Pet Blogger Challenge 2013

This is my first time participating in the Pet Blogger Challenger.  I think I am out of my league here, but I will give it a try.

1. When did you begin your blog?

I began blogging in September 2008.

2. What was your original purpose for starting a blog?

I started blogging to talk about my two greyhounds.

3. Is your current purpose the same?

No, after blogging for a little while, I decided it would be more fun to allow my dogs to take over the blog.  Jack, my first greyhound, became the chief blogger. He died unexpectedly in June 2011. I thought of letting the blog die with him.  I could not see continuing it without him because he was the life of the blog.

Jack

 Several readers encouraged me to continue it with my other greyhound, Scout.

Scout

 Scout does not enjoy blogging, so when we adopted, Joey, he took over.

Joey

4. How often do you post?

I post 4-6 times a week, normally.

5. Do you blog on a schedule or as the spirit moves you?

I try to blog Monday - Friday, but sometimes I blog in the morning and sometimes in the afternoon.  It really depends on what is going on.  I don't want to blog just to blog. I want to have something interesting or entertaining to say.   I hate to have myself on a strict schedule because for me, blogging is fun.  I don't want to make it a job. 

6. How much time do you spend writing your blog per week? How much time visiting other blogs? Share your  tips for staying on top of it all.

I probably spend three hours a week on my blog.  I have several blogs that I follow. I have those listed on my own blog, so I normally visit those and make comments before I write my own blog for the day.

7. How do you measure the success of a post and of your blog in general (comments, shares, traffic)?

       Do you look strictly at the numbers, or do you have a way of assessing the quality of those interactions?

I check my stats from time to time, but I am not obsessed with it.  I do like to see where my traffic is coming from such as what searches people used to find a post. There are times that the searches that connect my blog to people are quite funny.  I use the Blogger stats and Feedit.

8. If you could ask the pet blogging community for help with one issue you’re having with your blog, what would it be?

I can't think of anything.

9. What goals do you have for your blog in 2013?

I want to keep my blog entertaining.  My husband and I are living in our motor home with our greys and are traveling around, so that gives me material to keep my blog fresh, I hope.   I would love to pick up more readers.  I have found that joining blog hops are the best way for me to do that, but I only do that from time to time, so I should do that more.  :-)

Wordless Wednesday 1/9/13

Joey and Scout,
The Greyhounds Relaxing On Another Rainy Day

Here Comes The Rain!

We are dreading the next two days.  We are supposed to get anywhere from 4" to 6" of rain. We hope they are wrong.  We have been lucky so far today.  We were able to take our 6 a.m. walk and our 8 a.m. walk.  The heavy rain is supposed to start around lunch time, so maybe we will be able to take one more walk before that starts.  Mama is more stressed about it than we are.  Bad storms are predicted for tomorrow. 

Do I look stressed?

A view of our neighbors.

Scout looks really stressed, don't you think?

It is warm enough today, that we can keep our blinds open which helps keep our windows clear of the condensation.   Mama's mood is better when we are able to leave the blinds open.

Scout and I plan to just relax today and watch the rain fall.

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Doesn't Mind A Walk In The Rain

Hiking In Sugar Land

Saturday, was another rainy day.  The weather people said it would stop by noon.  It did not.  It rained the entire day.  Luckily, we went out at 6 a.m. and took care of business.  We went out again at 1:30 p.m..  The folks then left to go shopping and have lunch.  They arrived home about a half hour after the Texan game started.  Mama ordered Pizza Hut.  It took over two hours for it to arrive.  The game was over by then, but we watched the Packers game and ate it.

Yesterday, the sun came out!  Mama opened all the blinds and the windows.  We needed to get rid of all the condensation that was on the windows.  Dad said we have to do that to keep mold from growing. We haven't had condensation like this before but we have also not been in colder, damp weather for so long.  It felt nice to open the windows for the day.

Mama found a park for us to visit yesterday.  It is in Sugar Land, TX which is about 12 miles from here. 

Are we at Sea World?  Nope, we are at Oyster Creek Park!

Scout and Dad walking over the bridge.

I don't want to pose for a photo.

I am not going to look at you.

Nope

No way!

Stop taking my photo and walk with me.

Can I get in the water?

Go ahead, Scout.  Watch out for alligators!  BOL!

There were trails all around the park.  The signs warned us to beware of alligator.  We never saw any.  We met a couple who are from the area and they said they have seen a few, but have never seen any snakes.  There were a lot of people out running and walking yesterday.  It is a very nice park, but a bit crowded on the trails.

This morning, when we got back from our walk and Mama noticed my ID tags were missing.  She had to backtrack our entire walk this morning.  She found them in the road in front of the motor home that has a German Shepherd. He barked at us this morning and scared me.  I guess when I jumped, my tags fell off.  Normally, I just jump out of my boot, but today, I jumped out of my tags.  BOL!

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Is No Longer Tag-Less

Rapid Fire Lady

Today, Mama met a woman that she is calling the "Rapid Fire Lady".  Mama said she was in the rec room when this lady came in and immediately started asking Mama questions. Mama said it was one question after another....rapid fire. She asked Mama "How many grandchildren do you have? (The lady thinks she looks old enough to have grandchildren?  Okay, she is old enough, but Mama was offended by the question just the same.) Where are you from?  When do you arrive here?  When are you leaving?" RFL (Rapid Fire Lady) said she was thinking of moving into the resort. She then started talking about an upcoming trip and the questions began again. Mama felt like she was in an interview. Mama finally escaped to the laundry room. Mama went back into the rec room a little while later and RFL had three other women trapped. RFL turned around when Mama walked into the room, but realizing she had already captured her earlier, resumed her questions with the other women. Later, one of those ladies came in the laundry room and Mama asked her what she thought of all the questions.  She laughed. She told Mama that she thinks RFL is very lonely.  She is planning on moving in here in April and is trying to make friends now. Mama then realized she was being interviewed for position of "friend".  RFL lady is already organizing a yoga class with her new "friends" here.  She was a little upset that the park managers will not tell her which site will be hers. She doesn't realize how things work here and April is a long time away to be getting a site assigned today.  The park managers are going to LOVE her.....NOT.  It would be kind of funny to be here to see them with her.

I like walking with my tongue like this.

Mama says it makes me look silly.

Last night, our Emeals dinner was Easy Chicken Tortillas.  Mama added jalapenos on her own. Dad said it was really good.

Easy Chicken Tortillas

Mama's energy level is really low, so she still hasn't worked on her restaurant blog. She said that next week will be better. The sun will be out and it will be warmer and that will give her more energy.

Joey,
The Greyhound Who Thinks Rapid Fire Lady Sounds Strange