Family Ties

"Other things may change us but we start
and end with the family" 

- Anthony Brandt

"Sisters are different flowers
from the same garden"

~ Author Unknown

Makes ya think

(I can't take the credit for these)

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5543697

I couldn't make this up if I tried

Apparently, this setup is for those instances where you wish to identify the bird who's food that pesty squirrel is stealing before you nip him in the rear with a pellet.

life's a zoo

What better way to embrace the child within us all then to take them to the zoo for the day.

Friday afternoon, that's just what we did. I am fortunate to be able to get free tickets and so I try and go at least once a year. While everything feels a little less...grande then it did as a child, it is still very cool. Even if I find myself wishing I had the ability to set them all free.



I wonder if that whole thing with elephants and peanuts is true and they love them as much as I do. Or if it's just a myth perpetuated by saturday morning cartoons. Oh, and also they supposedly are afraid of mice. If that's the case, I will just have to keep a few peanuts in my pocket for next time since we share some sort of unspoken BOND.



I actually heard a woman, eager to get a better shot, try to encourage one of these amazing cats closer with a 'HEEERE KITTY KITTY.'

Leopards don't understand people talk, lady! Duh!

I should know because he TOTALLY looked at me in a "what the HECK is up with HER?" sorta way.

Speaking of talking to me with it's eyes:



Can't you just hear her?

"Well, would you look at that. Another funny-looking mammal creature staring at me again. Well, I'll be darned. OH and that silly thing you're always flashing at me, it's annoying. Please stop."



I can just feel her sighs of boredom, the filthy glass walls offering no shelter from the constant barrage of camera flashes and pointing fingers.

Perhaps her buff boyfriend offers her some sort of comic relief like mine does.



Tell me the similarities are not just SO uncanny!






Now this guy was cool, almost prehistoric looking. What do you say, he could probably do some damage after I set him free, no?






I'm not sure why, but in spite of their brilliant colors and regal stature I still can't help but think these birds look TACKY.





Now a lawn ornament shaped like a giraffe or zebra, that's a little more subtle.




I must say, I was a tad disappointed with the penguin exhibit. I guess after seeing an influx of movies like March of the Penguins and Happy Feet, I was expecting a mass of hundreds standing in a huddle, conversing.

another journey

This is my absolute favorite time of year! You will be hard pressed to find me indoors when the weather is so gorgeous. I'll go for a long run or take a bike to the Perkiomen trail, whatever moves me. As long as I'm exerting some sort of energy and the sun is on my back, I'm in heaven.

Wes lives literally blocks from the trail and we take great advantage of this. Saturday was especially beautiful so we decided to take a leisurely hike. We parked his car at the beginning of the trail in Green Lane, packed a few necessities like water and fruit and began our trek. Granted, most of the trails were through residential areas with houses lining the path - but you have to start somewhere! We plan on hiking the Appalachian in a few weeks so this was a good preparation. 

I have to say, I am completely in my element out there. With the sun peaking through the trees, embracing my shoulders with its warmth, accentuating the lush green of the untouched earth off in the distance. Birds cross my path with exuberance, their quiet determination reminding me of the freedom that comes with exploration.

Gods creation is absolutely amazing to me! From the pattern of the sky between the crook of a branch, to the tiny flecks of gold in a birds eye, no details were forgotten. How truly thankful I am for a God who has surrounded me with constant proof of the magnitude of His love.

Beware of warts

This handsome fella is only one of about a dozen frogs who've taken up residence in Wes's backyard. Aint he cool? I mean, I won't touch him for anything but I sure like to make him uncomfortable by staring at him from some six inches away. I wonder what he's thinking. Or IF he's thinking, for that matter.


(For a closer look, click on his picture and see if you can tell what he's thinking.)

On the many items on Wes's long list of home improvements comes the transformation of the stanknasty pit that is his backyard pond. Him and his brother spent a messy day chasing down the ponds inhabitants so they could temporarily transplant them to new homes while they cleaned house. 

All I can say is thank God for brothers because I was spared assisting him with that project.