August 9th, 2015

We went to the Oregon Zoo today. Jen took us behind the scenes!

Joel and I met Oshi. He is a Toucan who used to be a pet, but his owner realized that he needed a better environment and the zoo took him in. We got to throw him blueberries.

Yup, that's his tongue!

Bebeto was feeling shy today, he didn't want to to have his photo taken or eat peanuts from us.

We did get to get up close to the Hydrosaurus.

This is the new little girl Hydrosaur. I can't remember her name right now....

 
Ferdinand let me take some close-ups!

To the insects! (These didn't come out as well as I wanted.)

a young male lubber's grasshopper

Australian walking stick

adult male Brazilian cockroach

juvenile Brazilian cockroach

Yay! Grasshopper!!

Here is Clyde. She is performing in the Wildlife Live show.

A hippo:

My favorite snoozing lizard:

He woke up for a second.

We had a fun day!

Thanks Jen for letting us behind the scenes!

July 11th, 2015

It was a very cool day. It was a nice break from the heat. I think these bumble bees were caught out in the cold. (at least I hope that is why they were very lethargic!) I offered them some water, they eventually flew away.

This one didn't seem able to put her tongue back in her mouth.

There was also a lady bug!

More wild teasel was blooming. It certainly is a strange plant....

There was a thistle:

a daisy:

and Queen Ann's Lace (Daucus carota, at least I think it is.....)

And hooray! Our friend Ian came for a visit! He moved to Portland about a month ago. It was good to finally see him!

July 9th, 2015

There is a hedge (I guess it is a hedge, I don't know what is really is.....) outside our apartment. I don't know what insect does it, but it makes me laugh, most of the leaves have one circular hole in them.

There is an oak tree too.

I found this neat molt from an unknown insect. It is very tiny, probably about 2-4 mm.

Hope you have a great night!

April 22nd 2014

It was raining much harder then I thought this morning.... well played mother nature.... well played.

Anyway..... I found this this morning, I was concerned at first there was someone in trouble, but is was just blankets. I am still a little disturbed......

I know everyone was just waiting for more photos of raindrops on flowers and leaves!

I was pretty excited that I found an insect.

The tree that was cut down yesterday had some interesting rings..... the middle part was very red.

I am still struggling with my decision to move, not only because moving is such a pain and downsizing is daunting, but because my decision has negatively impacts my boss. She is a good friend, we are almost sister like in our interactions. Seeing her struggle to replace me is pretty difficult.

And the thought of leaving Inky behind breaks my heart. I know she will be cared for and very happy, but she is very dear to me and I wish I could keep her close.