Grey Gulls Zoo

For those of you who are reading this with no knowledge of Fishers Island, we are in Long Island Sound, off the coast of Connecticut and actually part of New York State. That is just the beginning of the confusion. We live on our family property, currently holding over 20 residents "on campus". This year is a trial run. Since the 1950s my paternal grandparents have made this our summer home from Memorial Day to Labor Day. While we have gained 14 great grandchildren-with #15 on its way in Sept-last summer we lost the Matriach, the Queen Bee, the most adoring and elegant Gram! So we have been here for over 3 weeks. And we have had an AMAZING summer. The creatures are indulging in all the activities I did as a child. Tennis, swimming, body surfing, boat rides, ice cream, naps, tag, red rover, beach picnics, rainy day puzzles, sleepovers. They are having the time of there lives! And so am I.
It seems that some days I have to pinch myself...am I the grown up or the child? Who are all these creatures and why are they calling me Momo??? We occasionally have to grab each other and let the tears flow as something triggers a memory, a rose, a kleenex, a flower vase.The mere sight of the next generation racing across the lawn is enough to make even a stranger shed a tear. lucky us.
Tomorrow night we will attempt what Gram did best. Host a party. Little Michael to us, and now "Mike" to his bride, Meg, will be the guests of honor. THEY ARE ENGAGED! We are so grateful for the sunshine that Meg brings us, and the opportunity for us to celebrate!!
with gratitude,
the zookeeper

Shark Tale

There is so much I need to say about Fishers, that I am going to wait until tomorrow. So tonight, here's a fun memory. 11 years ago today, Shark asked me out on a date. In minor league baseball team terms this means calling a girl at 11:30pm and asking her if she wants to meet the guys out. At Stormin's. I remember thinking that I should say my parents would never allow that, but instead I may or may not have worn overalls (yikes) and headed out to meet the guys. The rest is history.
kisses from the Zookeeper

fishers island zoo

Grey gulls, grey goose, grey hair....made it. Love it. Mean it. No more. Blog updates from itouch. Zookeeper drove too much. Details from my soon to be charged laptop. Going techno here on the rock.
Kisses from the road warriors!

Chapin, South Carolina Zoo

The Owl and I packed up the creatures and headed north! the guys were amazing! We stopped 4 times amd made it in great time! Bear asked after we had been in the car "When are we getting to the airport?" what?????? We are on a road trip! Ahhhhh! We were so lucky to stay at the Barnwells, go for a boat ride, delicious dinner, and a swim in a lake! Plus we got to love little bit, see purple martins and a for real hummingbird! Plus a mommy duck and ducklings! Thank you for the hospitality Barnwells!
kisses from a happy zookeeper!

Caterpillar or Butterfly

In honor of my dear friend, my pet project, my errand runner, my go to cake maker, my late night buddy-I am trying to give out a name. Beleive it or not, my friends want zoo names. I try to tell them that it just happens and I can't control when it will. Tonight is one of those nights were it just did. I have watched this girl go through a literal hell. Battling addiction is HELL on earth. But with grace, style, perseverence and determination my wounded little catepillar has come out of her cocoon and is now a beautiful butterfly. Congratulations on your three years of sobriety, keep up the good fight, and know the creatures love you a million billion.
And to everyone else out there who is letting life pass you by, help a friend who really needs it at least once in your lifetime. It will come back to you in spades.
kisses from a PROUD Zookeeper

Happy Father's Day Shark!

I swear I don't know how I get so far behind, but summer is really fun! Shark is back in town and we are enjoying lots of beach days!!! The creatures are wearing themselves out in sun and surf, and life is good!
The Menlo Park Zoo arrives tomorrow eve and we will have a complete Father's Day with all Dads present!
Happy Father's Day especially to Giraffe Daddy, it is so awesome that Shark's best friend reads this! THANK YOU!
and to all you other Dads.....have a GREAT DAY!!!
PS. I am going to try to not tell Shark what to do tomorrow (for about 15 minutes). Isn't that a nice gift?

Mommy Camp

My calendar says real camp starts tomorrow...it's been real and it's been fun, but I am not sure it has been really fun. Shark is back out in his native Pacific waters and do to the time change and his schedule, we are only texting. Hope I dont buy a new house or cut my hair any shorter while he is gone. kidding, sorta. I think it is safe to say that he is too busy to read my blog...
Shout out to the Tampa Zoo! Happy Birthday to the King of the Creatures, our number one of the next generation, and all around great kid! And to the Turtle and her husband Happy Anniversary...you make it all look easy-we are impressed!
One more announcement to Mr and Mrs William Henry (aka one of my 4 followers..GREAT wedding..it was gorgeous and so are you! Make Valdora follow me too...I love her!
kisses from the zoo