Some shopping, the zoo, and great friends

Having the girls home with me on a long weekend while Ken is out of town was something I had planned for. Labor Day weekend meant craft sales, and Joann's had a great one: the DMC floss that I use for 4 for $1. Prices on the floss haven't been that low in a while, and it gave Taylor and Mandy time to roam the store hoping to find things they desperately needed to add to their wish list. 

I stocked up on floss and grabbed a couple other items that I needed, and then we went over to the Hesperia Zoo.  Yes, I know! I say the same thing every time I see their ad, and I always remember that we have a zoo nearby and wouldn't it be great to take the girls. So, in the spirit of keeping them too busy to fight and argue, we went to the zoo.  

Now, the ads for the zoo always say, "Just off the 15." Well, it turns out that it's closer to our home than it is the freeway. We arrived just a few minutes after the hour which is when they do their tours, but we lucked out and they hadn't started yet. I was also glad that I had the foresight to grab some cash and was happy I did because they do not accept credit or debit cards. Whew!  I also paid for the large bucket of animal food so the girls could feed some animals while we were there which resulted in my capturing a true smile from Mandy - a rare treat these days.

As soon as we walked outside, we saw a baby deer on the porch. The girls oohed and ahhed over her, and then it was off to see what other animals were there. They had the typical teenaged deer, sheep, goats, and then a llama, and an alpaca. The girls squealed with delight as the animals ate the food from their hands.

The tour started, and while the zoo looked very small, there was a nice assortment of animals. There wasn't a lot, and the zoo was mostly chain link fence with a little ambiance, but considering I didn't have to do a lot of traveling, it was working.

Jordan wanted to pet every animal no matter how tame or scary it appeared. I was doing a very good job at listening and forgot to take pictures until we got to the big cats. That was when I remembered that we were at a place that had big animals.  Our tour guide, Chris, was very well informed and added humor to his routine. He was patient with the crying baby, and happy to answer my girls' millions of questions.

And again, there were the big cats. I was surprised that they had 4 of them - two orange Bengels and two white ones. I loved watching them even though only two wanted to play. They were fairly calm and happy to show off. It seems that my love of the tiger hasn't waned at all.

The lion did not want to show off, and it was difficult getting a good picture of him through two different cages, and I was really bummed that the cougar didn't want to wake up, but it was over 90*, so I couldn't blame her for resting.

Jordan lost her mind at the lemurs and the baboon.  I was very surprised at how well-trained the baboon was. He thoroughly entertained and he loved the attention.

Once we left the zoo, I had to stop by Martin and Kathy's to get my candles from her. I'm glad that I ordered the tapers since the season will be changing soon, and the girls really love supper by candlelight. We stayed with them for a while and chatted. The girls played with Holly, and then their stomachs caused us to have to get some lunch and head home.  

I had some time to put my stash away before I showered and got ready to go out with Michael and Barbara.  Michael couldn't go hunting since he's been helping Dave get to and from the City of Hope, and Barbara and I thought it would be fun to get together while our men were hunting together.  Barbara's sister Nancy came with us, and Michael treated his harem of women to the Italian Kitchen for supper.  We loved every moment, and he refused to allow anyone to help pay. I have asked to get copies of the pictures that he took of us, and hopefully he won't hold out on me.

Michael finally got a picture to me in December - but at least I now have it! 

Everyone came over to our house after we ate since I had the girls here. We spent some time on the back porch chatting and having a great time. Michael and I enjoyed a cigar, and we women enjoyed the wine that he brought.  It was just before midnight when everyone left, and I crawled my tired butt into bed.

It's been pathetic for me to sleep since Ken has been gone, and I have been told they are going to try to be home by tonight....oh the joy at the thought, but I'll reserve my excitement in case they decide they want to try one more hunt in the morning and THEN come home.