Well I skipped posting for a couple of days.  My brother K came in to visit for Easter.  And we’re celebrating.  Dad (who has Alzheimer’s Disorder (AD)) is so happy to have another member of his family so close.   Last night we all went out to dinner at Milikin’s Reef in Cape Canaveral (http://www.millikensreef.com/).  We filled up on spicy tuna rolls (sushi) which by the way were delicious, before we got to the entrees and ended up carrying most of the food home as left overs. 

I came across a wonderful web site by Andrew Zuckerman.  You’ve really got to check it out.  It speaks volumes about Wisdom.   A lost art.  Here’s the URL.  http://www.wisdombook.org/

It’s a chilly day here today in Florida.  A cold front came through last night.  It’s in the 60’s today.  I know, we’re spoiled by all the sunshine.  Enjoy today for yourself!  Got to run.

Brevard Zoo, Melbourne, FL A nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t…

Today my dad and I made an outing out of going to the local county Brevard Zoo.  I’m not a big fan of zoos, because I believe it is very difficult to keep the animals happy and healthy in such a setting.  But I know these conditions are improving all the time at many zoos. 

My frame of reference is the San Francisco Zoo where the Bamboon sits at the highest point in his pen and throws his droppings at all the gawkier going by (it’s been going on for years).  The elephants at closing time, run to their pen, which looks like a large garage and pound on the door with their trunks, screaming to get in.  A pretty unhappy site in all.   Animals belong in the wild.  They’re healthier there and they can participate in their own social setting.  No creature should be kidnapped and put on display for others to see. 

When I was young I remember pointing this out to my father and he said, Oh, it doesn’t hurt them.  We’re trying to help them. 

Now as my older self, I realise as society evolves we will grow to see this type of establishment as barbaric and cruel.    Why do I go to visit the Zoo?  I just moved to this area and it was a beautiful day.  I thought perhaps I could learn something about the fauna in this area.   The Brevard Zoo’s tag line is “Wildlife Conservation Through Education and Participation”; so I was not far off in my desire to learn something new. 

The Brevard Zoo is a very small zoo.  The entrance fee is really pretty high considering the size of the zoo.  Adults, $12.50; Seniors $10.50.   The train ride was an additional $3.00 per person.  Most of those attending the zoo were families with young children. 

My Dad, who is 76 years young was pretty exhausted just walking in the front gate.   Even though the walk to the entrance was relatively short.   I was keeping my fingers crossed we’d last as long as two (2) hours at the zoo.  Near the end of our visit Dad and I jumped on the Kiddie train.  And that’s when all the fun started.    As you can see from the picture below, the Ostrich is walking really close to the train.  Probably hoping one of those toddlers will drop a cookie or morsal from the train.  Later the Ostrich crossed directly in front of the train, causing the train to come to a complete stop. 

It was fun to see an Ostrich so close, but I noticed that it’s colors were very dull.  All in all, a very polite Ostrich.  No pecking at the passengers on the train, just a healthy interest in the passengers on the train. 

This next creature we saw from the train as well.  The train conductor told us that this species is very rare and can only be found in zoos and can not be found in the wild any longer.  They are part of the Impala Genius.  But their name is similar to the name of a sword – Sith…., because of their horns.  However, my best attempt at writing the name, would be wrong.  So I must let you discover it’s real name on your own. 

Quite beautiful eh?  We did see a small heard of this animal, while on the train.  See picture for details. 

In the BrevardZoo five main sub sections surround a section call the Bonsai Exhibit, which can only be described as a bird sanctuary for birds.  Naturally these birds have their wings clipped and cannot leave, other wild ibises and cranes do come and go.   As can be seen with the very colorful rosacia spoonbills and their brilliant orange/pink color.   I did see a flock of wild ibises foraging near the food stand, on the wrong side of the fence.    Expedition Africa, with an elevated platform to allow you to feed the giraffes.  Also the zoo features a white rhinoceroses, exotic birds, antelopes and lemurs.  The Australia Asia section of the zoo has it’s share of wallabies, kangaroos, black swans, emus , cassowaries, kookaburras, dingo and parrots.  I was not in the zoo long enough to enjoy either of these two before mentioned areas in the zoo.  I did visit Wild Florida and it’s alligators, otters, nearly extinct red wolves, foxes, red-tailed hawk, crested caracaras and of course the Kayak across the wetlands feature.  Which in itself is quite a beautiful and tranquil area.  Very much set in the wild.  The fifth exhibit La Selva, The rainforests of South America I also was not able to visit personally and boast jaguars, monkeys, vultures, giant anteater, iguanas, sloths, tapirs, macaws, toucans, and tortoises – all an intrical part of the  rain forest.  Here are some more pictures to feast your eyes on. 

When you first walk into the Zoo, there is  the Bonsai Exhibit at the very center of the zoo.  There you will find a pool with a fountain where many of their birds congregate.  Rosacia Spoonbills, Swans, Ibises, all standing in the water and enjoying the spraying fountain.  I didn’t know I was a bird lover until I moved to Florida.  The birds here will take your breath away!! 

 

Oh and would ‘ja take a good look at this gentlman bruiser Mate!   
And doesn’t this little croc look like he could use some excitement. 

 

Here’s a picture of one of the zoo guides, holding a baby alligator, the children are surrounding the young gator and touching it with just one finger.  Naturally the Zoo encourages a “no smoking” environment. 

 

 

We’re Family, Me and You!

Hey Gang, It’s December 18th and tomorrow is my 51st birthday!  Thought I should share that with you!  I dunno why, may because as I get up in years people make less and less of a fuss about you.  It could be the selfish part of myself talking. 

Update on me:  My Dad went into the hospital again last weekend with pneumonia.  My sister and I had a horrific fight during the hospital stay, not about Dad, we were both sleep deprived and raw after being in the hospital all night watching the staff restrain our father.   Dad was mis-behaving in the hospital and refused to be admitted.  It was a terrible scene to watch.  Dad was delusional most of the time and was imagining that he was being taken as a prisoner of war or being tackled as a running back with the Chicago bears.  Neither of these things actually ever happened to him, but with alzheimers, the disease actually re-writes part of their memory.  So what was true gets mixed in with stuff that never happened.  Dad was in the Korean was – was never taken as prisoner of war, and played running back in Highschool, but was drafted before he could go to college.  He returned to college when he returned from Korea.  The Chicago Bears are Dad’s favorite football team.

I found the experience of watching my father being restrain and medicated into oblivion very distressful.  And inhumane.  My friend, D. Who used to be a nurse assistant explained to me what it was best for the patient.  It was a safety issue.  Additionally the staff called Social Services on us, because I didn’t want my father restrained.  My sister may never forgive me, for Social Services being called.  She felt it was a stamp of White Trash.  I shrugged my shoulders because I knew she only felt that way because of the judgment she placed on me, all the times my ex-husband called social services on me, with my son.  Just another fun thing single mothers have to go through unnecessarily. 

I’ve started a new job, as a Marketing Representative for a local promotion company.  I sell advertising.  This is a reason my blogs have slowed down somewhat.  I’ve been busy pet sitting and working the new job at the same time.  Busy, very busy.  But it’s all good. 

Last night while I was working, a hugh spider appeared here where I am pet sitting.  I don’t know what kind of spider it was, but I’m guessing it was a wolf spider.  It was as big as my hand.  Since it wasn’t poisonous, I let the cats play with it.  Don’t worry, they didn’t have a chance to kill it.  Here’s a pic for you.   Sorry my digital camera doesn’t take good pictures of tiny insects or spiders.  Interesting that the spiders eye reflected the camera flash.    I guess I’ll have to get one of those fancy cameras to take pictures of all the cool bugs they have here in Florida.  Unlike anything I’ve ever seen any where else in the country.  Here’s another pic (right), I pulled off the Internet of a spider I see all the time outside, when I walk the dog.  It’s called a spiny orb weaver.  Isn’t it cool?  It looks a little like a crab doesn’t it.  I find all these little creatures fascinating. 

Anyhow, that’s my story and I’m going to stick with it.  Good talking with you again.  Stay cool, the world is always going to try and drag you down.  Luv, You!

Beautiful, tranquil and tantamount to a perfect sunset.

Hey gang, What do ya think?!  This is the view of the sun sinking below the horizon.  This is an incredible moment of beauty the 10Th day of November.  Wish you were here.  And if you’re on your way, could ya bring some pizza?  It actually feeling really cool here at the moment.  I think the temp outside right now is 65 degrees.

Last night, for a short while, Dad and I took dinner at Squid Lips in Melbourne, a local restaurant.  I apologize I have no pictures of the meals, I left my camera at home (Aargh!).  But we had a wonderful dinner.  The restaurant was a little pricey.  Targets the tourist industry as it is right off the water.  The food was delicious.  My dad had the Tilipia with a pecan topping, it was broiled and done to perfection.  I had the Coconut shrimp – my weakness.  Which was also delicious.  Both were served with some low carb vegetable’s and a Bimini bread, and a choice of a starch of rice or potatoes.  We also shared the House salad which was a garden salad with fettuccini cheese, sweeten pecans and the house dressing.  (Very good!!) Dad had the Merlot and I stuck with my ice tea.  We ended the meal with a coffee, which was also very good.  The presentation was adequate, and the atmosphere was as I said targeting the tourist community.  You have a choice of either indoor or outdoor seating.  We chose indoor as Dad is always cold.  The restaurant had a delightful ceiling hanging with a school of Tuna.   As you know my dad has Alzheimer’s and he couldn’t take his eyes off the Tuna.  He thought they were all stuffed Tuna.  I kept explaining that they were merely plastic shell shaped and painted to look like Tuna.  Dad wasn’t convinced he still believed they were stuffed Tuna.  This is a good restaurant for a quick lunch or dinner, while on vacation.  Not a good date restaurant as the atmosphere doesn’t lend it self well for the event.  There were many ongoing meeting  in the restaurant while we were there, there was an event for the local pet sitters and also a space coast event.  So apparently this is a good place to hold dinner and a meeting.  Rating:  three out of five stars.  Why so low, there are plenty of restaurants in the area that are just as pricey which offer outstanding atmosphere and finer cuisine.  Squid Lips caters to the eaters on the go.