Visiting the Zoo

It is a widely held belief by some, that zoos are bad places, and then there are those who love zoos, and appreciate the good work that the folks there are doing. I'm in the latter camp.

With that in mind, about the middle of January I decided it was time to make a trip over to the Brevard Zoo in Melbourne, however, after perusing their website, I learned that they were expecting delivery of two zebras around Valentines Day, so I decided to wait, because Lord knows I wanted to see the zebras! Then, of course, life got in the way. Now that I am fully recovered, I could not wait to go, and so I did just that yesterday.

The weather, although quite warm, was perfect for a zoo visit because it was mostly cloudy which helps not only to keep a zoo-goer cool, but for photography, it is much better without the bright glare of the Florida sun. I hardly know where to start I saw so many great birds and animals....

After paying the $16.95 admission, I beelined it for the Africa area to wind my way around there and, of course, find the zebras. My first stop was the cheetah area. Making my way amongst hundreds of screaming school children, I got to the platform, and did see the cheetah, however, much like any cat, she was lounging in the shade. As to the screaming children--did I really go through that? Four sons! Were they that loud and rowdy? Whew! Probably so.

Next up was the zebra/white rhinoceros area.

Boo hoo! The zebras were far outside the range of my camera lens. Which reminds me, I took the Panasonic for the picture quality, however, I forgot one thing. I cannot manually adjust the focus on that lens which limits some of what you can do when confronted with cages, or fencing. Plus it is a shorter zoom, but all in all, I was most pleased with how these turned out. Lastly, on the camera front, the Panasonic weighs nearly a full pound less than the Nikon which doesn't seem like all that much, but having used both at times, I can assure you, it is an advantage. All this info because people always seem to be interested in the gear. :)

There is quite a long elevated platform that runs alongside where you see the rhinoceros. From that vantage point you can see the cute ring tailed lemurs, as well as the giraffes. A nice new addition since my last visit a couple of years ago.

While on that platform, I met a lovely volunteer who provided me with lots of great stories. She told me that the rhinos are slyly harassing the zebras. How is that, you ask? Two examples: where the zebras go, the rhinos often follow, pushing them out of their space. (nothing violent, just silent harrassment) Secondly, when it is time for the zebras to head into the barn for the night, the rhinos pace back in forth in front of the open doors to keep them out! Pictured on the right in the peach colored polo is the helpful volunteer.

She also mentioned that their shift is four hours long, but some of them love it so much, they stay all day! Of course I could not remember the types of giraffe that reside at the zoo, however, a quick search of types, tells me that the one in the photo above is a Masai giraffe, and the other, pictured below, is a Somali.

Now you know!

In this same area I saw some fantastic birds, and I mean fantastic. When they flew you could see the most beautiful red on their wings. This location was not ideal for photography, so I was delighted to find there were more in the aviary. Have you seen this type of bird before?

Here is the little cutie...

I wish I'd been able to get an inflight shot. :) I've changed the header on my blog to another gorgeous bird, the name of which I'm embarrassed to admit, I do not know. What I do know is, it beautiful!

Continuing my journey, I heard, amongst the screaming children, some loud calls, and I mean crazy loud. They kept coming and coming. At first I thought it was a recording or something, you know, to give a jungle vibe, however, it was not. These monkeys call could wake the dead!

Here's the validation...

The thing is, they kept calling and calling, eventually, I suspect, growing tired of hearing themselves. I, for one, was happy when they quit.

In the interest of brevity, or as close to brevity as I'm able, I probably will do another post, just because I saw so many wonderful things. But, that's another day. Carrying on, I made my way over to the petting zoo area to see an owl I photographed on my last visit. I found a second owl this time. A Barn Owl, residing at the zoo due to injury.

I nearly skipped one of the greatest sites yet, however, fortunately, I saw a young boy and his dad looking at the side of a big tank, and oh my goodness, was I glad I followed their lead. An American Stingray put on quite the show.

Having never seen anything like this before, I was dying with wonder! There is a pool cleaner called Creepy Crawly, and I couldn't help but think about that gadget while watching the action. Simply amazing, that little face and all. 

Then, just as I was leaving the area, Mr. Barn Owl, opened his wings and what a span it is.

Oh, but wait, there was a darling little girl petting the Giant Tortoise, as did this old lady.

The shell feels very neat indeed. How about those legs? Aren't they something?

There is a large Meerkat exhibit which is highly entertaining. Watching their industriousness can wear a person out.

Because it is a pretty fair assumption that I'll never visit Africa in person, I made three visits to the "faux" Africa. One, I was hoping to see the cheetah up and about, and two, I wanted to see the zebras, or ze-bras, as Angela calls them, up close. Finally on trip #3, they were out in the open. Aren't they just gorgeous? These are Grevy's zebra; here's more info in case you are interested.

Coincidentally, I took a photograph, on my way to the zoo, of one of the donkeys in the fields on Judge Road.

According to the article, the Grevy's zebras are the most donkey-like. Crazy, huh?

More good stuff where this came from---tune in for the next post!

Thanks for reading,

Gail

p.s. A Matt update--the radiation, or so they think, is the cause of his, what was once, only a sore throat, but as of now, is a full blown blockage and he can neither eat or drink. Once again they are in the hospital and today a feeding tube is going into his stomach for nutrition. Apparently it can be weeks before this horrible side effect abates. :(

Doing What I Do

The market went well on Sunday, although I have to admit, I was maybe a little more tired than usual once it was all over. Plus, we missed all the Citrus Bowl hoopla which was a shame. Arriving home just as the Orlando City game began, I turned on the television, and oh my, were the folks having fun! All in all, an exciting day for Orlando soccer fans. One thing I was hoping to do at the market was talk to the police officer who helped me, both to thank him, and ask exactly what happened because I still can't figure out how I got from point A, to point B. He'll probably be back next week, and once I know that, I'll happily put all this behind me.

Except wait--the bills are coming in! It is fortunate indeed that we have health insurance because to date the charges have come to---get this--$17,965!!! You could buy a Hyundai for that! Or a Kia, or a good portion of a MINI Cooper. Ridiculous. One of the charges was $400 for the ER doctor who came in my room for all of five minutes, never to be seen, or heard from again. Just shameful what they charge. By the time the ambulance bill, and other charges come in, you probably really could buy a MINI Cooper. And this, my friends is for less than 24 hours of care, or what they call "care!" On the other hand, I am here to write about it, so that's good for something. Had I not been medicated pronto, apparently my colon could have perforated, and that would be that. A scary thought.

On the brighter side, I finally rode my bike yesterday morning, and did that ever feel good. The weather has been glorious for the last few days, seriously good. I was so, so happy to come across a dogwood tree in bloom a few streets away.

Actually there were two in the same yard, one out front ,and one behind a gate. The owner saw me photographing in the front, and invited me to see the beauty in the backyard. He did not have to offer twice!

Everywhere you look there are either trees, or flowers in bloom. This bird of paradise was particularly striking as it seems there are two "blooms" joined together.

In our own yard my yellow gerbera daisies are blooming. I vacillate between leaving them on the plant, or cutting them for the house. Because two new ones are popping up, I cut three.

After getting the laundry on the clothesline yesterday morning, I went shopping for some badly needed food. I began at Clemons, the produce market on Curryford Road. I'd planned on getting some strawberries, however, a flat of them was not on my radar until he told me they were closing out the flats for $2.00. You know how I love a bargain, so a flat it was. Expecting to find all sorts of overripe berries, I was pleasantly surprised to find that was not the case at all. I went to work on those berries, starting with freezing as many as would fit on my pan!

In a case of buying local, these came from Balm, Florida. According to the link, not only is the area agricultural, but there are four tropical fish farms. Furthermore, there are only 1, 457 residents there. The name is sweet, isn't it?

I cut others up for strawberry shortcake, and I made a Strawberry coulis for pancakes and waffles.

And still there are a bunch left. I think when I finish with this I'll take a few quarts to Cheryle for them to enjoy...

I have this thing for Roman Meal sandwich bread, and after numerous attempts to get the Publix folks to carry it again, (with no success), I find it at the Neighborhood Wal Mart. Not my favorite place to shop, but I just love that bread. Unfortunately yesterday they were out of it (!), but my trip was not in vain because I found the most gorgeous tulips! The deep coral red of the one, and the purple stripes of the other bunch were entirely too gorgeous to pass up.

The green thing to the left are some cool bookend vases I picked up at an estate sale for $2.00. They are super cool with open tops for a plant. I just loved the color, shape and texture. Speaking of color, a young woman on Sunday was puzzled by the variety in my booth, a subject we've covered before. After thinking about it, I told her the only thing unifying my output is color. I am driven by color. How's that for an answer?

While on the subject of color, I took this photo to show off the variety of greens in the landscape just now.

On the far left is our newish oak tree which is still losing leaves, whereas our neighbors big oak tree is sporting the beautiful green of spring. And then there are the pines--good grief they are tall!

Most of the time when I'm on my bike I take my Nikon with the Tamron zoom lens because it covers a wide variety of distances. That said, that lens is not nearly as good as my Panasonic, or at least in my opinion. The reds with my Nikon never seem quite right. The Panasonic, oh my yes. Here's one of our cardinal buddies looking particularly good through the Panasonic lens.

Sunday, while watching the soccer match, a male cardinal perched on the side of the bird bath outside the window. Bruce and I both watched as he didn't seem to put any weight on his right "foot." He stayed for quite a while, both drinking and taking a dunk, which is always fun to see. As to his little foot, I wonder what the problem was????

It is good to be well again, and once again, I thank you all for your concern.

Until we meet again,
Gail

Ah Netflix, I Love You

Who amongst you can resist a scene such as this, seen through the front door the other night?

Dusk, a full moon rising, silhouettes of trees? What is not to like? Some full moons seem larger, which I know is crazy, but that is how I see this one--gigantic!

I woke, this morning, to a pounding sound coming through the open windows. I thought, perhaps Bruce is fixing the bricks in the walkway? Parting the blinds and looking out front, no sign of him. Nor was there any sign out the side windows. Where is it coming from? Here is where it was coming from.

He was up early, whereas I was not, and the reason for that is I made a mistake last evening by turning on the Netflix around 7 in the evening. What's the problem with that? Well, if you watched the first season of Broadchurch, you'll understand. One episode, turned into two, which turned into three, and so on, and so on, until I'd watched the entire EIGHT episodes in one sitting, keeping me up hours, and hours, past my usual bedtime. Magnetic and compelling, this series is a must watch for the performances, storyline, scenery--you name it, it is all there. I thought I'd recognized the name from Matt and it's true, they watched it and had to wait week after week to see the episodes. With Netflix you won't have to do that! While cleaning the pool this morning, (yes, I'm feeling well enough), I thought how it was like reading a very good novel that you just know you should put aside for the night, but literally just can't.  Which is what I did one of the nights Bruce was out of town, read into the night, a novel that I later learned took the author ten years to write. Ten years!! "We are Not Ourselves" by Matthew Thomas, started slow and picked up steam as the pages went by. All 600 plus of them. I nearly quit early on because I cared nothing for the main character, but I got past that and was happy that I did.

Out the other day for some essentials I decided to stop at the Goodwill store on OBT. It was my lucky day as I was able to find five vases that would work for what I had in mind. The young lady rang them up and it was $4.30 and the next thing I knew it was $3.88. What gives? Senior discount she told me. Asking her what qualified as a senior she said 55 and up. I don't feel like a senior, but there you go. Here's what I did with the clear glass.

It helps that we have gobs of spray paint around the house for Bruce to use on the frames. My sister Lisa has been using spray paint for years--I am late to the party.

Interestingly enough, the vase in the middle has Europa 1986-1987 stamped in the bottom; before fooling around with the stamps, Europa was entirely unknown to me. Here's what I learned about that term, which doesn't seem to really fit. Bruce tells me that Spain used to use Europa on their stamps--so now you know.

Look what came in the mail yesterday?

I have no clue where the Southern Living subscription came from but it all looks right up my alley doesn't it? You can imagine what I thought about the blue door on the cover! The HGTV magazine is really better than the shows because it actually gives you ideas that you might want to use. In fact, that is where the sprayed vases idea came from.

I made a dress the other day using a retro pattern labeled Jiffy, as in you can make it in a jiffy. That, however, was not entirely true as it actually has some tailoring to it that takes time to get right. While working on it I recalled the A-line skirt I made in 8th grade Home Ec, my very first garment. Blue kettlecloth was the fabric. That is when I learned to make darts which were anything but easy the first go round. You sew into the garment to a point, leaving threads hanging to hand tie for a smoother finish.

This dress had some serious darts to contend with. Plus, in order to save money, patterns have multiple sizes on the same piece making cutting and marking somewhat difficult. I kept thinking if this were someones first garment they might just get discouraged and give up.

Did I tell you there is no such thing as vanity sizing when it comes to sewing patterns? I used size 10, and it fits perfectly. I actually began this post Saturday afternoon before leaving for Bill's house, and am just now finishing. I took the nearly complete dress with me to finish the hemming. Fallon called it my jelly bean dress--love that name! It does look very springy, that's for sure.

Finally, here is a hibiscus bloom from a plant Bruce brought back to life. The color is flat out gorgeous, isn't it?

If only the cut blooms lasted more than a day! Well, I'm off to the market--Bruce has been there for more than an hour and it's time I went to help. The weather should be lovely today so that is half the battle. We shall see how everything else plays out.

The Trees are Alive with the Sound of Birds!

I don't know about you, since seeing Lady Gaga do that Sound of Music medley, during the Academy Awards broadcast, the songs keep popping into my head. Amazing how lyrics stick with a person, isn't it? I wonder if anyone has done a study on that topic--I remember scads of song lyrics, but can't remember a darn thing from my childhood. Other than lyrics, of course. :)

Anyway, during my visit to Leu Gardens, music of a different kind, bird songs, filled the air. This little Carolina Wren may be small, but sure has a big voice.

I heard mockingbirds, cardinals, and blue jays. Then too I saw a thrush, a woodpecker, and, of course, finches. Good stuff.

As promised, more of the frogs:

Commissioner Sheehan sponsored this one:

In the vegetable garden, Sam Flax sponsored this version of "American Gothic."

This one was stationed in the butterfly garden:

That net was going to waste; only one butterfly braved the morning chilliness. That chilliness seems like long ago as the temperature today, as I type, sits at 88 degrees! Feels like summer.

Bruce is heading home soon from Las Vegas, having been meetinged out, although he said it has been good meeting the folks who, up until this week, he'd only talked to on the phone. After seeing the performance in Vegas, he also tells me that we must go to see Cirque de Soleil at Disney. What have I been waiting for? Good question, without a good answer.

Remember how I wrote about that orchid given to me early last November by my neighbor Terri? The one that refuses to drop buds? The one that actually has had two new buds open up? Crazy business! The two new flowers are a deeper purple. Well, not exactly purple--magenta maybe?

The next time I see Jim that is going to be my first question!

I finished the globe.

I have no idea how many stamps it took, but a whole bunch! Most all of them are unique, but not every one. Occasionally, to make it all fit together, I had to use fillers--primarily Queen Elizabeth stamps, as he had plenty, although the number is now greatly diminished. The other morning, before we got on with our day, we talked about his days as a young boy, and man, collecting stamps. He would mow lawns, or sweep hair off the floor of a nearby barbershop, to raise money for his collecting. In those days, the collector, if young enough, had to have a parental signature ensuring honesty because the dealers would send a batch of stamps from a wish list, and the boy, because I'm guessing it was mostly boys, would return them, minus his purchase. Can you imagine that kind of trust going on today? To date I've been using mostly the duplicates; I am a little skittish about removing them from his actual albums. I have, though, resorted to it in my quest for red stamps for the heart projects!

And now for the good stuff. Waking up early this morning, the first thing I did was make the chocolate chip cookies for Matt. I called him at the nursing home to see when would be a good time to visit, however, as it turns out, he's spending only nights there, coming home for most of the day following radiation. After lunch was the preferred time, and so I went; we chatted and gossiped. I brought a dozen cookies, however, the radiation is giving him a very sore throat, so they should last a couple of days. Or, maybe not.

The master bath is undergoing a remodel in order for the wheelchair to fit in both the room, and the shower. It is coming along nicely; once done, he'll come home for good, using a hospital bed in the adjoining room. Nursing help will come for the overnight shift. If all goes according to plan, they will be going to see Elton John on Saturday night! I thought you might like a face to put to the name.

I told you he was still smiling! I brought my camera because for many years I'd taken their Christmas card photo, so I figured why not? Well, I'll have to return soon when he's wearing a cleaner shirt, and my camera does a better job focusing, but you get the idea. Matt loves people praying for him--if you are the praying kind, join the crowd!

It has felt good typing this today--my desk finally got a clean up earlier--long overdue. And if you are wondering, I've yet to get on my bicycle, but, if I keep improving, it won't be long now.

Two Weeks Later

Has the sun finally set on my saga? I took this last evening while hoping, and praying, that it will be true.

Bruce left yesterday morning around 6AM, heading to the airport for a flight to Las Vegas! Poor thing, he has four days of eating, drinking, and team building! Not to mention going to the Cirque de Soleil show out there. He's been such an excellent nurse, this could not have come at a better time.

I didn't mind not doing the market; for one thing, heavy thunderstorms were predicted for most of the day, and secondly, a full day out would more than likely have been too much. Hopefully, each day I get out and about, my stamina will improve, and before I know it, I'll be as good as new. That is, assuming I'm not one of the unlucky folks who have a recurrence of c-diff, something I've read happens all too often. Prayers please!

I had a wonderfully long chat with Matthew on Saturday, and when the conversation turned to my stamp products, he asked,  "Has anything actually sold Mom?"" Well, no, because she's yet to put them out, but I'm feeling confidant they will!" How's that for positive thinking? I did make a short trip over to RT-ART to pick up a canvas, and when I did so, I stopped into The Lovely Boutique Market for a chat with Kimberly. Explaining that I was good if she was not interested, however, she once again expressed her enthusiasm. It is funny that I was sure I'd never sell any photography, but this time, I feel more confidant. Of course it may be misplaced confidence, but I won't know until I try. Time will tell.

In the meantime, I worked on this for a good part of yesterday.

Sue gave me the globe, one she'd picked up for a song. This, by far, is the biggest project to date. Oh my, it is using a lot of stamps! Working on it for hours, by days end, I had about 80% covered, and I'm thinking it is turning out well. I can say one thing, if I do another one, I will definitely do things differently. I began by putting the stamps on their respective countries, however, that was a dumb idea! Now, I am attaching them willy-nilly, or sort of.....

After a good night's sleep, I decided to make a visit to Leu Gardens for the first Monday of the month freebie. I arrived just after 9 with fog still obscuring the long view.

If you are ever tempted to think that people are not having many babies anymore, go to Leu on free Monday, and your mind will be set to rest. There are scads and scads of babies! Walking around, I ran into my friend from the market who sells popsicles. Popular popsicles, I might add.

As you can see, the fog lifted, and blue skies prevailed! Something very fun was going on at Leu Gardens called "Ribbit the Exhibit" featuring frog sculptures by J.A. Cobb.

Sponsored by various organizations and Commissioners, there are eighteen scattered throughout the grounds. In the coming days I'll show you a few more--better yet, if you have the opportunity, see them in person until March 31! Here's another cute one.

I was disappointed that the lakeside dock is closed, but one look, and you will understand why.

On the other hand, the camellias are still blooming like mad. A fallen bloom...

of which there are plenty, plenty, plenty!

Some trees are still bare while others are sporting their spring green.

A Japanese cherry tree is blossoming, behind the sphagnum moss.

And there are a lot of air plants attached to fallen tree limbs.

I had a lovely two hours, walking slowly, sitting on the front porch of the Leu House pictured above for a rest, eating a popsicle, while talking to visitors from Michigan. Naturally they were very happy with the temperature hovering in the low 70's. Me, too.

More to show from the excursion, which will come. Before I forget, Saturday afternoon, while heading to the kitchen for a drink, I saw an American Robin on the front porch! Where there is one, there are others. In fact loads of them were in the street, across the street, and in our yard. Actually it is highly unusual, at least in my experience, for them to come near a feeder, so I was super surprised to see one mingling.

This woman was not content to watch through the door, so out the door she went, with camera in tow. Now, how about this?

Who knew I had worms in my yard?? I got a shot following the worm consumption, and then he hopped his way down the walk to join more of the flock.

Aren't they pretty? Not nearly so much as a painted bunting, but I'll take what I can get!!

Until we meet again.....

Gail