Come and bark up the Polwhele tree with Rupert -
​
​watch and read a dog's eye view. 
Woof!  Welcome to my dog blog.

I am missing seeing all my friends at Polwhele and I am going to enjoy sharing pictures, videos, facts and fun with you all on this page.

Check here every day for something new to wag your tail at.

Rupert x​
I hope you will enjoy taking part in my quiz. 

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where_am_i__quiz.pdf
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To all my dear Polwhele House friends big and small,

Did you know that secretly, I can talk?
​I love words and language and I am a big fan of something called idioms.  Do you know what an idiom is?

If you didn't know, an idiom is a special type of phrase or expression that can say one thing but means something else.  I will show you some and explain what they mean on my page.

You can send me some to look at too.  

​Interesting Idioms!

Woof!
​ 
​Here's the first idiom I would like to share:

'Looking for a needle in a haystack'.

This means something is extremely difficult (or impossible) to find.

Ruff, ruff!

My next idiom to share with you is...

'Keep it under your hat'.

This means that you need to keep something you've been told to yourself and not tell anyone else.

​Do you like my hat?
Look what I found on one of my woodland adventures.  It reminded me of this idiom:
​ 
'Don't bite off more that you can chew'.

This means don't do too much or more than you can handle.

This stick was a bit big, I think it might have been a log!

Woof!  I hope you are enjoying my idioms.

Have you ever heard of this one:  'Like water off a duck's back'?
Do you like my version?  'Like water off a dog's back'.

This means don't let negativity or bad words get to you, let them go and don't worry about them.

This is a really good one to help you to not listen to hurtful words or remarks.  As Elsa would say, "Let it go".  I love to sing that too!
​As you know, I love to visit the stables and see my animal friends.

This was the perfect place to show you another interesting idiom.

'Close the stable door after the horse has bolted'.

Can you figure out what this one means?

It means that you have tried to stop something from happening but it is too late!
​Here I am modelling one of my other hats.

Do you like it?  It is my chill-out hat.

My next idiom is:
'If the cap fits, wear it'.

It means that if someone says something about you, maybe critically, that is true, then you should accept it.

I have been told that I am very handsome.

Woof!
Did you know I have some cats in my family?  This is Pumpkin.

Say hello, Pumpkin...
...Meow!

We had a chat about idioms and came up with this one:

'Cat got your tongue?'

This does not mean my little furry friend has actually got my tongue, it means you are very quiet.  Maybe you don't know what to say and someone asks you why.
As you know, I love going on walks in our beautiful Polwhele woodland.  Today I went in the stream.

On my way back home I thought of this idiom:

'You're a stick in the mud'.

If someone says that to you, then they are saying that you are dull or old-fashioned.

I did not get stuck in the mud down in the woodland today, thank goodness!
I egg-spect you have heard of my next egg-cellent idiom.

It is a cracker!

I checked it with our three Polwhele chickens and they had a right little cluck at it.

'Don't count your chickens before they have hatched'.

Do you know it?

You can use it to warn someone not to plan anything that depends on a good thing that they expect to happen in the future, and tell them to wait until it really happens.
It is used to tell people not to be too sure that something good you hope for will really happen. It might not happen after all.
I have had a lovely walk around the Ark Garden and it made me think of this idiom:

'You've missed the boat!'

This means that you've been too slow to act on an opportunity of something.  You are too late.
Polwhele greenhouse is a special place to visit and I know lots of you enjoy spending time there when you go to Gardening Club.

This is a idiom that links to greenhouses which are made from glass:

'People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones'.

My version is: 'Dogs who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones'.

It's a strange one, isn't it?  It doesn't mean anyone is throwing stones, it actually means you should not criticise someone else when you have the same issue yourself.  Maybe you are pointing out someone else's bad qualities, when you have them too.
Hello everyone in my Polwhele family.

Today's idiom is:

'Take it with a pinch of salt'.

This is good advice.  It means don't worry about something, it's only a small, insignificant thing and it is being exaggerated into something bigger.

Has anyone ever said that to you?
Another adventure around the grounds has reminded me of another idiom.

'Beating about the bush'.

This means that you are talking about something without getting to the point.  You are purposely not saying the main point because you want to avoid talking about it.

As you see from my waggy tail, I really enjoyed finding my stick in the bush.  Lots of fun!
These boots do not actually fit me but they are very handy to show you an idiom about bootstraps.

Bootstraps are the small pieces of leather on the inside or the outside of the boot to help you pull them on.

The idiom is:
'Pull yourself up by your bootstraps'.

It means that you managed to achieve something yourself using your own efforts and abilities.  Maybe you created something completely new or you recovered from a setback or problem.

These boots were rather heavy.  I'm glad I can have free, uncovered paws to wander around the school with.

Woof!
Ruff!  Ruff!

Have you heard of the idiom:

'A dog in a manger'?

It is based on a old Greek story (I know our Y3 and Y4 children are learning about the Ancient Greeks at the moment).

This idiom is talking about someone who keeps something that they do not want, in order to stop someone else have getting or using it.

It is not very kind, is it?  I would always share my toys and bones with you! 
Can you spot me peeking out over the top of the ark?

This is a great place to talk to you about another idiom that refers to boats.

'Don't rock the boat!'

This interesting idiom means don't say anything that will create problems,  upset someone or cause trouble.
 Woof! Woof!...Yawn!

Here I am having a rest and relaxing on the beanbag.  While I'm here, I'd like to share another idiom with you.

'I'm hitting the sack!'

This is the perfect idiom if you are tired and need to go to bed.  You may be exhausted, maybe you have had a busy day or have something important going on tomorrow.

I love my doggy bed...there's nothing like a doggy power-nap to get my tail wagging again and refresh me for a walk.

I have heard it called a 'cat-nap', hmmm, I'm not sure about that though!  I will have to ask my furry cat friend, Pumpkin about it.
On a walk down to the stables I thought of this idiom and luckily I had some help to show you it in action.

'Putting the cart before the horse'.

This idiom does sound really strange doesn't it?  It means that you are doing things out of order, doing something first that you should do last.  You might be doing things 'back-to-front'. A cart is a vehicle which is ordinarily pulled by a horse, so to put the cart before the horse is a way of saying that things are happening in the wrong order.
Have you ever heard of this idiom?  It is another one I shared with my feathered friends, the chickens.

'Don't put all your eggs in one basket'.

It is a piece of advice which means don't put all your efforts and belief into one thing.  Eggs break easily so if all your plans are in one place you could lose them all in one go!  Then you have nothing left and no alternative ways to get what you wanted.
"Thinking outside of the box".

I do like this idiom.  It is good one to think about.

This expression means you are thinking creatively, maybe you are coming up with new ideas or considering things from a new perspective.

It is a great skill and doing this can create wonderful, new ideas that can help you solve problems or make unique plans.
As you know, I love to play!  I know you do too.  Playing catch is always lots of fun.  This game reminded me of this idiom:

'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush'.

I hope you like my version: 'A ball in the mouth is worth two in the bush'.

This wonderful idiom means that it is better to hold onto something you already have than to risk losing it by trying to get something more or better.  Don't be greedy or you might lose everything!
Pumpkin very kindly helped me out with showing you this idiom.

'Letting the cat out of the bag'.

Isn't this a funny one.  It means that there is a secret or information that someone has been told by mistake.  You have let something out by accident.  Oops!

Thank you, Pumpkin for getting into the bag to help me.  You are very helpful.  It is a good job we don't 'fight like cats and dogs'.

This is another idiom that is used to talk about when two people don't get along and constantly argue but Pumpkin and I are great pals.
Here I am in one of my favourite places, my dog bed.

Here is the idiom: 'Dog tired'.

It means you are very tired or exhausted.

This idiom has a long history.  It actually comes from Alfred the Great who used to send his sons out to hunt with his kennels of hunting dogs.

Everyone at school and at home has been working very hard this half term.  I hope you all have a lovely rest and don't feel too 'dog-tired'.
I hope you have all had a wonderful half term holiday.  I have been enjoying the gorgeous weather and I have had lots of fun outside in our wonderful woodland, here at Polwhele.

Today I sat here to have a moments rest after a wonderful walk in the sunshine and I spotted the drainpipe on the wall which reminded me of this idiom:

'Going down the tubes'.

If something is 'going down the tubes' it means that it is not going well and is going to fail completely. 

Oh dear!

​Woof!
In the half-term holiday I have also taken some time to do this idiom:

'Stop and smell the roses'.

This idiom is the perfect way to describe stopping to take some time to rest, to not work and to enjoy and appreciate life.

'All work and no play' is another idiom linked to this which means that you need to take a break once in a while to keep mentally strong and healthy.

What nice things have you been doing this half-term holiday?
This idiom is:

'The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence'.

This means that you can feel unsatisfied with your own life and assume that there are better things in other places but actually it is not the case.  Being happy with what you have is important and the grass is just as green on your side too!  Don't be fooled by how things may look for other people.

This idiom is sometimes shortened to 'the grass is always greener'.
Isn't this a beautiful colour!

It is perfect for this next idiom:

'Having a purple patch'.

This idiom means that you are having lots of good luck and a run of success.

It has been used to explain when a sports team or sports person has won or scored well again and again and again.

The colour purple has been seen as a colour of royalty or importance for a long time.  Purple is named after a dye from a shellfish which is called porphyra in Greek.  The rare and expensive dye was used for colouring the robes of Roman emperors and other important people. Purple has also been used to mean 'striking' or 'ornate'.  It is one of my favourite colours!

Do you have a favourite colour?
Look who I found at the stables...Miss Miriam.  She was very busy painting.

Her paintbrush reminded me of a painting related idiom:

'Paint with a broad brush'.

This idiom means that you are describing something generally and overall without using specific details or information.

The stables are looking great with their fresh coat of paint!
This magical idiom is talking about a distant place or unknown setting or maybe even somewhere that doesn't exist, that is imaginary but special.
Ruff!  Ruff!

On one of my trips to the Prep School building I came across this rug.  I'm sure you will have heard of this idiom before:

'Somewhere over the rainbow'.

Do you know the song?  Here are two versions for you to enjoy.
A rolling stone gathers no moss'.

This idiom is another old one.  It means that someone is always on the move and therefore has no responsibilities.  They have no roots and no cares!

In this idiom, the moss is used as something good because it takes time to grow.

The rolling stone means constant motion and wandering - this person can be considered to be neither productive nor reliable.
This idiom is an easy one to show you.

'Watching the grass grow'.

This idiom means that you find something dull and boring so it is like watching the grass grow and it is not very entertaining or interesting.
There are always such beautiful plants to see at Polwhele House.  These roses reminded me of this idiom:

'Everything''s coming up roses'.

This is wonderful idiom to explain a time when you are having lots of success and things are going really well for you.  Like the roses, your achievements are growing and blooming.

There is a famous song called 'Everything's Coming Up Roses'.
This idiom is usually about a horse, not a dog.  I hope you like my version too.

'You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink'.

My version is: 'You can lead a dog to water, but you can't make it drink'.  What do you think?  Will it catch on?

This idiom means that you can give someone a good opportunity but you can't force them take it.
This portrait of me was taken by a very good friend of mine, who also has an interest in idioms.

Here I am 'putting my best foot forward'.  Although, maybe my version should be 'putting my best paw forward'.

When you 'put your best foot forward' it means that you are doing something with determination and effort.  You are going to do your best.
What a beautiful day in Cornwall!

​I had a wonderful walk and am feeling very happy.

This patch of ferns and wild daisies reminded me of this idiom:

'Fresh as a daisy'.

This means that you are healthy and feeling full of energy.  You are eager and enthusiastic!

On a sunny day, like this one, I definitely feel fresh as a daisy!
The willow house is a special place in the school grounds.  It's a wonderful place to feel like you are hiding and watching the world around you go by.

It made me think of this idiom:
'I can't see the wood for the trees'.

This means that you are too involved or concerned in thinking about the small details (the trees) of something and are not aware of it all as a whole thing (the wood).  You can lose perspective and miss the most important point.

According to historical experts, this idiom has been used since before 1546.  That's nearly 500 years ago!

​Woof!
We have had such wonderful weather, it has been sunny and warm.  Getting outside has been wonderful although I am happy in all weathers - there's always lots of fun to be had even when it is wet and windy.

This idiom is about the sun:
'Everything under the sun'.

This means everything that exists or is possible. Everything you can think of!

That covers quite a lot, don't you think?
I am very proud to be a Polwheler.   The school flag has been flying on the top of the tower.  Do you like it?

This idiom links to flags:
'Run it up the flagpole and see who salutes'.

This idiom means you are putting new ideas to the test and want to see if people like them and they will gain popularity, just like a flag would have respect by people saluting it.

There is even a special day to celebrate this idiom in the United States of America.  People enjoy thinking about it on 2 January every year and it encourages them to think creatively.
Here I am on one of my walks out and about in Cornwall.  I'm 'on top of the world!'

This idiom is a good way to express feeling really happy and healthy!  I am definitely feeling happy and healthy.  I love my walks and adventures.

There is a famous song called 'Top of the World'.
'Snug as a bug in a rug'.

The perfect idiom to describe when you are all tucked up warm and cozy, feeling very comfortable.

Do you like to be snug as a bug in a rug?

This idiom has been used since 1769!  That means it is 251 years old!
Ruff!  Ruff!

​A beach trip in the gorgeous Cornish sunshine.  Can you count all the pebbles on the beach?

This reminded me of this idiom:
'Not the only pebble on the beach'.

This idiom means you are not the only person who is important in a situation or group. 

I know all my Polwhele friends will agree: compassion, care, kindness and an awareness of others is really important.
On one of my wonderful walks in Cornwall, I came across this cross and it made me think of this idiom:

'At cross purposes'.

This means that there has been an misunderstanding or having different aims from one another.  You don't understand something or someone else because you are talking about something different.
Zzz...zzz...a little snooze - lovely!

Having my little nap reminded me of this idiom:

'Let sleeping dogs lie'.

This idiom can explain something that has been left alone.  It can be used to talk about an argument or disagreement that shouldn't be restarted.
The Walled Garden at our school is a gorgeous place.  It is always a calm space to visit and there are lots of wonderful things growing in there.

On one of my recent visits I thought of this idiom:

'Turn over a new leaf'.

This idiom means you are making a change and improving your behaviour in a positive way.  The history of this idiom goes back to the 1500s, when people called the pages of a book 'leaves'.  When you turn over the pages of a book you are starting something new.
Our Main House front door has been opened to welcome many visitors and families to our school and we hope to welcome many, many more.

We have a wonderful doorbell - can you spot it in the photograph?

It reminded me of this funny idiom:

'You're pulling my leg'.

If you use this idiom it means you think someone is joking with you and teasing you.
This idiom is about dogs.

'Like a dog with a bone'.

​This expression means that you are really enthusiastic about something.  You can't stop talking or thinking about it.

Mmm...I love bones!

​My Photo Album

Say cheese!
 My furry friends and I.
'The Paw-some Gang!'
End of the day...and relax!
A wild garlic woodland adventure.