

Well Paddington may well have two birthdays ,if so he,s keeping quiet about one , I checked with google it states 13th Oct , it also said that he will be touring London in a black taxi to celebrate ( do you think Irish is in on this as the taxi driver )
Yes he is representing Darkest Peru ! he is hoping to meet up with one or two of his other motor bike friends .

I personally think that honey would be the best thing for fuel for the transport , Paddington knows where he can lay his paws on a good supply . It does more miles to the gallon also it won,t clog up the carburettor so much .

This black taxi tour is news to me. Well spotted.
Irish is no doubt in on that. She doesn't miss a trick.

Confusion over the birthday dates !
Some sites list the October date - 50 years from publication of Paddington's first book.
Please see what you make of Telegraph.co.uk - Paddington's 50th birthday - which mentions the June date.

Is this a crafty ploy so that he gets more marmalade birthday cakes to build up the strength of the GoY Olympians?
If so, then I say, well done Paddington. Have as many birthdays as you wish. :o)

sounds like some dastardly trick to me . will look into it .

I have posted a photo of the Wellies to go with our application form . :0)

hi all how about the bucket and spade

Hello Mary ~
Welcome to the mad world of the GoY Wellie Olympics.
Bucket and spade sounds like a great sport to me.
Do you have a good pair of wellies or other useful footwear?

Please report back here to let us know. :o)

got my wellies at the ready bucket and spade standing by brilliant blog

Mary ~
Thanks.
So glad you like this blog. :o)
And congrats on reading over 230 comments.:o)

I notice one of your hobbies is knitting.
Maybe you could knit us a suitable GoY Olympic flag ?
...or how about knitted Olympic shorts?

So very glad to have you on the team.
If you wish to see some of the Wellies and other GoY footwear to be used by our athletes, they're all on my favourite photos page, sort of mixed up with a lot of nice budgie photographs, and amazing pictures of sausage trees. :o)

knitted shorts in the rain 0ooooooo that might be a tad to sore but the flag i can do that

Well there's good news and bad news on the wellie whanging front.
The good news is that I broke a local record while practising yesterday; the bad news is that someone was playing it on their stereo at the time (the wellie sort of slipped out of my hand cos I had worked up quite a bit of sweat with all my practising). Anyway, Bruno and Barnie went round and pacified them by promising NOT to hit them.
Don't think I ought to compete again this year until I have honed my technique and carbo-loaded on marmalade and honey

~That's cheered me up Andrew~came back from holiday with an extra passenger in the car ~tonsilitis! Feeling a bit under the weather but won't be long until i get my wellies back on!

Andrewr thy say that marmite is good for bulding you up .did thy give you a red card and put you off

Arlene ~ from your rather mixed up comment elsewhere about our sharing a cell-block, I rather thought you were on some sort of strong medication. :o)

Mary ~ We really need people like you on this blog to keep us all in order. :o)

Andrewr ~ So glad to know Bruno and Barnie are acting as your seconds (and thirds?) Please keep honing with honey.
You're one of our best hopes for gold.

Were you wellie whanging at 33, 45 or 78 rpm?
That could be relevant if your case ends up in court.
You could end up sharing the cell-block with Arlene and me.

She's been growing dodgy weed.
:o)

~i thought the inmates these days were always on strong substances so we should fit in well~we could always grow our own mail bags from some of the seeds!

Arlene ~ Take lots more medication and get a good night's sleep. We need our GoY athletes fit and strong.

I'll chat to you tomorrow, when I hope you feel much fitter.:o)

~that sounds a really good idea~not being able to breathe properly has a tendency to hamper one's efforts to do anything icluding sleep!~now shall I have paracetamol or some hot Lindisfarne black beer and raisin wine?
The doc was trying to take my blood pressure and kept getting high readings~so I apologised for my not being very well( which could be affecting them.)
He laughed and said" strangely that's why most people come to see me,I don't usually have a waiting room full of well people!
Raised a small smile!

Arlene ~
Are you feeling better today ?
You said you were trying to be as green as possible, but this is taking it to extremes. We'd like to see a bit of rosy colour in your cheeks. :o)

I like your doc story. Funny how when we enter the doctor's surgery we're asked : "How are you ?". I guess we could fib. Reply : "Fine thanks", and then turn tail and walk out again. :o)

Please post a bulletin of your progress back to fitness.
We need you on our team. :o)

Hi TT
~not great I'm afraid !
Spent a long time sitting in a chair in the lounge after waking up choking~but hey the upside is I must be losing weight! Not eating should help!
I"m really in the Doghouse though because all the rest of the Family have it too!
Move over Harvey!~

Why did they put you in the dog house Arlene , it,s to late once they have caught it !!!

Hope you soon get better :0)

~Thanks Amy!
~To be fair it's my son who seems to be having it as badly as I am that is not happy.....
His boss' s wife is receiving chemotherapy and he is worried about passing it on.
My daughter who has her birthday tomorrow has been very sympathetic even though both her and her husband have the sneezes and minor sore throats.
I am thinking of getting lemons and already have honey to make a hot drink.If anyone has any hints or tips please send me a private message as not fair to clog up TT's Wellie Olympics.
:0(

General good advice for colds, flu etc. is to drink hot orange juice and whisky until you can see two glasses, then go to sleep - you'll feel much better when you wake up!

Arlene ~
So sorry to hear that you, your family and friends are unwell.
It is a worry, when there's the possibility of passing on infection to those who are already weak from treatment.

How can we help Arlene recover? Have you got lots of fruit, such as satsumas? Dip those in Gillian's whisky ! :o)

And, on a lighter note, please don't apologise for clogging up my Wellie blog. :o)

We welcome all kinds of garden footwear, including clogs.
:o)

Fellow GoY Wellie Olympians :
As promised, a summary of our recent training.
The Wellie Olympic theme has sort of slipped into several other photos and blogs.
For anyone who's lost track of what's been happening, this will make it as clear as the mud on your wellies:

16th Sept. My photo : ROUTE TO THE SECRET TRAINING HQ. Thanks for so many 'likes' , which gave me official clearance to upload the next photo. :o)

28 Sept. My photo : ALLEGED TRAINING HQ OF THE WELLIE OLYMPICS TEAM. I very much appreciate Captain Grenville's very witty comments on this one. Excellent.:o)

3 Oct.: Gillian's blog called WELLIES.
Read about Hywel "being defiant".
We haven't seen much of Hywel on this blog. Amy, do you have any way of encouraging him, please ?
He would be a valuable athlete for our team. :o)

11 Oct.: Amy's photo called FOR TT - GETTING READY FOR THE WELLIE OLYMPICS - FOR THE EQUESTRIAN TEAM.
This is all about Paddington (Senior, not Junior).
Confused?

12 Oct. : Irish's photo called BUS STOP - STILL WORKING ON VARIOUS MODES OF TRANSPORT FOR GOY OLYMPICS, BUT EVERYONE CAN MEET HERE AT THE BUS STOP.

The roof on this building is very much in the spirit of GoY.

Speaking of spirit, there are rumours that both Paddington Senior and Paddington Junior have been discovered in a tipsy condition.

Looking for Paddington Junior?
14 Oct.: Gillian's photo called PADDINGTON READY IN HIS WELLIES. More unmissable reading.

Finally, it looks like Islander is one of our best contenders for lighting the Olympic Flame. Have you seen his Olympic Torch ???

14 Oct.: Islander's photo called THE FLAME GUN, WITH HOOD AND TROLLEY.

I hope this explains all.
Any questions or comments very welcome, including possible designs for Mary's knitted shorts and knitted Olympic flag, and suggestions to help Irish with the organisation of our transport. :o)

Shouldn't we all be given some knitted blindfolds so we can pull the wool over the eyes of our competitors?

~ I would prefer those to knitted shorts~can't bear to think what would happen when they get wet!~some very strong ply needed there I think!~

Andrewr ~
Knitted blindfolds ?
Looks like we've been rumbled !
Scotkat has been knitting our special order of blindfolds, er, 'neck-warmers'. See them on her photos.

Please don't tell the Fancy Dress Gnomes or the Flower Pot People. Phew, Gromit. That was a close shave.

Arlene ~
Still taking the extra-strength flu medication?

Maybe if you'd worn the stronger ply shorts ~
as recommended by our Team Health Consultant - Flcrazy ~
you wouldn't be needing your current weeks of recuperation at our Cow Watering Convalescence HQ. :o)

Hi TT
~had a reasonable nights sleep for the first time in nearly a week but everyone else getting worse by the minute!
Wonder If we could patent this strain in case we need a biological
weapon against the Flower Pot People?

Arlene ~
This patent could be needed.
Reasonably soon, there's going to be a surprising re-emergence of the Flower Pot People.
I have inside information. :o)

Irish ~
Did you see any of yesterday's Olympic Parade of the Heroes?
Could you adapt some of those great transport ideas for our Wellie team - lorries, trucks, bendy buses?

I did terratoonie very well done it was.

Yes you could.:)

Soi enjoyed your wellie blog LOL

Scotkat ~
Just found your comment here. I've already put a message on Gillian's Wellies blog before I realised you'd caught up with all this.

I reckon we'd win well if we had a good supply of your lovely neckwarmers. Can you imagine them all with the "Robin on Wellie" motif, inspired by Andrewr's fantastic photo.

Glad you enjoyed this blog. All that knitting and crochet must give you strong arms, allowing you to scroll down so many comments. :o)

It's taking me a long time to get into training for the wellie olympics. (taking me ages to find my way around GoY)

Have taken your advice TT and given titles to my pics, hope the headings for my happy face hubby and his Honeys meet with your approval.

Lovetrees ~
I found your photos.
Well-chosen headings. :o)
We are pleased to welcome you for the GoY Wellie Olympics Cycling Sports.
Your event is with hubby on a tandem bike ~
juggling wellies and honey melons.
Glad to see on your photos that training is well under way:o)

i have got some good i dears on wot to do leave it with me and i will get back to you

how about Welles with bucket and spades with fencing and a pool in it

Mary ~
The Wellie blog needs more lovely members like you with wonderful suggestions for sports.

I think your ideas would really show the Flower Pot People and the Fancy Dress Gnomes that the GoY Wellie Olympians won't fail in their bid to win medals !

Well done Mary :o)

my son is making a flag for us he is tattoos i hope it will be ok hear s to the wellies lets fly high

Mary ~
That's great news.
Please report back next week with progress update ! :o)

if Any body as got in pot let me no thank you

just found out doter in law has brock her her wrist

Mary ~
The GoY Wellie Olympics team logo is a boot with a robin sitting on top of the boot.

That would be a nice design for our flag.

We got this idea from a nice photo by Andrewr.

If you look on my favourite photos, Andrewr's picture of the robin on his boots is below Pansypotter's photo of a Scottie dog and above Gee19's photo of a robin.

:o)

Great news ~
This weekend lots of new wellies on GoY. :o)
Gillian has uploaded SEVENTEEN wellies, with assorted themes such as moose,horses, and sunflowers.
Newfienurse submitted an interesting muddy pair of boots.

And Sal1914 uploaded a lovely blue crocs wellie.
She sells them where she works, so Sal gets automatic entry to our GoY Olympic team as Supplier of Wellies to the Athletes of GoY. (SWAG for short) :o)

All these latest wellies are available for inspection on my home page of favourite GoY footwear photos.

Sal1914 ~ welcome to the team. :o)

Glad to be in there... hope my inside information as a SWAG can be of great use to the team.. I can advise on weight to size ratio and ease of use. Maybe I should set up a testing ground.

Sal1914 ~
our special SWAG advisor ~

Great idea to set up the testing ground.
Maybe your caravan park in the quiet season? :o)

No doubt a Supplier of Wellies to Athletes is a SWAGGER? Hmmm - I wonder what the collective noun for them is:
a round-robin of swaggers?

Which reminds me, what happens if the team coach breaks down? Wouldn't it be better to travel in a fleet of Robin Reliants?

Andrewr ~

Lori has a recent blog about colloquial gardening terms.
I wonder if SWAGGER would qualify ?

Just been reading under Bonker's Chaffinches photo that Lyd is still trying to find this Wellie Olympics blog. He keeps getting lost before he reaches the 271st comment.

The thread under BB's photo is currently all about dog food jokes. It gave me a real Trill reading them. Nearly fell off my perch laughing. :o)

Robin Reliants sound good. Judging by your Official Team Photo, all Robins have very strong boots.

Our Irish Transport Supervisor will have the final say...

Wonderful news ~
We have a new sport and a willing, energetic competitor.

From the province of Ontario in Canada, Lori has uploaded a photo of her very strong-looking black muddy wellies.

Lori suggests the event of CLOD HOPPING and we're glad to welcome her to the GoY Wellie Olympic team. Another gold medal performance for sure. :o)

SPECIAL HALLOWE'EN ANNOUNCEMENT :

A very welcome new team member :

(drum roll) ~~~ MADMUM ~~~

She has had plenty of swimming practice from falling in ponds, so with Fishing Waders as essential kit, Madmum will be our official entrant in the pond-wading event.

Madmum keeps in training by transforming her garden.
Take a look at her blog to see just how hard she works :o)

Thank you, thank you! I will train hard for the next 4 years to ensure my pond wading is up to the high standards expected of a Wellie Olympic team member. :oD

We'll be watching your garden photos, to check on your pond-wading training. :o)

Message from new member Gardeningfriend who for international reasons will compete in our team under the name of STEPHAN THE SHEEP ~

" Stephan " writes ~
I have been invited to join Terratoonie's 2012 Wellie Olympics team. My event is the decathlon - tackling ten garden projects at the same time. The current projects are ponds, white water, shed, Miagi garden,Rose garden, Spooky hollow, slalom / slopes, butterfly area and wild life project. ~

Welcome Stephan. Please put a message below as your official acceptance.

Note to all GoY Wellie Olympians ~

An update on training will be posted very soon. You've all been working very hard at your various special skills at Captain Grenville's Training HQ in Cow Watering Lane.

Photos on my page for any newcomers wishing to view the placard and road sign of our amazing premises. :o)

I am truly honoured to be asked to represent GOY at the 2012 Wellie Olympics and participate in this truly epic blog. I will do my very best and feel it in my green fingers that it is my destiny to succeed. Competing in 10 events simultaneously is going to be a hard slog. Any advise or support you can give me in the course of my training will be very welcome. There is one issue raised by this blog about which I feel very strongly and I hope this does raise division in the ranks of the team. I feel that the flower pot people and the fancy dress gnomes are gardening friends to many and should be able to support the team. I am not suggesting we should go as far as letting them in our garden's unless they are called Mr. Miagi. My granddaughter might get upset if he is barred. Can Mr Miagi be an exceptional honorary member? Please excuse me now, I am overwhelmed by the occasion and feel a little bleat coming on....

Fellow athlete Stephan ~

A warm welcome to our team.
We are heartened that your 13th outgoing message is dedicated to joining the Goy Wellie Olympians.

Mr Miagi could certainly be considered as a supporter. Is he a mutant of the Mr Miyagi which we've seen on Wikipedia ?
A photo would be of use to clarify identification.

We are still working hard to keep track of the Fancy Dress Gnomes and Flower Pot People. Many of these are in photos on my favourites page for further observation.

I hear that a new sighting of Flowerpot People is due sooner than you might imagine. :o)

#### ATHLETE ALERT !!! ####

Flower Pot People have infiltrated Cow Watering Lane.
A nursery for Flower Pot Toddlers has been set up in Captain Grenville's Secret Training HQ.
Please see photo recently uploaded to my home page.
Several stalwart athletes have already put this picture on their favourites for closer observation.
Please post here any further sightings.

####### Thank you !!! #######

#### NEW SIGHTING ####

During recent floods a Flower Pot Person floated deliberately into Jacque's greenhouse. This one was on a secret mission to spoil our chances in the swimming and diving events.

Luckily Jacque was alert and was ably assisted by the deliberate distraction of her Obedience Champion Dog called Summer. She bravely rolled in the mud [ Summer, not Jacque ] while photographic evidence was obtained. Please see Jacque's recent blog for further information. No need for alarm as the Fuchsias have been strategically placed to hide any Flower Pot People naughty bits :o)

And PLEASE WELCOME TO OUR TEAM ~

No expense was spared to acquire the athletic talents of a Fastbowler from Fiji. Panther has volunteered to wear wellies in the Ten Pin Coconut Bowling Event. Certainty here of another GoY Gold Medal.

Looking forward to Panther's official acceptance. :o)

Yay for Panther and the Fiji branch of GoY!!

Hi Sid ~
Please get ready for an even bigger Yay because under Panther's photo entitled Coconut Tree, she invites the whole GoY Wellie Olympics Team to hold its AGM in Fiji, with the added attraction of the World Wellie Snorkelling Contest !

How can we refuse ? :o)

I suddenly feel an urge to apply for the Wellie Olympics! As I have over 120ft of fence to repair and paint (a marathon in itself), I would like to apply for new (Scottish) sports categories :- Tossing the Fencepost, and Hammer-Throwing.

I also feel that I may be a good candidate for the High Jump, having practised on my children's trampoline, and recently being launched skywards on an elastic band bungee contraption, in efforts to get airial views of new garden (photographic evidence soon available).

I've also been known to practice fencing as a night event, wearing my wife's crocs for comfort (complete with decorations).

Meanwhile, anyone for tennis elbow?

David ~
This is a wonderful response.
Our Team Manager, Captain Grenville, will be proud of you, volunteering for multiple sports in this way.
Captain Grenville is currently hiding from the Paparazzi in the GoY Wellie Olympics Training HQ in Cow Watering Lane.
He feels compelled to stay there over winter to protect our premises from the Flower Pot People and Fancy Dress Gnomes.

Please post here to let us know when you have photographic evidence, at your new home,of your training in as many events as possible. Then we will accept you officially into our ever-growing team. :o)

Tennis elbow ~ what the deuce ?:o)

Yippee! (doing cartwheels of pure joy - but not wearing a kilt!). Will get my portfolio together and report here!

Thanks David ~
When this blog reaches 300 comments, do you think I should start a sequel blog. ???
I know that Gillian in Canada has special trouble with the scrolling down. Not her best Olympic Event. Lol.

Tennis elbow - hey folks, I think I qualify - I'm having treatment for bursitis - - I could also parley with the paparazzi as most of them only speak Italian - so that poor ole Cpt Grenville can come out of hiding !!!!

Terry60 ~
Your help is gratefully accepted.
We are all really missing our lovely Captain Grenville and want him back with us. :o(

PS. Anyone had a chance to check out my little game just posted under my recent Flower Pot People Nursery photo. ??? :o)

Oh, yes, I see lots of you've found it.
Brilliant. Thanks :o)

~ Another wonderful new Wellie sport ~
~ Another new GoY Olympian. ~

This is so exciting.
Sarraceniac has proposed and seconded Boss Lady for the Bog Garden Slipping Event, in which the usual technique is to wear second hand [ foot? ] wellies which are several sizes too large.

Will he ever find this blog I ask ?
If he does, he'll make an acceptance speech on behalf of his better half. :o)

I'm with Gillian...my screen jitters like crazy all the way downnnn and keeeps trying to scroll back uppppppp to the topppp...

Best way is to arrive at the blog, make one of your famous cups of mud coffee, by which time scrolling down is a doddle.

However, you and Gillian are right. I feel another blog coming on in the not too distant future. :o)

Scroll rythmes with roll! I wonder, are there any roller (blade or paint?) events in the Olympics? In order to tackle my marathon fencing task, complete with fencepost tossing and the occasional, disgruntled, hammer-throwing,
I feel that my intensive training regime is, so to speak, "on a roll" (a paint roller, that is!)

Perhaps, we now need a Part 2, TT?

I'm getting myself emotionally charged to launch a new blog.
I'll try to make that happen quite soon.

David ~ you list all these interesting sports, but somehow I just can't get out of my mind the event you were practising a few comments previously ~

Cartwheeling in a kilt.

If you wear your wellies for that sport, I can guarantee record-breaking crowds of admiring onlookers. :o)

The Goy Fiji Branch of the Wellies Olympics team for the Coconut Pin Bowling Competition, has already started practicing in our oversized wellies, though they are too hot to wear here.

We are going for Gold in this sport and in the true spirit of good sportsmanship, I accept to take the lead role for the branch here.

The daily training in rolling our nuts (forgive the pun) over the lawn is driving the neighbourhood crazy already!! This is the first sport of its kind using coconuts here.Thanks to the creativity of the Goy Team!

Our best wishes to all of you in the preparation of the sport that you would be partaking in and especially to the Cartwheeling in Kilt Competitors. This surely would be a hit and will outbeat us all with the record-breaking crowd of admirers :-)

Panther ~
It's great to know coconut training is progressing so well under your expert leadership. Obviously no shortage of nuts on Fiji. :o)

Irish is busy arranging team transport so that we can all attend the GoY Wellie Olympics AGM in the warm sun of Fiji. Thank you for inviting us and our wellies. :o)

Thanks TT, You all are welcome to attend the Goy Wellie Olympics AGM in the sun here in Fiji.

To avoid catching the slow boat to China before reaching us here, please keep reminding dear Irish to make advance booking for this 2012 Meet!

P.S. Is Newfienurse still coming down earlier for the pottie training in the sun for those little garden creatures?

AGM is Annual General Meeting ~
Wellie Olympians were hoping to visit Fiji once each year, in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012. Lol.
Newfienurse will probably be keen to come across early for some work in the warm sunshine. :o)

Sarra has responded enthusiastically to Boss Lady being included in our GoY Wellie Olympics team. Sadly, his weak arm would not let him scroll down 300 comments, so his entertaining response is under my photo of our Secret Training HQ - Grenville Nurseries. :o)

Ok TT, following your sighting of our wellies and your confirmation that both myself and husband quality for the Wellie Olympics, we have decided in which events we would like to participate.
My husband cycles alot so the obvious choice is cycling and I think his steel toe cap wellies would look really good with lycra! As for me, I quite fancy entering the race walking event - the rules are that one foot must be in contact with the ground at all times, therefore, I think wearing wellies would look really good. Lol

Steel toe cap wellies and lycra ~
wonderful ~ sounds like a Gold Medal winning combination, in or out of the Olympics :o)
Husband of Dawn, welcome to the GoY wellie-cycling team. :o)
~~~~~~~
Wellie walking event for Dawn ~
Training for this should blend with the seasons and festivities.
November/December, all training should be in the spirit of the Goons song ~
I'm Walking Backwards for Christmas. (o:

So till the end of the year, please train backwards, then in 2009 decide between sideways, forwards, up, down or any other direction.. or, in Val Doonican parlance ~
Walk tall, walk straight and look the wellie right in the eye.

Welcome to the team. You support is much appreciated.:o)

As each season and festivity approaches, please give regular training updates. :o)

GOY WELLIE OLYMPIC ALERT ~

Please check out fantastic photo just uploaded of Noseypotter in a fab. pair of wellies.

Let's hope this amazing athlete will join our team :o)

I've passed on your welcome to John by joining the GOY Wellie Cycling Team - he just smiled!
I'll start my backwards walking tomorrow until 31 Dec and then I'll review the situation! I will keep you updated on training...... THIS IS MADNESS, LOL

Mind you don't bump backwards into Noseypotter, leapfrogging over tree stumps :o)

OK, thanks for the tip off, I'll get myself some mirrors!

Just in time Dawn !!!
Here comes Noseypotter .....
It's a great evening for new recruits.~
Noseypotter is our special entrant for the event ~
WELLIE HOP, SKIP AND FALL OVER A TREE STUMP.

Noseypotter ~ welcome to the team. :o)

Sorry, but wearing of the kilt is prohibited in all sports, except for Highland Games and Haggis Hunting. I regret, therefore, that I shall be unable to participate in such attire in events such as high jump, pole-vault, cartwheeling. Rolling nuts on lawns might be safe enough in a kilt, but the heat of Fiji would be withering.

I would be willing to offer, freely, my services as a team medic (would newfienurse also consider this additional role?), especially with regard to the exhausting training regimes, and the heat in Fiji.

Too late David ~
If you go back up a few hundred comments you'll find that Flcrazy has already kindly accepted the role of Health Consultant for the The Goy Wellie Olympians and also for the horses.

On 13th Nov. you promised us photographic evidence of your training, so regardless of your attire, we look forward to seeing these amazing pictures of you in action.

We train in the heat of Fiji only to make us super-fit for London 2012 (okay ~ and the coconuts, sunshine, oceans, snorkelling and flowers ) but please don't tell that to our sponsors, or they will reduce our ludicrously large grant.
This will result in Irish will having to severely cut back on transport costs, and we cannot cope with less than twenty London buses. We need seven buses just to ferry all the wellies. :o)

David asked "I wonder, are there any roller (blade or paint?) events in the Olympics?"
The answer is yes, the ancient sport of wellie roller-blading, first contested by the Ancient Geeks on vacation in San Francisco. They then appropriated the sport of wellie whanging and, being short on wellies, threw a dinner plate (smashing it in the process but that is another story completely) and called it a frisbee - this is thought to be a mis-translation of the Geek for 'fish beach' where the sport first took place

Andrewr ~
What an amazing source of trivia we have in you and your Jellystone garden. I wonder, now the winter months are approaching, if you would consider taking on the extra role of Team Historian.

You could bike around on your Harley Sportster, all expenses paid, and pick up useless information from various pubs and ale houses around the UK. Sid recommends the Moody Cow in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, having taken inspiration from our Training HQ in Cow Watering Lane, Essex. She also knows of several hundred other taverns which you may wish to visit :o)

Yes, pics will come!

Boohoo, and I just got a medal (only silver but, hey, it's a start) for press-ups, also known as CPR, or lifesaving (but not on the beach). Anyways, I forgot about the horses and Fl will have "neigh" trouble with them - she'll win "hands" down.

Andrew, thank you for enlightening us on roller sports and the Greeks! This should be a reminder to the caterers to use recyclable paper crockery. Do we have a catering dept? Look at the grow-your-own page in the GOY encyclopedia. There is an army of food-growers and cooks out there, willing, possibly to take part in the opening march - on their stomachs or otherwise!

TT - Bruno and Barney would like to know whether pooh sticks is an Olympics event? They have been practising for it and have asked me to submit pictures of them with their wellies for consideration in the team

I have also booked the Wellie Olympics team Xmas party at The Boot in Bracknell. I've posted a photo of it so you will all be able to recognise it on the way in (although maybe not on the way out?)

I've checked out photos of Bruno and Barney and they are definitely in the GoY Wellie Team for the Pooh Stick event.

It will be much appreciated if you can update us over the winter by providing reports and photos of Pooh Stick training.

In fact, Andrewr, I'm amazed at how good you are at multi-tasking ~ in addition to your own chosen sports, you're now Team Historian, and Personal Pooh Stick Trainer to the Bears. Please take some of Bonkersbon's medication, to keep up your strength.

Alternatively, please see the new regime I've suggested for you under your Boot pub picture. It could involve at least another twenty alehouses. More power to your elbow.:o)

I've posted the picture for the Wellington Arms Hotel about half an hour from Bracknell. I will continue research for the team's Xmas pub crawl.
At the top of my road is the Blue Lie-in, sorry Blue Lion, for lunch the morning after!

Andrewr ~ good work.
You're the ideal man for this ruinous research. ;o)
er, why is the Wellington pub pic so tiny ?
.. or have you altered that now ?

It was a cut'n'paste job from a Google search I did earlier. I'm sure it is a large enough establishment for the entire team

Not so long ago I might have agreed that your Wellington tavern of choice was large enough for the whole team, but now we have two grizzly bears on board, and by the looks of Arlene's recent photos, lots more wellies to accommodate.

Please keep up the research, even if it means the arduous task of getting on the Sportster and testing real ale at many more inns of ill repute. :o)

~~~ NEW ATHLETE IN TRAINING~~~

Mr. CLAPTRAP is now in training for the GoY Wellie Olympics. Photo on my home page. Suggestions for his specialist sports very welcome please. :o)

A further list of possible Inns and Taverns for the GoY Wellie Olympics Christmas Pub Crawl has been posted under the photo of our secret Training HQ ~ GRENVILLE NURSERIES. :o)

Hi TT - I have just looked through the list and it all seems too energetic for me and I don't actually own a pair of wellies! I like the idea of being in the catering department so if that job is not taken I will claim it - as long as everyone likes cake, cake and more cake!!

Hi Gee 19 ~

Welcome. Your job title is ~
Baker to the Boot wearers.

Please make lots of wellie-shaped cakes to keep up our required high level of calorie consumption.

Perhaps upload a photo of a wellie-shaped cake on GoY to tempt us ? You could use your leaf-blower to spray on the icing.

Thanks for volunteering.
Cooks of your calibre are hard to find.
Maybe make a few yule log cakes to help Noseypotter with his special event of hop, skip and fall over a tree trunk.?

The pastry chef position is yours :o)

Hi TT. As requested I am posting my request to join the Wellie Olympics as the official entrant to the Olympic Flame Throwing team. An event which will simultaneously quell the Flower Pot Snow People and bring victory to our group.
I shall be practicing shortly as I destroy the Flower Pot Snow People in Kamloops. I am expecting their arrival at any time. I am also stocking up on matches, lighters and flint and steel. It wouldn't do to have my flame go out just at the wrong time.

Gilli ~
A warm welcome to the team...
...in your case a very hot, burning welcome :o)

Olympic Flame Throwing ~
What a fantastic event !!!
I see you've already been practising your skills on Gee19's photo of the Flower Pot Snowman, which originated from Chrispook's photo in her Hungarian garden.

Am I making this clear ?
Recent photos by Gee19 and Chrispook explain all. :o)

Gilli, please keep us posted on your winter training schedule in Kamloops. Must admit Kamloops sounds like another Olympic event all of its own. :o)

Thanks for your entry. Gold medal assured. :o)

### WINTER ALERT FOR ALL ATHLETES ###

Here come the colder months, when members are understandably keen on choosing their events for the GoY Winter Wellie Olympics.

A reminder that training for these must be intensive because they will be held in Vancouver, Canada in 2010.

David is working hard on his chosen snow sport with sled dogs. His recent photos reveal all.

Please post here to let everyone know if you've any new photos of your latest training. Thanks.:o)

Do you know how long it takes to load this now?!

A bit longer now I've made this comment. I usually go away and make a cup of tea, while it loads. Lol.
Looking forward to pictures of your training in the snow.
Be sure to wear flags of all nations. :o)

Hope you like my winter sport photos!
I used to cross-country (pretty badly) even when pregnant, which really messes up your balance but at least gives you an excuse for tree hugging and falling over a lot!

Wow, Gillian, I can't wait for these pictures.
Good action photos, I hope. :o)

Just wondering if I might volunteer for quality control for Gee's baking? I consider myself quite the connoisseur as far as cake is concerned......

Sid ~
This is so good that you've publicly applied for the cake sampling role.
You of course realise that all the cakes are boot-shaped, and will have been previously tested by Little 'Un, Gee19's indoor tortoise. He takes bites of cake in between checking his investments and share prices in the daily newspaper. Also chucks any cake he doesn't like in the bin. All this can be seen on his photos uploaded today. Little 'Un mustn't get overweight, because his special GoY Wellie Olympic event is the balance beam. He wanted hot cakes but we told him you can't have your cake and heat it. :o)

Oh, that's ok. Don't mind what shape it comes in. Tho probably best not to make any novelty tortoise-shaped cakes, just in case catastrophy occurs, if you see what I mean.......

Well, I'm not sure I do know what you mean...
Little Un hasn't yet been taught about the birds and bees.

... and you can't mean anything else ??? :o)

I hope Sid realises that all the cakes will be vegetarian, full of lettuce, cucumber, dandelion flowers, etc. - just the way Little 'Un likes them.

I think Little 'Un could probably teach the birds and bees a thing or two! He took one look at the girls and whispered 'you look lovely in that shell, it fits you perfectly'. Fortunately they just gave him a withering look (the way girls do!) and walked slowly away. He's hoping they will be impressed with his beam balancing.

What? ALL the cakes will be salad-cakes? Bah! Little 'Un is welcome to the job! >:-( mutter.....mutter....

I'm good at mud pies if that helps?! Used to make them with grass and all sorts in as a kid, then eat them (until my mother saw me!). Maybe that's why I like gardening....

Little Un will have support from a female balance beam team member.
This winter, Hywel's Blodyn the cat has a rigorous training programme. :o)

Gillian ~
The fact that as a child you ate mud pies explains a lot.
Very useful experience for the Wellie Olympics !!

Catfinch has her Mudcat store where she sells food and drink. Maybe, Gillian, you could team up with Cat, and produce something special.

That is team up with Cat as in Catfinch and not Cat as in Blodyn.....

but if you fancy making mud pies on the balance beam, that sounds like another great wellie event. :o)

I really don't think I'm that talented, balance is not one of my strong qualities (remember my skiing comments?!).
Happy to team up with Catfinch though!
The store I work at also sells lots of gourmet food and I will post a picture of a rather mud-looking marshmallow 'thing' we currently have!

Has anyone volunteered to be the official tea maker?? Whistler in winter is very chilly and a good supply of hot tea is a must. I could boil the water with my trusty flame thrower (in between events, that is).

We could give Catfinch's horse Flash, the responsibility of looking after sugar lumps for the tea. On second thoughts, maybe not.

Gilli ~
the tea-making task is yours.
Is tea sometimes flavoured with rose petals ?
Do you have any roses with especially good flavours ?

I've just noticed that the Internet has a list of "ten extraordinary medicinal uses for rose petal tea".
I haven't checked them out yet, but surely some of those must be beneficial to our GoY Wellie athletes ? :o)

I will start tea making training immediately TT. I have a few roses which may do. 'Gourmet Popcorn' rose petal tea should be good as a snack. 'Cheesecake' specially for Sid. 'Whisky Mac', 'Cider Cup' and 'Plum Brandy' to warm the bones.

The 10 extraordinary uses are......
1. It clears toxins and heat from the body. As a result it has a cooling effect on the body.
2. It can relieve from sore throat, runny nose and blocked bronchial tubes
3. It is useful to people those prone to chest problems by fighting against infections
4. Rose tea helps to fight the infection in the digestive tract and re-establish the normal bacterial population of the intestines
5. It relieves fluid retention and hastens the elimination of wastes through kidneys
6. It is a wonderful remedy for dysentery, diarrhea and gastro enteritis
7. It is a laxative. It works as a remedy for all liver problems including sluggishness and constipation.
8. It cleanses the liver and gall bladder and promotes bile flow
9. Rose petal tea can be used to relieve uterine congestion causing pain and heavy periods. It is an excellent remedy for irregular periods and infertility.
10. It has an uplifting effect on the nervous system and can relieve insomnia, depression and fatigue

Not sure about #9 for the male team members....but....you never know????!!!!

Wow ~
If we call drink your special rose teas, there's no way the Flower Pot People can get ahead of us on the medals table. :o) In fact we could give the Flower Pot People some tea with an extra dose of number five which would make their pots too leaky.

Gourmet popcorn sounds good to me.
Any particular rose we could feed to the Flower Pot People?

I will research this subject TT. I'm sure there is a rose for the FPP which will undermine their efforts. It will require some thought. When I find the perfect one I will stock up so we have plenty. We may have more FPP to deal with than expected now they have infiltrated so far and wide.

Good work Gilli ~
We may need an iced-tea version for the Winter Wellie Olympics and the invasion of the Flower Pot Snow People.:o)

TT - I've continued my search for suitable venues. Please see my blog:
First 2012 Olympic venue opened
Andrewr

Yes TT I'd like to confirm that Blodyn's training for the GOY Wellie Olympics has begun. She's in fine form and puts in as many hours as she can every day.
She 's hoping to compete in several events and wants to be provided with a suitable venue for refreshments after each one. :o)

I asked Birtie if she would like to compete since Blodyn had got in on the act, but she just yawned and went back to sleep - all sounded too much like hard work I think.....

Hywel ~
Sounds like Blodyn's training is coming on really well.
That's fantastic. :o)
Very versatile of Blodyn to compete in several events.:o)

Gee19 and Gilli are in charge of catering for the winter training, so no doubt they'll provide suitable feline food, with cat-approved venues for Blodyn's five star requirements. :o)

Looking forward to updates on Blodyn's progress. Lol.

With that white bib, would Bertie like to be a waiter in the five star feline restaurant ?
She would get to sample all the foods to check if they are suitable for Wellie Olympians. :o)

Hang on, I'll just go ask her...... She's started snoring - think that says it all.

TT, I have it....for the FPP we could give them tea made from Francis LEAKe rose petals, or Tumbling WATERs rose or even WATERmelon Ice. That should do it. To finish them off there is also Pepper POT to make them sneeze.

For my own olympic event I will have to consume copious amounts of Fireflame, Fire and Ice, and Flaming POTluck tea.

For all our team members I will be making tea from Winner's Choice, Climbing Iceberg, Olympic Flame, Winner's All, Eternal Flame and Winner's Circle.

In honour of Cat's participation there will be tea made from Ice Cream (the rose).

And especially for Mr. CLAPTRAP there will be tea made from Pink Licorice, Licorice Tea and Licorice Twist.

Wow, I did the right thing to ask a rose expert !!!
That's a really fantastic list.

Gilli ~ well done. :o)

I think Mr Claptrap might be clapped out if he drinks all three of those liquorice teas :o)

He will have to pace himself I think.

Gilli - Bruno and Barney ask what tea you will be able to supply for them now they are on the team?

Oh, my sincere apologies Bruno and Barney. How remiss of me to have left you out.
We will have gallons of Honey Bear rose petal tea of course along with tea from Honeycomb, Honey Bun and Honey Butter to add a little variety.
Our Canadian bears are partial to Salmon Sorbet and Salmon Dream so should you feel you would like to try Canadian Bear tea there will be some on hand.
Forgive my oversight in the tea department. I will endeavour not to overlook you again. :o(

Gilli to the rescue !
Thank goodness you had the necessary tea recipes !

Not a good thing if Barney and Bruno had been forced to grin and bear it. :o)

Gilli...As to Flash...he would love an Apple Rose tea...please be ware...and not add anything to cause copius amounts of gassiness or any other business from that end...it is bad enough. I have aquired the assistence of a tribe of sweet little forest fairies to roll his road apples into piles here and there so Wellie team members may take them home to their gardens...but would not want to overwhelm the fairies...as they were already complaining and not being as sweet as normal about their part in this ...there are only so many favors I can do for forest fairies before they throw up their tiny little hands and go fluttering back into the forest . Perhaps? ... would you kindly supply the fairies with some of your fairy supping sauce? I believe it would much improve their mood.

Scuse me TT...mmmm scuse me ...not sure I read right but I believe there was something about some Cart wheels and kilts..I went to bed...but am having a problem falling to sleep...the vision of Cart wheeling Kilt wearers tumbling about is too much for me...when is that event going to occur?..where? ... please..do tell ..also... even though I will be quite high up on Flashes back... will I need field glasses? ^..^ ~cat

LOL This blog breaks all records for comments. It should have a gold medal of it's own.
Blodyn will give a progress bulletin soon.

Hywel ~
we are awarding gold medals just for scrolling down all the comments. Your medal is in the mail :o)

Cat ~
David was man enough to suggest the cartwheeling, but right now he is in training for the Winter Wellie Olympics.

Anyone not yet seen his stunning sled dog practice, please check out his current avatar photo, and other snow pictures taken at the same venue, featuring Lucky the Wonder Dog.

David has perfected special techniques in the sled dog race by reversing the roles. Lucky sits in the sled and David pulls it. :o)

Hywel ~
Can't wait for progress reports on Blodyn's Wellie Olympic training.
Catfinch ~
Please keep us up to date with Flash and how he is practising for the Wellie Olympics Equestrian Events.

Currently it seems Blodyn is getting ahead of him with her intensive training for the feline sports. :o)

Cat - I am developing a rose petal tea made from the petals of 'Applejack' and 'Apple Blossom' mixed with petals of 'Ginger Syllabub' and 'Peppermint Twist' to soothe poor Flash's gaseous insides. This should please the sweet little forest fairies and make for some sweet smelling road apples.
Copious amounts of fairy supping nectar will be on hand but not too much as we know what those fairies can be like when they indulge in too much. That would be a disaster......road apples flying everywhere.
For Blodyn.....perhaps she too would be happy with the 'Salmon Sorbet' and 'Salmon Dream' tea favoured by the Canadian bears. If not, there is 'Little Shrimp' and 'Shrimp Hit' that should make her happy and keep up her strength.

I really think if a new member stumbled on this blog they would be wondering what sort of 'special tea' everyone is on!

Gilli seems to be cooking up all kinds of potions.
To be honest, I'm not sure what's in her tea these days. :o)

Flower Pot People alert over on my photos today.
Furry Toto has been ABDUCTED.....!!!

I don't understand what TT and Gillian are saying here Gilli your tea making expertise is world renowned.....everyone will know.........what is wrong with TT & Gillian anyways?

Terratoonie, what happened? I entered the competition on first light of Dec. 2. and my entry doesn't even show up.

Oh yes! I know the perfect event for me. As a resume, this is only part of my famous athletic history. In High School I was in track. As I had short legs the coach put me into high hurdles. I also did the pole vault. One of the yearbook pictures has a great pic, of my descent. Onto the bar. :-) The expression on my face was of grand delerium.

Now, I was just okay in these events, but it does suggest agility, does it not. Add to that I was one of the best long distant runners on a team that was third best in all of N. California. I did manage to get them lost in the finals, but the chaps didn't hold a grudge.

On awards night I got a compass. The applause in the auditorium was deafening!

As you know I tend to be longwinded. It came from that acceptance speach..

My event would be a hybrid between the Bull Run in Spain, and some event you do in England. Running down a bloody steep hill chasing a mound of cheese or something. I can't remember. I would upgrade that. Runners would be given a head start and dozens of boulders would be released after them. It would be a bashing good event!.

Now I also did tennis and was a damn fine swimmer. This went on into my college years. So a swimming idea might be a possible.

I just finished unloading pictures from my barn. I found so many great ones. I will digitalize all of them. One was a joke on my employer. I had just finished a large concrete pool for her KOI, soon to be re-introduced into their new home. It was an unbearably hot day that summer. Seeing her coming to photo the finished accomplishment, I slipped into that pool, clothes and all, and floated belly up under the water.
My air holding capacity is quite good. Finding me so, made her day! I then re-enacted the scene and she took the picture.
Considering an attack on me in water one time (bad move) I could hold my own on an underwater Polo team. We would use a solid real rubber (heavy stuff) ball and need to get it to the other side, much like rugby or football. Just in slow motion and under water.

Please use your charms and patronege to get me in. Greased palms are one thing I know well of.f
:“-)

Please do help edit my poisoness’s plant blog. Spelling for one. I need a small synopsis, to provide to the head mistriss.

"Furry Toto has been ABDUCTED.....!!!"

Same happened to one of my big rocks. Zip, it dissapeared. Peter of the Pearly Gate deamed it not goY material.

I hope it was the picture only, not more. It frightens me if they can delete a couple of tons of driftwood in just one evening. Worse yet, they left the ghost standing. Perhaps it will be gone by tomorrow as well. What is a ghost to do, when it can no logner haunt the Driftwood.

Hmmm. I wonder what kind of tea Spanish bulls would like? Perhaps a mix of the petals of Bull's Red and The Old Bull. That will make a deep red tea bound to excite the bulls. And for Skyline......a tea made from Cheesecake and Rock Creek, I think.

Gillian, everyone will have their own special tea blend specially made for them. My personal favourite is a blend made from Cider Cup, Brandy Butter and Apricot Wine (for medicinal purposes only, of course!!).

TT, you know that I have to personally check the quality of all these teas!! Sometimes the blends can be a bit potent!! :o)

I expected more from Sid than the cake sampling role. I expec Sid to be right next to me on the boulder role steeple chase..

Finding out that he is a she, I might give her a head start. Nah, that would be sexist and that I am not.

I might have a bottle of peroxide to share when she finishes behind me.

"Fungi fetishist" -- who would have guessed so am I.
David Aurora and I used to gather those things in the Santa Cruz mts. His discriptions always puzzled me ... tastes like dog @%$(.
Now how did he know how to compare?

Sid is invited to my downhill bull run, or the subsurface water challenge. Ditchfork, has already shed 4 inches of girth, just to prepare. By the time all is ready he will be prime meat, no longer hamburger helper.

Skyline ~
You your application wasn't overlooked. It's just that you have so many talents in so many sports, it was difficult to decide where your gold medal potential would be of most use.

With your boulder-building and design techniques, at this stage in our training, your construction expertise is urgently needed re. our GoY Wellie Olympics Training HQ.

My photos explain. If you take a look at the GRENVILLE NURSERIES sign ~ well that is perfection. Our Captain Grenville made that sign. Such a good disguise. We hoped the Flower Pot People wouldn't find us there, but fears are they might be on their way down Cow Watering Lane right now.

So maybe please suggest ways in which we could fortify our training HQ. A moat around to keep away the cows and the Flower Pot People ? Outlook turrets ? Drawbridges ? Your garden design ideas and experience would provide useful input here.

Meanwhile I'm still scratching my head over which sport would be best for you. I'll come back to you on that :o)

Your ideas on finding David's Furry Toto are also very welcome. The Flower Pot People seem be keeping Toto well hidden. :o( There are updates under my latest photo, and also a possible sighting over on Gee19's latest blog.:o)

Gilli ~
Could you please dream up more rose petal teas to send the Flower Pot People into a trance ~ and maybe something to keep the cows under control in Cow Watering Lane ? Pleeeease !

Our Wellie Olympic training programme is under threat...

Glad to hear that I am the running. I must point out that those days are a bit behind me, so the younger blokes would have an advantage. I think a Secateur toss would be possible, in this I am qualified.
One day, I left my shears tucked in the top of a tree I was pruning. I descended the ladder to see how I was doing. Down came the shears.
I reached out to catch them with my open palm. The blade was well sharpened and planted itself firmly. It was a funny feeling seeing it so embedded. This time I went to the hospital.

I also accused my friend Vallie in CA of throwing it in a karmic sort of way. You see, I had just finished courting her (unsuccessfully) and Tristus had just come along. Vallie would easily win the Secateur toss. That sucker came from 1400 miles away. :-)

I hope you do not think of me as cheap, but are their funds to assist travel needs for people who might otherwise have to swim to get to the event?

All our spare funds have been invested in Andrewr who is Team Historian, manfully checking out pubs up and down the British countryside, making sure he finds the best hostelries for our GoY Wellie Olympics pub crawl.

I'm sure you'll agree that the money is very well spent. :o)

After consideration of your application, the Boulder Roll Steeple Chase seems a real gold medal chance for you, so Skyline, welcome to the team. :o)

Irish is in charge of transport, so she may have a way of getting you to venues on the big red London bus.

You've moved on from Secateur to Skyline, so I regretfully decline your entry for the Secateur toss. Anyway, we could not afford the insurance payments. :o)

Don't worry about the younger blokes being fitter. You have time to complete many weeks of training. Maybe you'll be able to show a photo of yourself practising the Boulder Roll.

Delighted with your interest in our team sports :o)

Skyline may be able to post a pic of him in the boulder roll, and that's more than I could do for the Cartwheel in Kilts event! Cat, if I do get a get a pic (who's going to snap it anwyay?) I'll shrink it b4 posting ( field glasses on hire). Any spare fig leaves, Hywel.....anyone?

Hywel is in charge of all spare leaves.
Write a good poem and he might let you have a few. Lol.

I can't wait till you get your training blog together.
I guess the trampoline will play an important part in the Kilt Cartweeling photo ? :o)

I happen to be quite peased with todays results, two of my customers gifted me with their rock contribution. They have joined my Rockaholic site. I did post a poor picture, (sort of a before and after) of a Bonsaid rock.

Alton gave me a fairly good one, but not the one I tried to pry him out of. I will upload those today. I also got an unexpected bonus while taking a picture of the Straits. A triden submarine sailing past.

I may have missed some of your event catagories, but I do think some synchronized sports should be included. Pair teams, like in diving or volleyball. Now, humble as I am in my physique I prefernot like to dress up like Misty May Trainer.Fibrilators might be needed.

One suggestion being a pry bar boulder moving competition. I would need a partner! Who should I ask? Or who would volunteer?

One other possibility aside from catching the secateur openhanded -- might be (and I am surprised that no one suggested it for me) the distance pitchfork toss. Sid, could be one the judges.¬_¬

I am skilled in all of those areas.

Terratotoonie, I protest my exclusion simply because of a name change. I have been a Bindweed and many other incarnations. That I evolved from a Secateur to a Skyline makes me a much grander man.

Remember, I still have to swim over there.

Oh my, thank heavens for the side bar control. Boy am I deep in this abyss. This must be the longest blog yet. I feel like I just fell down a mine shaft. or a very deep well. HELLO HELLO HELLO HELLo HELlo HEllo Hello hello..... CAN YOU HEAR ME ME ME Me me me....hey it's rather cool in here. Let me light a match. ZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz Hope there isn't any spiders? S.P.I.D.E.R.S.!!!!!

You are a very funny person terratoonie. I like your humour. The Wellie Olympics is a hoot! Now can you toss me a rope so I can get out of here? terratoonie? TERRATOONIE!

.

Well Pf what can you expect ? you really are on the dark side of the moon with this perhaps if you shine on you crazy diamond we can see and find you .

Bet you feel like you hit the wall - wish you you were here
joining the lunatics on the grass ?

You really shouldnt meddle in such things.

Sounds like Skyline a bit of a Crystal Voyager.

Sorry this will not make sense to non Pink Floyd fans but then hey - how much of this does ?

Maybe its a case of Us and them Pf ?

Bonkersbon I resemble that remark, just for that I'm going to make you my friend lol
Can you tell I like Echos!

BB aka Jane and Pink Floyd aka Rob ~

Please read comments above, and you'll find that Skyline is looking for partners in the Boulder Moving event and the Distant Pitchfork Toss.

Are either of you brave enough to volunteer ???

We need the gold medals. !!!

##### WELLIE OLYMPICS LATEST#####

We are honoured that Majeekahead has nominated Brooke to be our ~
GoY WELLIE OLYMPICS CHEERLEADER MASCOT

Please see her wonderful recent photos and blog.
Brooke is currently being trained by GoY members Pollynpercy, who, with two athletic dogs, have themselves volunteered for the demanding sport of Boot Slinging.

Brooke will be leading out our GoY Wellie Olympic parade ~
ably assisted by Andrewr ~ Just how many roles is that super-fit guy taking on in these Olympics ???

Andrewr will be on his Harley Sportster with his guitar, singing to his own music ~
Faster, Longer, Higher, Stronger ~
All to Win the Gold.

Tasteyg is being consulted even as I write, about how to upload onto GoY the youtube version of this amazing performance. :o)

Watch this space ....
and hopefully listen to this space.... soon.....

### GOOD NEWS ###
A new Goy Wellie Olympian with a new sport ~

Poetgardener from Essex, New Jersey has recently uploaded a wonderful photo of pansies in containers.

Her feet are in the picture too, but that's another story ~ in fact another blog in the making from Poetgardener ~
" Where My Feet Take Me " is the provisional title. :o)

This has logically led to Poetgardener entering the demanding sport of Merrells Container Vaulting. She will be training hard all winter in various pairs of bargain Merrells ~ vaulting over pansies and other pretty plants. We hope she reports here on her progress, preferably in poetry :o)

TT ~ I have been working on a rose petal concoction for the FFP. I am currently in search of rose petals from the rare and beautiful 'Dream Dust'. Failing that I will have to mix petals of the miniature and less potent 'Dreamcatcher' and the climber 'Dream Weaver'. Have no fear. The tea will send them into a marvellous altered state.
I hadn't thought about the cows but I think a good dose of lovely 'Tranquility' rose petal tea should calm them down.

Pink Floyd aka Rob.....are you joining the Wellie Olympics? I have the perfect rose petal tea for you. It is made from the petals of the rare 'Brilliant Echo' mixed with the miniature 'Little Sir Echo' petals.

If Andrew is going to ride his bike and play his guitar in the opening parade then tea from 'Harley' and 'Guitare' will be on hand for him.

For Brook, I am working on a petal tea of 'Cheerleader' and 'Cutie Pie'

Gilli ~
You are doing wonderful work. These rose petal potions could end up being a blog all of their own, maybe with your photos and details of which potion is for which person (or cow, as the case may be).

Not quite sure whether Pink Floyd is teaming up with Skyline for pairs sports, or I have suggested that his old bedstead would be ideal for Downhill Welling Snowboarding.

Cutie Pie for Brooke sounds absolutely ideal. Well done :o)

David..you are asking for fig leaves for your Cartwheeling in Kilts event? what good is that then...and a shrunk up tiny little.....picture to boot? humhp...

(I'll not be packing my field glasses around for that....)

Terratoonie; I would be honored to participate in the Wellie Olympics and to be skylines partner however I have a chronic back condition. Have you something a little less demanding say Tiddly Winks, Jacks, playing card sculpture competitions? I'm a man of kick back and relax leisure type activities. Rob

One last thing. Just a suggestion. I think you are ready for a BACK TO TOP ICON lol

I hope I'm not being difficult?

Skyline will be shocked and honoured that you are teaming up together for some of the more demanding sporting events.

Tiddly Wellie Winks sounds good to me.
I have to say no to the Jacks because our very own Jacque is already wearing the Jacque boots for all of her events.

Card sculpture ? Here's where your garden design talents could really be of benefit. Likewise for Skyline - great on creative skills.

Oh, and re. the Back To Top Icon.... the scrolling up and down is how most of the GoY Wellie Olympians keep in training. It would ruin our physiques to have to forego the scrolling..... down and down, up and up.
I usually go into the kitchen and make a cup of tea while the computer sorts itself out. :o)

And re. your last comment ~
I also hope you're not being difficult.
LOL. LOL. LOL. :o)

Sorry to disappoint TT - I don't play the guitar and if you heard me sing, well let's just say the Flowerpot People would run a mile in the opposite direction! But then perhaps that is what we need?
Given that Hywel is Welsh and the Welsh are renowned for their singing, perhaps he should lead us in our song?

Andrewr ~
My visions are shattered
I had this idea of you in great voice along with your backing duo of Barney and Bruno.
We'll keep you in reserve for scaring off the Flower Pot People. A secret weapon...

Maybe Hywel could duet with Blodyn the cat.
They're a good team with their poetry skills.
In fact, there are so many wonderful felines on GoY,
putting together a Cats Choir should be a piece of cake, or maybe they would prefer a piece of fish ?

I play the piano... if I can get some wheels for it I could play for the opening parade if someone will push it!

Skyline is good at moving huge boulders, so pushing a piano should be a piece of cake. How do I keep getting back to cake?
Sal ~ can you play the piano wearing wellies ?
Now that would be worth a gold medal :o)

Flash has consented to pulling a cart for the piano...if Skyline should give out....as he would also be dodging forest fairies under foot while pulling Sal and the piano ...he warns that it could be a rough ride....and he thinks the piano should wear wellies also....

Wellies for the piano.
Good one, Catfinch.
That will definitely improve the tuning and sound quality.

This must be a musical extravaganza to astound all nations.
Flash is very thoughtful, offering to help in this way.
Does he like carrots ? Shall we GoY members all grow extra veggies to give Flash more energy ?

How are you feeling after eating all those liquorice allsorts?
Not really the correct diet for our GoY Wellie athletes. :o(

Flash is not in favor of carrots... will raise his lips only to the apples... should you have a stick of mint chewing gum....he will live with his nose planted on your lips if you chew it in front of him...no mint chewing gum should be allowed on the course.....and heaven forbid Sal DO NOT carry any mints of any kind in your boots or pockets!.....I have also warned the forest fairies against any mint teas or sauce as it could mean their life should he decide to take a good whiff of one of them...

Wow, Pink Floyd! Did anyone know that the album "Dark Side of the Moon" is supposed to exactly fit the movie "Wizard of Oz", if you listen to it through headphones and watch the movie without sound? (Google it, if you don't believe me).Have yet to try this, but would like to do so whilst sipping some of Gilli's "herbal" teas (the more varieties the better). Who knows, I may end up doing those cartwheels like a true Scotsman (not giving a hoot,Mon!), and Catfinch wouldn't need field glasses, just filled ones! Meantime, my search for our missing Toto is gaining me, and the family, much-needed training and exercise, and will blog about this at the weekend.

Yes I did actually You can down load it from a movie site that is where I watched it (can not for the life of me remember the site name) That is so ironic because the Wizard of Oz and PFare two things in life that are very special to me. I have the script for Oz word for word and Dark Side Is my fav except for Echos heck I like everything Floyd. Hey thanks for letting me know and I guess you could just play the movie and play the cd like you said. Rob
Ther are other herbs that might work better, good luck with little Toto.

Terratoonie,

Being new on the block I wish not to offend anyone ...
But I will.

I had just strapped on my Gunnera leaves and David is talking about fig leaves. Scratch that guy out.
Pink Floyd wants card sculpture competions?.

Nope on that partner for pairs as well.
I think I might plead forgiveness with Sid. We might be a good team.

Good training, excuses and exercise might win us the golden acorn.

David, my teas are all organic and delicate blends of only the best rose petals. Perhaps for your Wizard of Oz watching experience you would like a tea made from a blend of 'Wizard' and 'Big Pink'.??

Gilli ~
Your rose petal tea recipes are getting more inventive by the minute. Well done. :o)
When brewing up, please make sure you don't accidentally mix in the gunnera leaf and fig leaf which Skyline and David require for other purposes.

Catfinch ~
I'm now worried that the Flower Pot People might lure Flash with chocolate mints. David is the chocolate expert so we'll need to consult him on this..... unless Gilli can conjure up an antidote made of roses ........?

Pink Floyd ~
Rob you get the special gold medal. While I was fast asleep in East Anglia, you provided this GoY Wellie blog with its 400th comment. :o) Happy scrolling. :o)

Skyline, you son-of-a-gunnera! I didn't realise that EVERYTHING was bigger, especially in the far Northwest!

Gilli, what a wiz of an idea for the tea!

Ok, Just to keep things straight here, there are NO wellies here in NJ. Or anywhere near NJ. There are plenty of Wellie-like rain boots, but believe me, they don't count. They are for flirting, and dancing and you can't be over the age of 25 to wear them. They are NOT Olympic-type wellies. Thus, the Merrell's. Which come in assorted colors and styles and are currently 20% off at onlineshoes.com (No, I don't get a kickback for this and I don't work there!). I'm excited, I must say, to finally participate in any form of Olympics and thank TT for thinking of me.

Like I just mentioned to TT in another post, I'm a little slow on the go-go, but I will try to keep up! (Tho I do believe I got lost on the fig leaf and the scottish-kilt wearing-cartwheals and the Flower Pot People! )

Ahhhh. Poetgardener, hurry and catch up. We need all the help we can get and you will have to be up to speed. What is your specialty event? I will have to design a rose petal tea for you which will enhance your Olympic performance and perhaps speed up your go-go.
Never mind about the Original Wellies, North American rubber boots will do just as well.

TT ~ Unless I can come up with a scent masking tea made from the petals of ODORata......aka Tea-scented China Rose, then David, as chocolate expert will need to be consulted.

I think Skyline's gunnera leaf will be safe, being so LARGE it will be easy to separate from the petals.....however, David's fig leaf, being so SMALL, may present problems. :o)

David, "Skyline, you son-of-a-Gunnera! I didn't realize that EVERYTHING was bigger, especially in the far Northwest!

Gilli, what a wiz of an idea for the tea."

I hope you Brits aren't reverting back to your Celtic teas. I would like to return un-eunuched.
I may not enter if this is the entrance fee.

Teratoonie, "I like your doc story. Funny how when we enter the doctor's surgery we're asked : "How are you ?". I guess we could fib. Reply : "Fine thanks", and then turn tail and walk out again. :o)"

I would be careful about such humor. My own to the dentist did not do me good.

I told her that I would not need a shot, I could self-hypnotize myself. True. But in the doing I told her a joke about dentists. ALWAYS a bad idea.

Was about a Wyoming cowboy. People think of Texas cowboys. They are wimps! Anyhow, this cowboy comes to the dentist and asks to have all of his teeth removed.
ALL? asks the shocked and astounded dentist? Well, I suppose I will have to give you some painkiller.

He responds. Don't need to. I have gone trough two pains in my life. This will be nothing like them.
The dentist proceeds and yanks out all of his teeth. Not a grimace of pain....

Amazed, he asks him; what in the world where those two great pains?

He replies. It was over a campfire lit night. I had moved from the sight and went to relieve myself and in so doing a bear trap caught my testicles.

"OH MY GOD" That must have been your life’s biggest pain.

No, he replied, that came – that came -- when I jumped up.

My dentist did not appreciate that humor, and so it goes.

No wonder, Poetgardener!

If Flash is a dark horse, I suggest plain chocolate, with at least 80% Coco (Skippy isn't the only clown in town that Gillian might come across).

My training continues, coupled with the search for missing Toto. Will update this weekend.Now, I'm off to console myself with the script of the Wizard of Oz, a "Dark Side of the Moon" CD, and some dubious herbal "Tea" (but better watch out for the Olympic drugs tests!). One of Gilli's laxative teas might help me right now, as feeling a bit full!

Hey, I read somewhere that we were going off to Fiji, then
elsewhere, it was Vancouver! Vancouver doesn't need a laxative, according to Skyline. It goes straight into the Strait! Could this be reconstituted with spent leaves as an organic feed for Gilli's tea roses, and gain us a special "green" medal? (Just a thought).

David, I have the perfect laxative tea for you.....made exclusively from the petals of the recently introduced 'Dynamite' rose.!!!

I must post a correction to David's last post. I believe that all the mainland cities like Richmod, Vancouver do have to treat their water. It is only the Capital City of Victoria that does not. That too is changing. I hope!

in a private mail, skulker that he is he suggested something about the leaves. Perhaps hoping that I would shed the big Gunnera.I will not! The gopher will arrive well endowed! He is a Hercules of a a gopher. I replied to David.

'I think you are in a loser position there. My possession of the grand Gunnera leafes me in top position. Only a banana kilt wearing South American could top me.

I must say that I am disappointed in you. I visualized Ficus benjamina or Ficus repans. There are more respectful Ficus members and if those were your intention you failed to give the proper species.'

I don't give a ficus about anything you say! Celtic teas? Our kids support Glasgow Celtic FC - and wear green Ts - never mind drink 'em!

I repeat, you are a real son-of-a-gunnera! I offered you an olive/palm branch of peace,yet you reply by descrying the people of the very country which has given us chocolate - the very essence of our garden next year - bananas or no!

I suggest that you slap a leaf of poison ivy on your rocks - that should extinguish your "Olympic" flame - and your over-inflated idea of being an Olympic torch-bearer!

Ficus was but figurative! I have upgraded (reasonably, for the moment) to Hedera helix "atropurpurea", which can grow to 8 metres and should blend in well under the kilt!

Is there a team referee out there? If not, get one quickly!

Gilli, I do think that your new tea concoction is beginning to take effect...................................by Douglas!

David,

I apologize. I did not know that you are Mexican. All of your references to the good chocolato should have informed me.

Since I do want to turn down the heat perhaps for my own sake I suggest. apagué el gas para quedarme tranquilo, .
I think that is correct. I am glad that you have re-considered the choice of ficus leaves. Ficus repens does not cover much.As for your commentary about poison ivy.

We do not have that here, but we do have poison oak.
I will take your challenge and apply it to those regions and it will only make me more inflamed and certainly elevate my standings to be the the 'Olympic flame' torch-bearer!
Thank you for the first nomination. The gopher with the biggest red balls will be a proud member to be the first torch-bearer of the Wellie event.

Terratoonie might have a thought abour that. Not that she has really made an OFFICIAL welcome to people outside of the U.K. to enter. That is my recollection of this very LONG, LONG blog. I have been welcomed to participate and have even asked Sid to join me in some team sport competition, but I would like an official statement welcoming outsiders.
Remember it is a long swim for me and others..

Oh poor Skyline.
Why do you need an "official" welcome to join the Wellie Olympics? I will be swimming just as far but feel very welcome even without the "officiousness" (is that a word???) as will Cat, Pink Floyd and others from North America. And poor Panther will have to travel all the way from Fiji. Yet no one else is complaining.

As for the gunnera leaf.....well......remember that over-confidence and bravado could very well be your downfall. Many athletes over the years have been caught out this way.

David, I'm glad to hear that you didn't need the double strength, extra potent 'dynamite' tea. That could have been very explosive. :o)
Are you sure the Hedera helix "atropurpurea" leaf will not interfere with your kilt cartwheeling exhibition? If it grows to 8 metres it could very well trip you up at the most inopportune time!!

Well, I hardly know where to start.
So many useful comments from the Wellie Olympians.
I'm proud of you all. :o)
May I suggest a new event for the Games. David drinks the dynamite tea, and Skyline uses the poison ivy wherever he thinks most appropriate, and whichever one is propelled the furthest wins the first of our newly minted (get it ?) mint flavour green medals.

Gilli will be the Tea and Leaf Referee in charge of all potions and lotions. more soon...

I'm wondering how Poetgardener is progressing with the Container Vaulting ? Add in a few cart-wheels and high kicks for extra points.

And here comes the tired old joke ~
Are you training in the old jersey or the new jersey ?

Glad I got that one out of the way.

It seems David should be very selective over his choice of jokes while undergoing any treatment with GoY Wellie Olympics Team Health Consultant, Flcrazy.

May I suggest you keep with 'Doctor jokes' only, e.g.
Patient ~
Doctor, I keep thinking I'm a pair of curtains.
Doctor ~
Pull yourself together.

I've taken some time to think about Skyline's request of a special welcome for the overseas members of the GoY Wellie Olympic team.
Once training is more under way, I reckon I could manage a few choice words for the 2012 Games in London.

However, now that our team is also entering the 2010 Winter Wellie Olympics, this means many of our athletes travelling to Vancouver. I do hope the Canadians will have an amazing welcome ready for us. Gilli ~ any appropriate teas on the menu please ?

I haven't had my coffee yet, TT, so I'm not quite up on the get-go OR the go-go, (No tea-drinking here, except for an occassional "herbal" tea (wink wink) but I did have a big Yuk-yuk over the old, New Jersey joke. Gets me every time.

I hope Odie and Popie aren't drinking that "herbal" tea.
If they have too much, they'll end up finding that Jersey joke really funny.
Rolling about on their backs. LOL. LOL. LOL

I am so glad that Gilli will be swimming alongside me.

David is clearly ttrying to influence the judges. "David has perfected special techniques in the sled dog race by reversing the roles. Lucky sits in the sled and David pulls it."

Despite goY guidelines to be nice, I am calling for a fowl on this kind of tactic..

I just need to warn members about coca tea. This is drunk by the locals in areas of high altitude to counter the effects of altitude sickness. However, the plant is also used to manufacture cocaine so anyone drinking the tea will fail a drugs test. We don't want another Ben Johnson in our Wellie Olympics team.

Puzzled by Skyline's call for a fowl on David's tactics.

Any particular fowl to pull your sled, Skyline ???
Chicken ? Rooster ? Duck ? Goose ? Turkey ? Pheasant ?
Which one will you tow along on your sled. ?
Watch out for those feathers.

Cocoa tea ~
Andrewr ~ I guess you've been sampling this as part of your tour of the hostelries suitable for the GoY Wellie Olympics Christmas pub crawl ?
I presume you sampled this at low altitude.
Any interesting side effects ?
Would this be suitable for David's chocolate garden ?
Maybe Gilli can come up with an antidote to fool the drug-testers. Gilli - tea please ? :o)

TT ~ I will have to look into these tea suggestions. I have been busy with my latest suggestion for a Wellie Olympic event.
I have become very practiced over the last few weeks in the art of jumping through hoops. Some big, some small, some even flaming. I can now jump through the most difficult hoops without losing my Wellies so landing in puddles of mud on the far side of the hoops in my socks is no longer a threat. Do you think hoop jumping would be a verifiable Olympic event?

Now, I shall return to the art of rose petal tea brewing. What was it we needed?.......An antidote to fool the drug-testers, Canadian teas and possibly a "fowl" tea for Skyline. I shall return anon with my latest brews..........

This is terrific training from Gilli.
I'm wonder whether there's time to perfect jumping through hoops, wearing wellies and carrying a cup of tea.

Could be good ............... :o)

Gilli...been trying to find you here at the right time...mint tea for Flash only...he will be trouble otherwise trying to smell it on anyone elses breath...he becomes drunken on its scent and will follow off course badly ...trampling anything and anyone with his large body, hooves and the wagon pulling Sal...who will be playing the piano...which is wearing wellies...
I will be watching with glee all of the cartwheeling leaf wearing Kilt Men...so the rest of you will have to dodge Flash & I as we Stride through with our wind wheelies in our boots, pulling Sal and her piano.... of course.... only if Sky line is not pulling her along in his Kilt with those "Red Balls O Fire"..! I have decided the field glasses are going to be much needed... as he is, I am sure , going to be cartwheeling along like a speeding bullet with the Olympic Wellies Torch ...!

I will start training for the extended event immediately TT. I will keep you posted on my progress.

The latest tea requests......
The Canadian Winter Wellie Olympics are to be held at Whistler, BC which is at a high elevation. Andrew's suggestion of the Coca tea is an excellent one as the athletes will need to counter the affects of low oxygen. However, we must fool the drug-testers. There is a miniature rose by the name of 'Wee Jock'. The testers will be unaware that the registration name of this rose is COCAbest. I suggest a tea of the petals of 'Wee Jock' blended with those of 'Hide and Seek' and daMASK roses. I think that may be sufficiently cunning to fool anyone.

Well Catfinch is certainly taking this whole GoY Wellie Olympic experience in her stride.... or at least in the able strides of Flash ~ the Wonder Horse with a liking for our mint-flavoured green medals.

Could we hide secret supplies of tea and mints in the piano ?
Would the Flower Pot People find out ???

Cat, having Flash run amok would not be a pretty sight. Especially in Wellies. Have no fear, the mint tea will be kept under lock and key with armed security guards at all times.

Oh, no ..

The comments have got out of sequence AGAIN....
Just when it seemed that this whole Wellie blog was really making sense, and would appear totally logical and sane to all newcomers.

Gilli ~ great job on the teas. Your extensive knowledge amazes me. Could deserve a blog of their own, so I hope you're keeping track. :o)

David ~
A rose by the name of Wee Jock ~
over to you....

The opening ceremonies for the Winter Wellie Olympics are sure to be a tremendous hit.

There will be a parade of high-jumping polar bears on skis, beavers in mukluks on ice skates, moose wearing tuques somersaulting on trampolines (on wheels, of course) pushed by Wellie wearing Arctic Wolves in tutus. Snowy Owls will do a fly by while hooting 'Oh Canada' in four part harmony. Everyone will be issued umbrellas for the fly past of the Canada Geese. As a finale, grizzly bears on snowshoes will perform "Rose Marie" while riding atop a roaring avalanche.

For the event I have made a special rose petal tea. It is a blend of petals from the finest Spirit of Canada and Pride of Canada roses along with petals from my very own, specially grown Gold Medal roses.

This will be an event to behold.

This is an amazing spectacle...
moose, beavers, Arctic Wolves, Snowy Owls, Canada Geese, Grizzly Bears.
I'm hoping by 2010 there will be a Gilli rose named after our very own rose specialist.
GoY might be seeing the polar bears sooner than you think.
Remember my words...... ;o)

For Skyline and his fowl.....

A blend of the petals from David Austin's 'Snow Goose' mixed with 'Lucky Duck', 'Pheasant' and the little known 'Grouse' roses will be perfectly.

Then again, perhaps I should blend in the petals of 'Fireball' or perhaps better yet 'Ball of Snow' as a soothing pick me up.

Rose Ball of Snow sounds like it could be the official flower of the GoY Winter Wellie Olympics. Would it be in bloom at the right time ? Or any suitable alternatives ???

Oh dear......I think the only way to have "Ball of Snow" rose blooming at the right time would be to force it in a greenhouse. My greenhouse isn't heated so that won't work. However, there is a Rhododendron "Ball of Snow" that may indeed be in bloom providing a mild winter is experienced in the Vancouver area.

A blog of rose petal teas??? I haven't been keeping track TT. Perhaps I should start keeping a diary.

Gilli not been keeping a rose diary ?.
What a good thing I've kept this blog so that you can scroll back up and collect all the details. :o)

Ball of Snow Rhododendron sounds fine to me. Would the Olympic location have the right soil type ? A mild winter might be good for Ball of Snow, but would it melt all the other snow ?

Gilli, could you please take on the extra role of GoY Winter Wellie Olympics Weather Forecaster ? Let us know if any heat waves are expected. :o)

Keep the blog. unless we run out of screen. It is where I get my exercise (thanks to you). I do not think there is one in here this lengthy.

We seem to be heading towards 500 + comments for Christmas. Lol. :o)

Just (trying!) to catch up with some of this, though after reading about combining Wizard of Oz and Dark Side of the Moon I have an uncontrollable urge to go play my White Album backwards.

Catfinch seems able to sum up the whole blog in about 30 words. Lol.
Current themes, as you might have noticed are rose petal teas, and cart-wheeling in a kilt... and a few others. :o)

can anyone join the team........lol...seems a crazy Arky could be good for something.......

Wee Jock? Perhaps wearing one might be more practical than the ivy......

Today, I found a sacred place for Scottish welly wearers of old, as well as a grizzly old bear. Pics uploading now. I'd also like the green medals to be choc mint, please. No hablo buen Espanol, Senor Skyline. Hmmm. Mexican?
Perhaps I could get the crowd to do a Mexican Wave as I cartwheel by, or get over to Acapulco to get in some surfing practice, rather than just sitting here surfing.

One other polite observation. There seems to be much talk ot Tea. I do assume that there will be drug testing at the event or is that too impolite to bring up on goY.

My yerba buena or wintergreen might be one thing. But what will Gilli be bringing under her skirts? As for those sneaky Scotts, one never knows until one does a proper search.

In the States we have wisely appointed a new security agency called Homeland Security. It investigates all bodily cavities and I am wondering if you have the same.

Not to say that I am afraid of such a search ... I am just asking.

Southernwoman ~
Another volunteer for our GoY Wellie Olympics Team !
That's wonderful. :o)
We're so glad to have you.
What do you wear on your feet when gardening ?
Do you have a photo of your garden footwear ?
Please let us know.
We need to decide on your special skills.
Your Olympic event could be some sort of baseball with all those whimsical front garden ornaments marking the boundaries ?
Any ideas everyone ? :o)

I spotted David's photos.
They look great.
Going back to comment in a few moments :o)
I wonder if we could have a team event of GoY Wellie Silver Surfers ? Does that have possibilities ?

And, David, I'm buying a whole wheelbarrowful of chocolate mints ~ After Eights AND Before Eights ~ ready to award you for your cartwheels. :o)

I'm now wondering whether Skyline should take on the extra responsibility of Security.

Protect us from illegal drugs, and
make sure we all have our passes with photos.

What's the photo on your security pass Skyline ?
Some sort of Beaver with a pitchfork ?

Terratoonie, asks but knows little about security.

"What's the photo on your security pass Skyline ?
Some sort of Beaver with a pitchfork ?" Need I answer with the common retort. I think not.

Since this is a discreat goup of members I will reveal it to be the real American bird. The noble Turkey! If you have ever run into an enraged Turkey you will know what I mean.sp? They are MEAN! The gopher even if armed would be taken down in a flash.

To my own background check. I was a proud Scout with merit badges to my knickers. I still was prevented from becomming an Eagle. True story. I resigned. One had to be a member of an established church, with the pastor or rabbi vouching for you. You also had to be a citizen. This was in the 60's. I was neither.

So the American Eagle has a tarnish on it, as I see it. I far prefer the much braver Turkey rather than that carrion eating Vulture relative. Franklin saw it my way as well.

So I might suggest, not a sled but a chariot race. My turkey team against anything else. CatFinch is right --in her assement of me. She will have to reveal it. Ben Hur comes to mind.

As for an earlier post by David. I believe he took a local God to near blash money.

For him to end a comment like this ... "concoction is beginning to take effect...................................by Douglas!"

This makes me wonder, makes me wonder about the drug thing and David would be one I would search first of. Gilli, even more so, but much more slowly. Pink floyd would be on my radar as well. Those Canucks can be devious suckers.

Are you aware that they are in the middle of a revolution? Their dollar is shot and I suspect that a tidal wave of hemp carrying Canadians will soon be overflowing our borders. By my request our county has just ammended our tsunami evacuation signs with posts in Canadian, so they can understand.

I hate to throw a spanner in your works Skyline..... I may live in Canada but I am a born and bred Yorkshirewoman and my ancestors have been Yorkshire folk for 100's of years. I hate snow and ice and I cannot stand ice hockey..... I don't drink Molson Canadian either. So, I guess you could say I am a pretty poor example of a Canuck.

I assume that when you say sign posts in Canadian that you mean sign posts which will be spelled correctly??? <grin>

Oh gilli good one but hey I'm staying out of this one,oops too late I had to comment as my name was mentioned well my username. As far as security goes I think some would find Homeland Security searches enjoyable however I do not think we need security or mandatory drug testing. That would just take all the fun out of it. The Wellies Olympics should stay simple but competitive.
Gilli it's okay that you are a poor example of a Canuck. I hate the cold, ice, and snow, Heck I only watch the finals of hockey. Molson Canadian is owned by an American company now and I do not drink well a glass of red for the ticker. Rob.

Eat too Pink floyd, I always knew you guys would flock together.

Gilli, neither of you have commented on the mess up there. We at least elected an Oprabama. You guys are thinking of a menage of Bloc, Liberal and NDP just after electing another guy two months ago.

Talk about Turkey races. At least we stick with the guy we elect. I suspect many Canadians will seek refuge in the states. It is so sad. Just five years ago, I thought of seaking refuge status -- or posting a dear help sign, listing the three elementary schools I had gone to in Vancouver and hoping that one of those old Valentine flames would take me in.

Rob -- You cannot partake of the red vino? I was just going to invite you to visit the vineyard I may yet inheret. At least the work of it.I have not heard of Alberta vineyards but B.C. does have one or two.