As you should all know by now, this is my favourite time of year.

The time when all my natural talents are to the fore, the time when nothing on the picnic table is sacred, the time when even I admit defeat about the end of February and I look forward to the lazy days of winter.
But enough of that, my senses are even keener this season, honed by many a scavenging trip to Dick's compost pit. I have to be on my nails though, as I have a young jolly German to contend with this time around and I have to tell you she has served her apprenticeship well under my training. Too good in fact, but never fear, she is up against the 'chocolate crusader” and no morsel gets by me.
Now to get things underway, I have been invited to a big party at Animal Antics (the people with the balls) this weekend. To be truthful, I did not see an invite for frauline Ady, so really it's a win, win situation for me.
I am even getting suitably attired for the occasion, being decked out in Armani.
Nah, not really – something even better, my lovely 'Grandma Jean” is stitching me up, and after seeing a few of the bosses old primary school pictures with Jean's sewing to the fore, I know the bitches are going to want a bit of me, especially now I have indestructible balls. But wait girls, I have to eat first, and I do hope my new clobber comes with a built in serviette. See you all at Animal Antics for a day of fun and frivolity.
I have received another letter from a canine mate and here is what he has to say.

My dog Gary read the Sun on the weekend and had totally related to Diesel's story about tennis balls. Here's his reply.
"Hey Diesel mate, with my big Staffy head, most tennis balls last two or three throws, so my ball of choice is a good solid rubber ball! Here's a couple of pics of my rubber ball antics - all happily intact at the end of a good outing."
-Janie Hyde

Now Gary, (what happened to Butch or Dingo, what next, Petal?) and his boss are putting together a calendar to raise a little 'moolah” for the SPCA. This is a cause close to me heart and don't despair my good people, I may not be posing (they could not get speedos big enough to contain my buttocks) but please support this great New Zealand institution and buy a calendar. They are $15.
My great mate Johnny the Aussie Butcher is also a great supporter of the SPCA and donates a lot to them. He also has the best supply of things of the meaty persuasion around and if you are looking for a turkey (try the Strand after midnight), or the tastiest ham around for your Christmas feast, get down to Gate Pa and see Johnny and the team. Great people!

'Spicy steak'

1kg plain tenderized steak
2 cups of your favorite beer
salt,
½ cup of olive oil
1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
½ of vinegar
1 tablespoon of horseradish
1 teaspoon of onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons of lemon juice

Stir together all of the ingredients (from beer to lemon juice) and marinate your steak in the refrigerator for 2-6 hours. Barbecue to desired temperature.
Well that's the end of my rant this week my good people, but if you are out and about on Sunday get down to Animal Antics and see me strut my stuff on the cat walk (oh no, not cats). If you cannot see me there, look for the place where the food is served.
Cheers all!