Remembering Alge..

Algernon Rat Washington D.C. photos - Part 3

2012-04-26T07:50:00.000+02:00

Algernon Rat visiting Ocean City, Maryland, Maryland's beach resort on the Atlantic Ocean.

Algernon Rat relaxing on the beach at Ocean City, Maryland. He made good use of some of the souvenir items he collected from his travels, here at the beach!

Here I am just chillin' and soaking up the rays at the beach in Ocean City, Maryland!

Here I am with my host Audrey (Mama to Gordon) having a wonderful day at the beach in Ocean City, Maryland

Algernon Rat in Washington, D.C. photos - Part 2

2012-04-19T21:45:00.000+02:00

Looking at the Washington Monument. The Washington Monument is an obelisk near the west end of the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Built to commemorate the first U. S. President, General George Washington, it is the tallest building in Washington, D.C.

Algernon Rat and host Audrey at the Washington Monument, on the west end of the National Mall, Washington, D.C.

Can you see me?? I am almost hidden here on top of the entrance sign of the famous Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C.
Part of the Smithsonian Institution, this museum displays the heritage of the United States in the areas of social, political, cultural, scientific, and military history.

Algernon Rat and host Audrey inside the Smithsonian Institutions's Museum of American History, Washington, D.C., by the original American flag exhibit. "the Star-Spangled Banner" is the national anthem of the United Stated. The lyrics were written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 during his capture at the Battle of For McHenry in Baltimore, Maryland.

Algernon Rat and host Audrey inside the Smithsonian Institution's Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., by the main entrance exhibit hall. The museum's collection includes specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, and cultural artifacts. It is the most visited of all of the Smithsonian museums.

Algernon Rat in Washington D.C. - Part 1

2012-04-12T21:45:00.000+02:00

Algernon Rat and host Audrey at the White House, official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States, Washington, D.C.

Algernon Rat at the U.S. Capitol of the United States, Washington, D.C. Meeting place of the U.S. Congress, the legislature of the federal government. First occupied by congress in 1800.

Looking across the National Mall at the U.S. Capitol of the United States, Washington D.C.

Algernon Rat at the Jefferson Memorial, Washington D.C.
Memorial dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, American founding father and third President of the United States. Completed in 1947.

Another view of Algernon Rat and host Audrey at the Tidal Basin with the Jefferson Memorial in the background, Washington D.C.

AR and Moley - Part 3

2012-04-03T22:48:00.002+02:00

The day before his departure, Moley took AR for an exhilarating All Terrain Vehicle

ride! Moley got a bit queasy as she sometimes does, but the adventurous rat enjoyed

every moment!

The two friends sunned themselves on a mossy rock. Because it’s been a dry winter thus

far, the moss was scratchy—perfect for itching those hard-to-reach places between the

shoulders.

AR and Moley climbed a toyon bush, looking to catch sight of the Pig Air plane.

All too soon, they were hugging good-bye. Moley’s already booked a flight to the Black

Pearl, where she’ll be the world’s only known pirate mole.

(p.s. so sorry, we forgot to post this earlier, blame our slave Mikey!
xxx the guinygirlz)

AR and Moley - Part 2

2012-02-26T21:33:00.000+01:00

In keeping with the festive season, AR and Moley climbed into the Christmas tree and

pretended to be ornaments.

AR followed the song of the harp…

And discovered a Christmas Angel who sent greetings from friends at the Rainbow

Bridge.

Festivities wouldn’t be complete without a gingerbread house. AR couldn’t resist taking a

little nibble of the icicles.

Theodora, the ancient wise-bear, joined Moley and AR for a spot of tea with cream.

Moley bestowed an AR-sized tea set upon her ratty friend, a souvenir of his stay in

Penryn, California.

AR and Moley - Part 1

2012-02-19T17:41:00.002+01:00

Moley, a lady mole descended from the Wind in the Willows’ mole, met AR as he scurried off the Pig Air jet. AR showed her his many souvenirs and let Moley try on his hat.

AR was quick to meet Puff and The Beautifuls and got his picture taken with the infamous Ruffian.

Tired from his journey, he joined Moley in a cozy sack for a quick nap.

AR and the misfits say goodbye!

2011-12-27T20:04:00.000+01:00

And for the second part

Goodbye Moline, goodbye Misfits

At the Airport

AR Celebrates Thanksgiving

2011-12-20T15:21:00.002+01:00

This is AR at thanksgiving with us:)

At the table is left to right:
Greg (jeans and andys son)
Ana ( gregs wife)
Grace(jean and andys daughter)
Z(jean and andys grandson)
Jason(graces husband)
Becky(good friend)
Grandma
notice AR is in the middle of the table

Jason is sharing a turkey leg with AR!!

AR with Newest Misfit Ava

This is also from thanksgiving with AR
this is me(Jean) and my granddaughter ( Magdalene Jean)

AR Visits the Critter Corral Open House

2011-12-13T13:50:00.000+01:00

Sunday Nov 13th We gathered AR and Athena up and drove 3 hours to Crete, IL where the Critter Corral hosted their 12th annual open house. Many adoptable piggies there and lots of fun and games for piggies and even a piggie costume contest!
When we first arrived we looked for Debbie from the storybook piggies on the digest and found her. a AR had his picture taken with Debbie(storybook piggies) and Jean(holding AR). Debbie was very happy to finally meet AR in person!

Next AR wanted to look around and talk with some of the piggies up for adoption. SO many piggies needing homes.

Then AR watched while Athena got her pigture done by Ilana Ostrar the most talented artist ever!

Athena entered two contest and she won first place in the cutest lips! and Third place in the costumes contest. AR was very proud of her! Judges looking at her "Lips" and also judging her costume.

There were even piggies dressed up at turkeys! and even a elf!

There were many things to buy that the money went for the Critter Corral. Lots of people that loved piggies as much as we did. AR was glad that many piggies got adopted out that day. The misfits did not bring any new ones home.

AR liked the costume contest the best. HE thought the jail bird piggies was so cute! And the beaver pig was clever! A great day for all.

Long day in car but so well worth it.

AR Feeds the Misfits

2011-12-06T12:21:00.000+01:00

AR got up very early to help with the veggie plates in the morning before Jean and Andy go to work.
There are 5 girl plates as there are two girls to each cage. And 8 boy plates. One little hamster dish in the middle. Each morning they get a piece of carrot, tomato, green pepper, cucumber, broccoli and green/red leaf lettuce on their plates. And every morning a different pig gets to be "Pig of the Day". today was Amanda's turn. She is the one with the very large cysts inside her that she is taking hormone shots for, plus they drain them every other week. She is a sweet sweet girl.

AR Visits the John Deere Pavillion

2011-11-29T09:16:00.000+01:00

The next day we took AR to the John Deere Pavilion that showcases alot of John
Deere tractors and gives history etc of John
Deere. AR loved
playing in the very LARGE tractors and he loved hearing all the history.
Actually the misfits daddy ANDY works for john deere in East Moline in the paint
dept.

Then we of course had to see the gift shop to get AR a treasure to put in his
suit case.

He decided to play with the little tractors that are on display for kids to play
with.

Next he found the treasure he wanted to get for his suit case!

Then he decided to pose infront of the john deere sign in the gift shop.

AR loved all the john deere stuff so much he wanted us to take him to the Head
Quarters to see where all the big wigs work. Notice the brass Deere in the
background .

Then he wanted us to take his picture in front of the John Deere headquarters
where there is a lovely pond with real swans in it.

Then the most amazing thing happend when we were leaving... Two real Deers
walked in front of the car~ We got a picture of one of the deer. AR thought that
was perfect! We couldnt of planned that if we wanted too.

AR Visits Rock Island Arsenal

2011-11-22T07:32:00.000+01:00

AR wanted to see the Rock Island Arsenal, he was surprised that we had to show our ID to get on. The guard was nice and let him go on without his ID.

A little History of Rock Island Arsenal

We first went to pay our respect at the national cemetery there. Jean explained
to Algernon that she has two Uncles burried there(her mothers brothers)

Next we went to the confederate Cemetery on the arsenel AR was amazed at how nice and straight the markers of the graves were. It is a impressive site.

Then we showed AR the Headquarters building. Can you spot him on the sign
?

AR wanted to see Quaters One. He thought it was very impressive
indeed.Quarters One, an Italianate villa, was completed in 1871. It has 20,000
square feet of floor space divided into more than 50 rooms. It is considered the
second largest single-family government residence next to the White House.

AR sat on the black gate and gazed at the building.

Then AR spotted another big building and of course took a nice picture.

Next AR spotted the big guns and machinery in the park on the Arsenal and we
just had to go play on them. He seemed to love running around on all those
guns. Can you spot him on the big guns? silly ratty.

After a busy fun filled day it was time to go home.......

Finding a Comfy Seat for Sight Seeing

2011-11-15T07:19:00.000+01:00

We decided on nov 6th to go driving around and check out some of the sites of Moline.

AR couldn't decide how he wanted to travel around Moline so here he is trying out different spots:

He jumped in my purse first and it was just to crowded

Then he decided to try out my little camera case, again just not a good comfy fit.

Then he decided to try the seat and be safe with the seat belt... not good as he
couldn't see out the windows.

Then he decided to try sitting on the dash of my husband's truck.. and that was
just right!

(Jean, slave to the misfits)

AR Arrives in Moline

2011-11-08T19:06:00.007+01:00

Here he is just arrived in Moline, IL with all his treasures from everywhere.
We enjoyed all the stories he had to tell us of each stop he has made so far.

Its Halloween nite here so yes he did get to go Trick or treating. He is being
held by my grandson "Z". He had a wonderful time and had too much candy to eat of course!

AR met the newest Misfit little Benny who after a sad start in life is finally getting the love, attention and food he needs, being a gentlerat AR let Benny be the star of the show in this pigture.

AR wondered how big Moline was. We showed him our welcome sign. Moline is attached to Rock Island, and East Moline as well. So we are a bit bigger than just Moline. He thought that was awesome!!!

AR on the Roller Coaster and Rocking

2011-10-14T07:13:00.000+02:00

Riding the Kraken with Jenni and Joe

AR Says Listen to the Humans Scream

AR Enjoys Some Head Banging

AR Visits Sea World Florida and Watches One Ocean

2011-10-07T16:10:00.001+02:00

Can you Spot Him?

What About Now?

There He Is!!

Watch the One Ocean Show with AR

WOW How Good Was That

Algernon's Racing Adventure Part 2

2011-09-30T20:11:00.000+02:00

On the 8th in Oskaloosa Ia AR went to the Southern Iowa Speedway http://www.rlpromotions.com/oskaloosa/ to attend the All Stars program followed by another USAC non wing Event the next day.

The 9th & 10th he returned to Knoxville raceway to watch the 410 Nationals qualifying nights for Saturday Finals. On the 11th they had a nonquifing race and World Challenge and Race of Champions. On Saturday the 12th was the final night of the 51st 410 Knoxville nationals.

Also while staying near Des Moines, the capital of Iowa he visted the capital.

And the famous "Cows" of the Anderson Erickson Dairy (AR with Steve and Birdie visting the Cow and Calf ) locaated in Des Moines not far from where the Iowa State fair is located.

Then on Sunday the 14th AR visited Husets Speedway http://husets-speedway.com/ for a final night of racing with the AllStars Sprints before leaving the next day for another adventure.

AR is so cute, I miss him, take care my friend.

Algernon's Racing Adventure Part 1

2011-09-14T15:19:00.021+02:00

AR started his adventure in Sprint Car raceing on August 6th. After checking in to the motel he arrived at the Knoxville Iowa race track.http://www.knoxvilleraceway.com/Index.aspx

He had a very busy Schedule. Saturday the 6th he attend the 360 National finals and a Allstars program, the next day on the 7th the USAC non wing Sprints and 305 Sprints.

AR met with some VIP's of the racing World at Knoxville including Ralph Capitani, who is the Director of Racing.

The Knoxville Hall of Fame Sprint Car Muesum, which had some of Tony Stewarts' cars, car 20 shown below.

Ar also met sprint car drivers such as Steve Kinser.

Terry and Austin McCarl (a racing father and son)

Even international stars Brook Tatnell

Kerry Madison

He also browsed the sales trailors for other drivers and other local establishment such as the world famous bar "Dingus" of the sprint car racing society.

To be continued......

Algernon visits the Bill Cody Ranch

2011-09-14T07:06:00.000+02:00

Hi All!

We flew to Wyoming on Aug. 20 and drove to the town of Cody for a 5 day stay at the Bill Cody Ranch.

AR loved the horses and sitting on a saddle.

We took him to the Cody rodeo and he enjoyed a coke and cheering the cowboys on.

His straw hat and bandanna made him look just like a cowboy.

Next we took him to Yellowstone National Park where he saw lots of buffalo.

Then we went to Jackson Hole where he posed on an old wagon.

He shared his buffalo jerky (dried and spiced Buffalo meat) with Joe.

Because of hurricane Irene our trip home was delayed four days but AR took it in stride.

He is a great traveling companion!

Dee in Massachusetts

Goodbye Australia

2011-08-08T13:13:00.000+02:00

Bella and AR

Well after a long and exciting stay in Australia its time for Algernon Rat to leave us.

He wont tell us where he is going but we think Bella may know, she is refusing to say anything at the moment but whee will keep working on her.

Goodbye AR we hope to hear about your next adventure soon

Velvet and Onyx

Algernon's visit to Blijdorp continued

2011-07-14T21:44:00.000+02:00

This report is way overdue, (bad slave!) but is the third part of Algernon's visit to the Zoo called Blijdorp in Rotterdam, the Netherlands

We have no idea what this animal was... Anyone have ideas, it looks a bit like a Capybara (but isn't)?

We shall ask the zoo people on twitter if they know...

The prairie dogs here were very cute, we could walk through their enclosure and kids could crawl through a tunnel to get in the middle of their big field.

These Bizons were enjoying the sun....

And of course slaves and Algernon rat had to see the domestic guinea pigs!

Whee think this is a Tapir...

And two Rhinos

These were baby Toucans raised and hand fed at the Zoo,

these were getting fed soon so they were very excited.

There was a huge Galapagos Tortoise!

These were called 'Klipdasje', in english Rock Hyrax, we think...

and they are related to guineapigs

Of course Algernon had to pose with the Lions...

The tigers had some young cubs, who were staying in a quiet place, so we could only admire dad!

But isn't he gorgeous?

The birth of this little giraffe is the reason the stuffed giraffe was given to our slaves

(you can see her in the pigtures below)

Isn't little Doris cute?

These bats were in a hollow (artifical) tree, luckily these bats were artificial too... Photographing the real ones wasn't possible in the dark!

Algernon and his new friend Doris posing in front of the map of Blijdorp

And here you have AR and Doris at the entrance just before they left...

Eventhough this was not a very long or detailed report of the visit to Blijdorp Zoo, we hope you liked looking at the pigtures!

The Guinygirlz: Lily, Woopy and Daisy

and Valentine Chico

Algernon in Marianske Lazne (Marienbad), Czech Republic

2011-06-30T22:23:00.002+02:00

Algernon visiting the singing fountain in Marianske Lazne (click on the underlined name to read a little more about this town).

This spa town is also known as Marienbad, it's German name, as it's close to the German border. Many (famous) Germans visit(ed) the place to enjoy the spa and take water from the mineral springs...
Algernon went here together with our slaves, while we were staying at Auntie Janneke's.

We hope you like the video,
Wheeks
Lily, Daisy, Woopy and Chico (aka Guinygirlz and agent Valentino)

A message from Wilma

2011-06-19T12:46:00.003+02:00

Dear Piggies

Hope you are all feeling well, Just wanted to let you know that me and Algernon visited Barcelona together. Here are some pictures I made during our trip.

We started in Parc Guell to get a good view of the city

Algernon admiring the view. The Sagrada Familia pops out and in the back you can see the sea

The famous lizard in Parc Guell

Next we went to the city centre for something to eat and enjoy the spanish way of life.

The fountain at Placa de Catalunya, close to the famous Ramblas street

The old city centre in the Gothic Quarter

The next day, we went to see some of the Catelan Modernista buildings

And obviously, we just had to see the famous church the Sagrada Familia from the most well known architect of the Catelan Modernism movement; mister Gaudi.

Whoah! that's big!! And the Sagrada Familia isn't even finished yet

Inside the Sagrada Familia

Mister Gaudi intended to give you the feeling that you were in a big forest once you were inside his church. In his view, going back to nature was a spiritual experience. I think he succeeded very well in doing this.

Light falling through the ceiling, just like in the forest

And finally, we said goodbye to eachother at the harbour in Barcelonetta :'-(

The setting sun..

And that, my dear piggies, were my pictures of Algernon Rat in Barcelona, Spain.

xoxoxo

Miss Wilma

Algernon on holiday

2011-06-16T23:31:00.000+02:00

Hello everyone! We are the slaves of The Surrey Squeakers, on holiday on the west coast of France. We were very excited to get an e-mail from Algernon telling us that he was travelling to Barcelona and asking if he could visit us on the way. We said we would be delighted to see him. We collected him from La Rochelle and showed him the beautiful old harbour.

We brought Algernon back to La Palmyre and he seemed to approve of the mobile home that he would be staying in.

The first place he wanted to visit was the nearby lighthouse, called Le Phare de la Coubre.

He checked the sign outside and was pleased to see that he was allowed to climb it because he wasn’t elderly or drunk!

He climbed all the 300 steps (totalling 64 metres, which was hard work for a little rat!) and stopped occasionally to rest and to admire the Atlantic coast through the windows.

The next place Algernon wanted to go was La Palmyre Zoo, which is famous throughout France. He was glad that he saw a capybara because he’d heard lots of slaves enthusing about them, and it did look like a giant guinea pig.

Algernon enjoyed seeing the other animals as well.

Algernon told us that he would very much like to see the carrelets, which are a traditional sight along the Atlantic coast. A carrelet is a sort of raised cabin with a fishing net that can be lowered into the sea. We took him to Saint Palais, where there were several of these carrelets.

He thought it was a beautiful place.

Before he continued on his journey, Algernon visited the harbour at La Palmyre to admire the yachts and to say goodbye to France.

Algernon was a pleasure to have with us on holiday!

Algernon Joins the Mothers Day Race

2011-06-05T08:27:00.000+02:00

Mothers Day Classic Race

On Mother's Day each year people alround Australia do either a 4 or 8 Kilometer walk or run to help raise awareness for Breast Cancer and raise money.
This is the 6th year that I,Glynis have done this walk......this year on my tribute placard I had the name "Heather" she is the Aunt that AR visited in Queensland, she is recovering from breast cancer.
Early start to the day, breakfast and help me clean out the girls before leaving, then off in the car to the City. Everyone was wearing pink, or dressed up in a theme, or wearing the MDC tshirts that do come in other colours.

Algernon with placard

Classic T-shirt

Close up

Kiss for luck

WE DID IT!!

Algernon felt the benefits of all that exercise and he felt even better to have helped Mummy raise money for such a good cause.