RKS 2024 Wine: Côtes-du-Rhône Preferred to Côtes du Moan

You won’t be emitting moans when imbibing most Côtes du Rhônes. That is not to say you won’t encounter tastelessness or excess acidity but rarely. Expect Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault in the mix for a Côtes-du-Rhône red.

We try La Croix de Beauliac Creation 2021 Côtes-du-Rhône. 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah.

Aroma: With a sizeable influence of almost overly ripe strawberries Grenache is obviously hard at work here. There are black cherries, raspberries and a touch of coal.

Palate: Full bodied with substantial power. Moderate tannins initially but they increase in intensity. Medium and mildly chalky/peppery finish. Some blackberry and blueberry.

Food Match: A Bucky Burger for me from my favourite bistro in New York Les Deux Amis at 356 East 51st which is a stone’s throw from the United Nations. A charming mix of 1970 New York and traditional French neighbourhood bistro.

Personality: A great bistro wine for beef! I am firm and muscular and delightfully simple.

Cellarbility: Drink by 2024-year end.

Price: $15 CDN (Ontario).

RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 89/100. Natalie MacLean 95.

(La Croix de Beauliac 2021 AOP Côtes-du-Rhône, Florian Mathieu, Valros, France, 14.5%, 750 mL).

“Travels to a Different Time” :17July2005 Estoril, Portugal: A Visit to Guincho Beach: A Real-Life Rick’s Cafe

Packed up the Megane and off southbound to Estoril. Uneventful drive although finding the entrance to the Hotel Palacio was a bit tricky. Alex and Andrew had a suite beside ours. Two levels and three bathrooms in each suite. We are right beside the Orson Welles Suite. He stayed here when in Estoril. We face the ocean.

Orson Welles Suite next to ours!

The Palacio is one of Portugal’s top hotels. During World War Two Portugal was neutral and the hotel was a Rick’s Café like in the film Casablanca. Spies and displaced aristocracy and gold, jewelry and diamonds were often used as “cash”.

I spoke to the concierge Mario and he recommended a restaurant Beluarte a short distance away. He also recommended Guincho Beach as the best beach in Portugal. I went for a brief walk after chatting with Mario. There is a large park directly fronting the hotel. There was some sort of youth festival there including skateboard ramps and an air force recruiting centre. Just across the park was a Pharmacia and a pasteleria. Bought some wine and huge Spanish peaches. Before dinner a glass of red Casa de Colheria a Vinho Regional Ribatejo lighter and fruiter than a Douro red.

At 16:00 off to Guincho Beach. Parking was difficult but found a spot on the side of the road. Guincho Beach is huge with enormous waves and much wind hence its reputation in Europe as its best wind surfing beach. Typically freezing water. We stayed a couple of hours. A traffic jam arriving and leaving. Had a shower and put on a plush bathrobe and felt just like not going out but made a reservation at Beluarte so off we went. A delicious meal starting with a platter of cheese, ham, spiced olives with some paté. I had the sea bream and Andrew the shrimp and squid kebab while Alex and Fotini the mixed shellfish grill. Went to the youth festival at the park and a suspicious bunch of youth were hiding in the shadows smoking some weed. The band playing seemed to lack energy so we headed home after a few numbers.

“Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog” : The Final Cut: Poofy the Poodle and Penny on Saltie Patrol: Chapter Sixty Five (65)

You may recall Poofy the Poodle we used for backup security at a Mr. Gordon Lightfoot concert in Toronto. Nicole Kidman was concerned about the safety of the multitude of dogs on the set considering the amount of Saltie attacks on and near the beaches of Darwin where the film “The Life of Dogs” is being filmed. “Salties” are what Australians call saltwater crocodiles. They are huge, fast and like coyotes in the suburbs of Los Angeles prefer dogs on their plate.

Are you joking! Can Poofy defend the cast against a huge Saltie?

Cognizant Team Reggie has previously used Poofy the Poodle, Nicole has contracted with Poofy’s owner Virgil Cowala for Poofy the Poodle to provide special Saltie security on the film sites. Are you laughing? How can a 9-pound miniature poodle provide security facing a 400-pound Saltie? Poofy the Poodle has been trained by Virgil Cowala and his Gatorboys in Saltie management. In her hometown of Perth she is known as “Speedy Piranha”. This dog is so fast at full speed she makes Mad Max look slow. Agile and deadly if need be. Her tiny teeth are so sharp they are akin to those to that of Piranha. Combine speed, agility and razor teeth Poofy can and has taken out a few overly aggressive Salties before they know what hit them. Team Reggie has difficulty understanding this little toughster’s Australian accent. WELCOME TO THE RATPACK POOFY!

I should add Penny has volunteered to do an hourly aerial sweep of the sets and surrounding beach to spot rogue Salties. With her mini rocket weaponized Oodlecopter she can take out a Saltie no problem. Of course that will never happen!

RKS 2024 Film: “ Praying For Armageddon”: The End of the World…..Again

Watching “Praying For Armageddon” what struck me was the look of the Christian fundamentalists in this documentary. I thought for a moment these were the same faces and personalities as in the “Freedom Convoy” which descended in Ottawa on 22January2022. Ostensibly their protest centred on COVID governmental restrictions on individual liberty but were much broader so the event resembled some right wing Trumpian rally of the disaffected Canadian style. There was also that same “look” of the militias storming about Washington on January 6th. A failed coup attempt? A Christian threat to democracy? Bible thumping akin to pounding on the war drums?

“Praying for Armageddon” follows or better said exposes Christian fundamentalist power in the United States attempting to shape U.S. foreign policy particularly in Israel and the Mid East. “Christian Zionists”, as they are referred to, cherry pick the Bible, believing there must first be a unified Israel threatened by hordes of non-believers wishing to exterminate it leading to a final battle where Christ will appear on a white horse and brandishing a bloody sword to deliver all good Christians from the barbarians. The blood shed will be up to the bridle of a horse! Those accepting Christ prior to the final battle will be “enraptured”.

Fundamentalist Christians desire Armageddon for their selfish salvation. And they exert tremendous influence in Washington attempting to have Biblical prophecy be United States foreign policy. Could this be why the United States refuses to support a ceasefire in Palestine? That would delay Armageddon. Could this be why the Trump administration infuriated Palestinians by agreeing to the relocation of its embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv?

The reach of Christian fundamentalists in “Washington” and in the United States military is frightening. Politicians rub elbows with John Hagee a fundamentalist Christian and founder of “Christians United for Israel”. Then there is Ralph Drollinger with his Capitol Ministries in Washington giving “biblical clarity” to politicians, holds bible studies with members of Congress and at one point with the members of the Trump cabinet. That omnipresent fear, or is but a rallying cry against the LGBTQ community, abortion and just about any liberal thought in a goal to establish a theocracy. Yes the biggest component of the January 6th were Christian fundamentalists. 

The Crusades are upon us again!  Biker Gary Burd of the Mission M25 Ministry knights a rag tag group of those Crusaders. Yes I am becoming familiar with the Christian fundamentalist manner of thinking and dress. There is incredible similarity to the Trump nation!

Enough said. Worth a watch. Somewhat of a dramatic beginning with scenes of violence, war, civil disturbances, and natural disasters initially annoying but in the mindset of these Christian fundamentalists their imperative reality.

Directed by Tonje Hessen Schei and Michael Rowley.

RKS 2024 Film Rating 93/100.

“Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog” : The Final Cut: Cast and Crew Party for “A Dog Saved My Life”: Meeting Mel Gibson: Croc Protection and Poofy the Poodle: Nicole Kidman wants the Rat Pack to Meet Julian: Chapter Sixty Four (64)

Outside our villa by the pool is where the cast and crew party will be held. The menu will be steak, chicken, rabbit and saltwater crocodile filets. The Australians in Darwin call the saltwater crocodile “Salties”. Dylan the Westie, Penny, Bosco and I think we will score some meat! “We Dogs Love Meat!”. There are salads, lots of vegetables and Australian desserts one with a strange name “Impossible Pie”. There are many hot appetizers too.

Before the party 6 cases of Malivoire Wine arrive. 3 of Niagara Gamay and 3 of Niagara Chardonnay. It would be apparent that Martin Malivoire, the special effects guy for the film is behind this.

So the guests arrive rather quickly at 19:00 with Tasmanian sparkling wine flowing in great quantities.

Wait a minute do I see Mel Gibson coming through the door? His “Mad Max” film put Australian film on the world’s radar. Both Dylan the Westie and I love the rawness and stark reality of that film. In our film Mr. Gibson is playing Percival Digger, Alice’s third husband who smacked her around. Us dogs run over to Mr. Gibson and we give him a gentle bark. He compliments Dylan the Westie’s and my Hamilton Tiger Cats jerseys we are showing off. As Dylan the Westie and I are in the film he wishes us to “break a leg”!

Nicole is a beautiful woman but so far she has been in old jeans and a ratty T-shirt but now she is wearing a fancy dress with her make up on and she looks like a real movie star. I become a wee bit apprehensive thinking I’ll be her co-star. Can I do it? I hope she is not dressed all fancy when I act with her. I would like to think of her as a regular person not a movie star.

As the barbeques are heating up Nicole Kidman asks for attention and says, “Please Welcome Canada’s Gordon Lightfoot”. Mr. Gordon Lightfoot performs “Sundown”, “Carefree Highway” and “Early Morning Rain” to wild applause. He will be doing a 5 date Australian tour in a couple of days with shows in Perth, Sydney, Hobart, Brisbane and Melbourne and Bosco will be staying with us during his tour.

Big clouds of aromatic smoke drift over our heads. Us dogs are getting a special meal of chopped steak, crocodile filet, green beans, mashed potatoes and carrots. No chicken kibble tonight!

I am meeting so many interesting people many of whom have seen the two Disney films about me. The party wraps at 11 as the crew wants their beauty sleep!  Dylan the Westie had fallen asleep under the dessert table. Nicole and Fay take us for a walk. Bob has another piece of Impossible Pie with a “stickie” wine from Eradus winery in New Zealand. He is in deep discussion with Mr. Gibson about the brilliance of “Mad Max”.

By the time we return from our walk the caterers are packing up. I give increasingly focused attention about the dog bite in Cairo that sent me to the animal hospital. It was no coincidence as it is why I am in Darwin now having the time of my life. Allah, Buddha or God works in mysterious ways.

Man the Rat Pack is back! Bosco, Penny, Dylan the Westie and I are sleeping in the same room! I immediately crash out in my Winnipeg Blue Bombers doggie bed dreaming of giving the performance of my life with Nicole Kidman!

Nicole is out by the pool smoking a cigarette and calls me over. She advises me Poofy the Poodle will be arriving tomorrow for “Saltie protection”. The insurance company insuring the production of “A Dog’s Life” is demanding it. She also adds in a few days I would like you to meet Julian. Who is this Julian?

RKS 2024 Wine: Greek Wine from Monemvasia Winery

The 2014 Monemvasia Red is a blend of 90% Agiorgitiko and 10% Mavroudi. We do see some Agiorgitiko in Canada but Mavroudi is a grape I am not familiar with.

In Greek, at least that which I am familiar with, “mavros” means black. It is no surprise that Mavroudi grapes are nearly black in colour. It is used in the production of dark red wines as a blend or on its own. It is relatively rare. It has a somewhat heavy aroma, a sweet rich taste and rather hefty tannins so some mid term ageing as a minimum is required. The cunning Ulysses is said to have offered wine from this variety to the Cyclops.

The wine is designated Protected Geographical Indications of Lakonia which is located in Sparta so it is no surprise the winery has a white wine called “Three Hundred White”.

One year oak ageing 75% new and 25% second fill.

Aroma: Very rich black cherry with ripe blackberry.

Palate: Despite being 9 years out the tannins are evident but not ripping to the extent I would say food is not mandatory to enjoy the wine. A long penetrating black cherry and blackberry finish. This Greek wine really flashes its fruit like the man opening his raincoat to sell stolen watches.

Personality: A forceful Spartan warrior. Precise, meticulous and deadly,,,deadly delicious that is.

Food Match: Souzoukakia (Greek Sausages in Tomato Sauce).

Cellarbility: Drink by 2026-year end.

Price: $23.95 CDN (Ontario).

RKS 2024 Wine Rating: 92/100.93 Olly Smith decanter.com.

(Monemvasios Tsimbidi 2014 Dry Red Wine, PGI Lakonia, Monemvasia Winery, Tsimbidi, Greece, 750 mL, 13%).

“Travels to a Different Time” : 16July2005 Nazaré/Obidos/Albacoca, Portugal:

I was the first to wake up at 08:00 so while the rest of the crew was sleeping I caught up on my diary while sitting outside on the veranda overlooking the town and the ocean. Good to hear the rooster crowing as it has been sometime since I had heard that sound. In the town below you hear dogs barking. Portugal has many stray dogs. Thank goodness no aggressive ones have lunged at us. I saw a part Dalmatian walk by us yesterday. Breakfast was fine but not up to pousada standards we have encountered. The breakfast room is very plain. The hotel has a cookie cutter feel and at 190 Euros overpriced. Drove to Obidos a walled town with a castle. There was some type of “fair” occurring with local merchants in medieval garb selling ye olde souvenirs. Main street full of tacky souvenir stores. The real charm of Obidos are the narrow cobbled side streets, white washed homes with red tiled roofs. No tawdriness.

Having the appropriate footwear Andrew and I walked along the top of the castle walls. One wrong move and over you topple! The walls encircle the city and since it is on top of the hill you have a spectacular view of the town below. Fields with crops are seen in the distance. Tried some of the town’s famous Ginja cherry liqueur. Sweet but delicious. Bought a bottle of it and a bottle of Obidos red wine. Just a snack of water and juice as we ate such a big breakfast. Andrew amused himself by taking a few photos of a billy goat that was tethered nearby. Stopped at a couple of local churches. Interesting here in Portugal many of the churches have blue tiled walls.

Off in the car to Albacoca which we were trapped in some construction detour but managed to visit the Mosterio de Santa Maria. Returned to Nazaré and Alex and I went into town to pick up an entire grilled chicken, fries and a side of ribs. I went to the corner store to buy some Sumol and a bottle of cold white wine. The chicken was superb. The meal cost 20 Euros. Alex and I went out for an after dinner walk and encountered a church service that had just ended in a nearby church.

RKS 2024 Film: “Suze”: Go Ahead and Dump Everything on a Good Trooper

Suze (Michaela Watkins) is a single divorcee living with her self centred and spoilt daughter Brooke (Sara Waisglass) in Hamilton, Ontario. Nothing is going Suze’s way. Just as Brooke is off to start McGill University in Montreal her goofy boyfriend Gabe attempts suicide and his father then dumps Gabe on Suze to watch as he is off on a contract “up North” and selfishly fails to even give Suze a date for his return. Suze is dumped on yet again. She is stepped on and manipulated by a world that cares solely about themselves. Despite the sporadic moments of humour you most likely will empathize with Suze and perhaps venture so far as to pity her.

The comedy is not ribald but self depreciating and at times with precise targeting of boomers and millennials. The “cuddle party” scene is a gem. Matters head downhill for Suze until she explosively stands up for herself and her ideals to the surprise of her manipulators. I can imagine the audience breathes a sigh of relief for Suze. Finally Suze finds both herself and happiness. What was surely unlikely at the beginning of the film comes to pass. Suze has found the light and scampers toward it to begin healing from a very bad hand of cards. Loneliness, a central theme of the film, is handled with care. Maturity surfaces for Brooke, Gabe and Suze late in the film.

And that Vesuvian emotional eruption by Suze feels so good you won’t stand up and cheer as such behaviours are only in the minds of film critics of the 1950’s and 1960’s but you feel vindicated.

 Watkins has an impressive resume. This will be one of her notable performances.

The film could have veered toward sappiness but being a Canadian movie that is impossible…well not really! Canadian grit shines here and makes the film worth an enjoyable watch. The acting throughout is solid.

You can watch the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cgc_te4qGM

“Suze” is directed by Linsey Stewart and Diane Clark.

Currently playing in Canadian theatres.

RKS 2024 Film Rating 86/100.

“Reggie The Egyptian Rescue Dog”: The Final Cut: Reviewing the Script of a “Dog Saved My Life” With Nicole Kidman: Paco Saves Nicole Kidman: Mr. Gordon Lightfoot’s New SMASH HIT: Chapter Sixty Three (63)

Before the big cast BBQ tomorrow Nicole (we are on a first name basis) convenes a cast meeting. To relax the atmosphere Mr. Gordon Lightfoot grabs his guitar out and sings “The Wreck of The Edmund Fitzgerald”. Bosco, Dylan the Westie, Penny and I are so pumped up! Are we dreaming?

Mr. Gordon Lightfoot plays a tape of the theme song he has composed for the film called “Paco a Girl’s Best Friend”. It is a haunting song backed up by Inuit throat singers from Northern Canada. The attendees clap and holler Nicole hiding her tears well. Mr. Gordon Lightfoot is not known in Australia. But he will be soon. The song was released a couple of weeks ago and is rising like a bullet on the Billboard charts. “MR. GORDON LIGHTFOOT YOU HAVE A SMASH HIT! “

Nicole stands up and speaks, “Hello everyone. It is so good to see you all here. We are going to make the damn best movie ever. It better be just that as executive producer I am funding it. You out there are part of this exciting project so I am counting on you.

You have read through the script through many times but let me give you my take on it. The film is called “A Dog Saved My Life” and I am the lead character Alice Springs. The co-lead is Reggie that marvelous dog sitting in a chair at the back of the room with his name on it. Reggie will be called Paco a rescue dog from the Dominican Republic. Reggie is a newcomer to acting although there are two Disney films Reggie had extensive involvement with “Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog” and “Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog 2”. Together these two movies are the biggest grossing movies ever. There is also a series “Reggie” on the ABC network in the United States that is syndicated in 33 countries including Australia.

Alice Springs is a rich Australian girl living in Melbourne accustomed to always get what she wants but when she gets it is meaningless. She has had three disastrous marriages including the last one where she was severely beaten by her deranged husband. No amount of money can fix her broken soul. So she comes to rough and tumble Darwin, Australia to heal. Neither drugs, a fling with a Canadian copper miner, alcohol, birdwatching, yoga or mindfulness can repair her broken soul. Alice sinks into a deep depression which is so severe neither psychotherapy nor anti-depressants can help. She overdoses on pills and survives. Medical intervention saves her but she feels this is really the end of her life. There is nothing but more heartache to look forward to.

One day while moodily walking on the beach just over the road from where we sit now with her head down until she sees Paco who she tries to shoo away but Paco stays close sensing danger.Paco is right as a huge saltwater crocodile starts slithering towards Alice who lets out a horrifying scream and starts to flee but we Aussies know it is difficult to outrun those brutes. Paco jumps out and charges the croc. Imagine the bravery of a 20-pound dog defending Alice against this brute. It will be a fatal bloodbath for him but as a Habanese dog he is an incredible jumper and as the croc now sees a smaller meal he heads towards Paco who jumps high over the croc giving time for Alice to run to safety. A crowd gathers on the beach horrified by the scene. Paco realizes Alice has run to safety and takes one last leap over the croc whose massive jaws just nip his tail. Paco is wounded and runs back to Alice to the roar of the crowd. Beach Rangers shoot the croc. Alice is somewhat of a spiritual being believing in the Buddhist concept of auspicious connections namely that there are no coincidences in her life and that Paco has a role to play in her destiny. Their meeting was not a chance one.

Our special effects guru Martin Malivoire from Canada is here promising he can create a realistic croc attack battle between Paco and the beast and this is a crucial part of the film. He must make it perfectly as it might make or break the film.

Paco like Alice is a bit of a reject. He was beaten and abused in the Dominican Republic and we have built a set 15 miles from here to replicate Paco’s village there. There will be some 20 minutes shot about Paco’s past which will serve the purpose of establishing that Paco is an outsider like Alice due to his life experiences.

Paco refuses to be touched by Alice who is so shaken up after the croc incident she is escorted to her beach house by two Beach Rangers with Paco following behind. Paco follows her to the door of her house but despite her pleading he refuses to enter her house. There is a big scene with Alice pleading with Paco to come in as she sees a role for him in her future but she is unsure what it is. Paco refuses but he is tormented by his distrust of humans so still refuses to enter. This is a crucial scene for Russell Crowe as Paco’s voice as Paco feels a connection and a tremendous amount of sympathy for Alice but through flashbacks, he recalls the abuses he suffered at the hands of humans. Paco feels that he needs a sign that he can trust Alice. Alice goes inside and brings back a bowl of water and some chopped steak and tells Paco just bark when you want to come in. Her actions of kindness may be the sign that Paco is looking for. Well at 4 in the morning he barks waking up Alice who opens the door and Paco jumps in and hides in a broom closet. For the next 10 days we see Alice trying to show Paco she is trustworthy and just like that one morning as the sun is rising he goes up to Alice’s room and jumps on her bed. Alice gestures for Paco to come for a cuddle but he growls at her. Russell, again this a key scene as Paco wrestles with the idea of establishing a safe relationship with a human. Paco is on the cusp of making a reconnection with humanity and is wrestling with suspicion and distrust rather like Alice.

The remainder of the film is about Paco and Alice learning to trust each other. Alice finally makes a connection with a living being and devises a plan to introduce dog therapy in abused women’s centres. She opens 6 of these shelters in Australia. The therapy programme gets thumbs up from the Australian government. Alice finally finds a purpose in life and Paco learns to love Alice and trust humans again.

So there we have it mates. Let’s party at the barbie tomorrow and take a day off then start rehearsals the next day.”

Many of the tough veterans of the film industry have moist eyes listening to this tender story. But there is tremendous pressure on Martin Malivoire and Russell Crowe. Actors must be a solid team. I sense Kidman will not tolerate any Kinskiesque behavior on the set!

I feel I have a great responsibility as an actor to portray an abused dog that learns to love and trust humans and to the abused women of Australia. And Nicole is so great I simply can’t disappoint her. A successful film will bring Bob and Fay lots of money but they already have so much so money is not the issue here. I also can’t let Martin Malivoire or Mr. Gordon Lightfoot down. “IT’S SO HARD TO BE AN ACTOR! I HAVE SO MUCH RESPONSIBILITY!” I have a leadership position in a major motion picture.

Oh by the way Bob has been hiding a bit of a secret from us. He wrote the screenplay for “A Dog Saved My Life”.

“Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog”: The Final Cut: Reggie is Under the Spell of Nicole Kidman! Chapter Sixty Two (62)

On our flight to Darwin, Australia from Toronto we watched 6 Nicole Kidman movies and that lady can act. Bob says she has won an Academy Award. My favourite film is “Eyes Wide Shut” which took two years of filming and was it Kubrick’s last film? She is good looker too! And I am going to be living with her for 4 months in Darwin! If she looks at me I am going to melt. Dylan the Westie chortles, “You silly dumb pup!”

We landed in Darwin and a limo was waiting to drive us to our villa. It is a grand one with 6 rooms overlooking the ocean. It was once the home of the founder of Warrego Mines in Tenant Creek. Nicole will be arriving to join us a few days later.

After being in the air for 22 hours we are so tired we can hardly think. Bob and Fay summon up the last of their energy and take us for a walk in a beautiful neighbourhood which is close to a big beach. We head to the beach in the blazing sun. Bob loves the ocean so we go to the beach. OH NO there is a sign warning us of saltwater crocodiles and poisonous jellyfish! Although Dylan the Westie and I are tough I don’t think we could win a fight against these ferocious saltwater crocodiles.

It is blazing hot and thank goodness Dylan the Westie and I had Marine haircuts before we left. Our tongues are drooping!

So we head back to our villa and drink lots of water and are sound asleep by 6 p.m. and are woken up at 8 a.m. by the smell of bacon and coffee prepared for us by the day maid. There is fresh fruit galore. There are eggs and yogurt too. Dylan the Westie and I get our chicken kibble and drink lots of water. In this heat we dogs get very thirsty. That Aussie watermelon was so sweet!

Somewhat groggy we start our routine. Shooting of the film starts in 6 days so every morning Bob or Fay read me the script which I know by heart. We go for a late morning walk to the beach and we are all very nervous about being attacked by a crocodile or stepping on a poisonous jellyfish. We head back home for a lunch of grilled fish, green beans and salad. Dylan the Westie and I feast on a small plate of green beans. YUM!! We love our meat but we love most veggies some raw and some cooked.

Nicole Kidman arrives in a couple of days from Los Angeles. Her husband Mr. Urban is not with her as he is on tour in Europe and may join us later. I am not a big fan of his music like I am with the music of Mr. Gordon Lightfoot.

Nicole was born in 1967 so is younger than Bob and Fay. She is smaller than she looks on the screen and as tired as she is she’s a good looker! She speaks softly and talks to us dogs like Bob and Fay do. She is a bit shy. She knows all about me. Almost everything. She calls me her little star! I melt when she looks at me!

For lunch we eat grilled kangaroo and tender saltwater crocodile filets with a glass of Viognier from Australia for the humans. Bob told us Australia is a huge wine producer. Dylan the Westie and I get a chunk of the crocodile and kangaroo. Like chicken we say! WE DOGS NOW LOVE CROCODILE AND KANGAROO MEAT! We are down under as they say and are having a ball. I am a bit nervous about my role in the upcoming movie but Nicole exudes confidence and professionalism and promises me that she has my back! What a lady! She is grand! She is so tired she excuses herself to “crash out”. She can speak with an Australian or American accent but as she is in Australia she is speaking with the Australian accent. It is a bit funny not at all like Canadian or British pronunciation.

Nicole is up early in the morning and she takes us for a walk to show us around. Its a bit cooler in the morning so there a few people out for walks. Dylan the Westie and I are wearing our Hamilton Tiger Cats jerseys we received as a gift rom the mayor of Hamilton at the Grey Cup game. The locals smile asking Nicole is Hamilton in Zealieland?

Nicole sits us down and gives us a talk saying you see a crocodile stay away and run if you can. There are also poisonous snakes and spiders we must keep an eye out for. People do not recognize Nicole as she has no make up on and is wearing a big hat with sunglasses.

Nicole tells us we have a special “Canadian BBQ” tomorrow. Mr. Gordon Lightfoot who has composed the title track for our film is coming and as well Martin Malivoire and his wife will be joining us. Penny too!  Martin is doing the special effects. Russel Crowe who will be doing my voice is coming. I can’t believe this is happening. Pinch me. I must be dreaming. Before bed I say my evening prayers and I see a vision of my first master Anwar who is in The Land Beyond. He says to me “Merde” and pats me on the head. Merde is a word in France that means shit but when said to an actor it means good luck!