First game of the WORLD CUP TODAY! Blogging about UNITY IN DIVERSITY!

The World Cup begins today in South Africa! I'm sure most of you remember Maxdog of South Africa - our valiant Golden Retriever who is now waiting for his Maxmom at the Bridge. Living Life to the Max is Maxmom's blog that continues on without her precious Maxdog. Filled with great photos of South Africa and pooches Tammy, King Toffee and Tommy, Maxmom is sponsoring a month-long event for those us who would like to get into the South African-World Cup Spirit, UNITY in DIVERSITY. Hit the button on my sidebar to travel to South Africa and Maxmom's blog. There you will find out all about UNITY in DIVERSITY! ALL the cool dogs and cats will be there - you snooze, you loose!

There is still time for you to send Maxmom a note telling her what countries you will support and to grab a button of her blog to show your support. Heck, even if you aren't going to blog about the World Cup, grab a button - they're FREE!☺

As for myself, I will be blogging about four different countries on the dates that they play. I thought long and hard about how I would tie my posts into writing about dogs. Nearly every county has its own, special dog breed that either originated there or is now an important part of that country's everyday life. A couple of those dogs have played very special parts in my life: Great Pyrenees, German Shepherd Dog, Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever (do you know where these breeds were developed and why?). I will also be blogging about a breed that is dear to my heart - one that originated in the country of my ancestors. Along with geographical tidbits I will share a recipe or two from my countries of choice.

I am looking forward to sharing with you my posts and am excited about the prospect of reading 'your take' on the countries that you choose to support, or just blog about, in the coming month.

BAFANA! BAFANA!
 (a South African term of endearment which means 'the Boys')

Mimi's note: I was saddened to learn that Nelson Mandela lost his great-grand-daughter in an auto accident yesterday. As a parent and grandparent, I can imagine how deeply his heart mourns and send my condolences to the Mandela family from Michigan to South Africa.