Monday Moment - E is for Elephant and more

So, I promised Ray an adventure on Saturday. Yes, we are housebound in TX.  However, there is virtual excitement.  Check out the Ape Cam at the San Diego Zoo.
      www.animals.sandiegozoo.org/live-cams

We killed thirty minutes or so clicking between cameras.  No lions or tigers in view - my pic above is from the Fort Worth Zoo a few years ago.  The elephant cam (yes - it's E day in A to Z blogging) yielded some elephants on the move. That was fun.  But the best is always the Ape Cam and Orangutans did not disappoint. Fun to watch them swing in their play area. They munched on bananas, messed with each other, and sat and pondered the world.

And just think - they are accustomed to watching people as much as we are used  to watching them. Think of the amount of tourists who flow through their area - talking, pointing, smiling, waving, etc.

These are smart creatures - do they miss us as much as we miss them?

I fancy that they are a tad lonely - no interaction.  No tourists to turn their backs to, or to perform - do outrageous acrobatics.  I should think some scientist is doing a study right now - how does Covid-19 affect our animal friends at the zoo.

Something to think about as you wander from room to room in your home, eating from a bag of cheetos, or a healthy banana.

Happy Quarantine Monday, my friends.

Just Kidding Around

 If you've read my book, My Zoo World, then you know I'm rather afraid of animals. So we visit son, Kevin and his wife Maria's ranch about an hour away. Three of the five dogs were ready to greet us.

 cousins, Makyla and Abby, ruled the road in the John Deere 4-wheeler.

 Yep, they have pigs, too.

 Yes, I chose to have a photo taken with the cutest kid. He could scamper like crazy and was adorable. No, I didn't accept kisses.

But baby goats turn into big goats - not so cute or pretty. It was quite a day in the country - mid-70s for January is unusual weather. Ray grilled burgers and we had a good family visit.  Oooh, maybe next time, there will be a pony ride.

Book Launch

It's been a journey and an adventure both in life and publishing.
My Zoo World (If All Dogs Go to Heaven, Then I'm in Trouble) is available to buy, read, and chuckle as you turn pages.

As an animal fearing woman, Joanne Faries laughs at her acclimation to an animal loving world. She stares down swans in Sweden and a guinea pig in the washroom, but averts her eyes for the wombat in Australia.

My Zoo World is a humorous memoir of animal encounters with a twist. Among published animal tales, very few are skewed with a touch of fear and laughter on every page. Unlike books written by pet-loving authors, these chapters introduce the reader to a manic menagerie of animals: a snapping Shetland pony, a bowling ball playing pit bull, and a terrified turtle that tolerates distress. Meet Benji, the cat, Muff, the dog, and more. Friends are convinced they can overcome Joanne’s concerns with their precious pets. Join them and root for the animals as you read My Zoo World.

Enjoy!