Virtual Madagascar: Tsimbazaza Zoo

 

Okay...admit it...

When you first saw this you heard King Julian off the Disney film singing

"...we like to move it...move it..."

Yeah...me too.

sigh

Welcome to the Botanical and Zoological Park...located in Tsimbazaza...in Tana.

 

Opened in 1990...now thirty years old...it began as a small botanical garden in 1925. Still very small it now has examples of the indigenous flora and fauna as well as a small museum with skeletons of long extinct mammals and birds and artifacts from the area.

Tsimbazaza Zoo upon Entry.

And Lemur Island.

Tour of the Park

https://youtu.be/EG2VWwea8mw

Sadly, the gardens and pond are the best of this tiny zoo.

 

Most of it involving small cramped wire cages with rather scruffy looking animals.

Not at all what I expected. 

Next time we will explore the animals and plants in the wild here...

 

More (and better) Anon...

(...after today's surprising visit I went to the reviews of this park...poorly kept and depressing were the general consensus...so at least I am not alone in my feelings...this is a Third World Zoo and cleanliness was also found lacking...)

 

 

The First Presidential Debate 2020

 

and OMG...what a shit show.

Absolutely embodies 2020 as a year.

With the exception of the VP Debate on the 7th...I'm done. 

(and voting for Joe)

Not going to subject myself to anymore of Trump's lies, mocking or outbursts.

As far as I am concerned last night was just more proof that the man does not have the manners, demeanor or self-control to hold ANY office...much less the highest office in the land.

I actually found myself feeling sorry for Chris Wallace (moderator) last night...who by the end of the debate was probably feeling a bit shell-shocked himself.

" ...maybe next time a mute button...or maybe a shock collar..." 

The contrast between the two candidates could not have been any clearer last night. 

If you are still on the fence or undecided...you cannot be helped.

(and maybe you should not vote)

 

This Week's Cup

Week's end...and I've dragged out an unfinished Fall Painting which I've come to call The Five Year painting because this is the fifth year I've been puttering with it.

Each Fall I bring it out...lose interest in it...then return it to storage for another year. Last year I almost did an overpaint.  I think this year may be the year I add a branching Sycamore in the left foreground...some crunchy fall leaves and detail in some grasses and be done with it. 

I'm kind of sick of looking at it, honestly.

A painted version of writer's block.

Anyway, it is out and going to work on it a bit this weekend!

This weekend.

Reserved for good food, bubble baths, books, painting, blogging, and maybe a nap or three with the Sofi-Cat.

And football, of course.

Sofi...finally out of heat.

Going from "I love EVERYBODY" to "...seriously, I am just tolerating all of you..." in the blink of an eye.

She is my baby, though.

Worried about her today. She has just been...off. Doesn't want to be disturbed. Hiding out in her cat nest in my room. 

"...I WANT to be left alone..."

So I am.

Quite unSofilike.

 

(update: She emerged this afternoon saying HEY..You have any of that food left? And seems to be okay.)

 Brenda has recovered, and was over yesterday. We enjoyed brunch...fixed pintos and bacon and cornbread, sweet tea and peach pie- and caught up. Our friend, Diane, still in Florida caring for her 90 y/o mom who just got out of the hospital (post-Covid). She is far too weak at this point to be left alone. We are all staying in touch by phone.

Chris was over last night until late...also catching up.

Chatting about life, and school, and politics, and Covid, and brought me one of his new projects to check out...

 

His latest creation...a blue popper for fly-fishing.

 

 

The next natural progression from fly-fishing. Learning to tie your own poppers and flies. Love the tying tool kit. Has to make it so much easier.

Taking his latest creation out to the stream today.

James and Nicole and the kids are on the mend...and Lennon and his grand...still Covid Free- despite the fact is governor is an idiot.

 

John also doing some end-of-the-season fishing and checking in on our Duck Lovers.

She, a white Peking...unceremoniously dumped lakeside this Summer. 

He...a smitten Mallard.

And they have been inseparable for months now. 

Where ever she is...he is close behind. Even running other Mallards off.

"Hey you...get away from my woman!!!"

 

Duck Butts.

"Look honey, I found something delicious!"

The ladies at the Conservation Club are building her a snug box for winter...and we are all secretly wondering if he will abandon his wild ways and stay with her as the snow flies...or leave with the other wild ducks during migrating.

We're pulling for duck love.

We will see.

She will be lost if he migrates.

The early turn out of the election is looking good.

And gives me hope!

The Covid is still at plague proportions.

32 Million Globally infected, and closing in one 1 million deaths.

Many countries overseas including Europe already seeing the beginning of the second wave.

In the US we haven't even seen the end of the first one yet. This does not bode well...and many many will die when the second arrives.

Meanwhile, DeSantis has opened restaurants and bars in Florida to 100% capacity.

Yeah...how could THAT possibly go wrong?

 

Stay Safe...

 Enjoy your Weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virtual Madagascar: Getting there...and what is first...

 Flights to Madagascar are primarily from London Heathrow...to Narobi and over night to Tana.  Alternatively, Paris Air France to the 11 hour Air Madagascar flight.

This is virtual, so a few clicks of the mouse and we are there!

(...and we haven't had to bother with what people refer to as Air Chance...a riff on the name as there is only a CHANCE you will ever see your luggage again...)

 

We start at the capital city of Antananarivo.

 

The first thing we notice is the urban sprawl...something I did not expect. The lake in the center is Lake Anosy.

 

The cluster upon cluster of houses remind me of untidy oysterbeds...pushing upward and out to accommodate the growing masses.  They are literally on top of each other.

But. like most major cities, a constant of civilization is the appearance of   Mahamamina Stadium.

 

 

Tour of Tana

https://youtu.be/2KStfwHGYUU

Independent of France in 1960...Tana has been around since the 17th Century.

Tana being the city's colonial nickname.

 There are historical Royal palaces...the stadium and Tsimbazaza Zoo as well. 

 

Which will be our next "place to explore" on this virtual journey.

Until then...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virtual Madagascar: Overview

Welcome to our Fall Virtual Adventure.

The 4th Largest Island in the world, Madagascar is filled with animals and plants found nowhere else. 

It is 250 miles off the coast of Africa...but is technically owned by France. 

It covers 228,900 sq. miles and has many peripheral islands surrounding it. 

The languages spoke here are Malagasy and French.

 Most of the religion observed here is a mash up of local tradition, and Christianity.

The geography runs the gamut. Deserts, Tropical Beaches, Mountains, Forests, and Plains. 

They have it all.

The climate is basically the wet/dry season.  Thank goodness, we have chose the Dry Season for our visit. The wet season has torrential monsoons and often flooding.

We set forth on Thursday!

 

 Come Along!!!

 

 

 

 

September's Sisters Day...Shagbark Hickory Syrup and Tea...and The Death of an Icon

 Finally, the construction guys have LEFT...and a return of a bit of peace, quiet and calm.

Not completely because

A. They will be back to rip out the cabinets and install new ones, later.

B. Sofi decided THIS would be a good week (...well, four days...) to go into heat.

"...because I LOVE everybody right now...even you, duffel-bag!"  ~Sofi

Chilly this morning. Definitely hot cocoa and sweater weather. The Colts play The Vikings at 1...and The Patriots play tonight!

Making a small pot of pintos with cornbread...and hot egg custard with nutmeg for afters.

Home smells like a woodstove right now...but more about that later.

Yesterday was September's Sisters Day!

Everything centered around Shagbark Hickory.

Who knew...you can teach an old dog new tricks.

A buddy of mine taught me about looking for Shagbarks (particularly  those with dead tops) to find morels...and yes...this really works...

And I love hickory nuts! 

But I had never realized all the ways they can be utilized.

Luckily our youngest sister, Tina, did.

Well-scrubbed harvested Shagbark...single layered on a baking tray and in the oven at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.

It smells amazing while baking...and the house smells like you heat by woodstove.

Better than any Yankee Candle!

The baked bark can be then boiled for 30 minutes to make a smoky spicy flavored hot tea...or

Sugar added to form a simple syrup...then boiled to thicken to make a wonderful pancake/waffle syrup...which can be then added to BBQ sauce for meats.

Or you can sweeten the hot tea with it.

Or you can use the tea...add oils and spices as an overnight marinade for pork.

And boiled down without sugar you have Liquid Smoke to add to dishes.

We made waffles, sausages and Mimosas for brunch...trying the hot tea later.

(...we may have made it too strong...)

Lisa's comment

"It tastes like sticking a piece of burned firewood in your mouth."

 

It was kind of like drinking a mug of SMOKE.

(...back to the drawing board...)

 We had a wonderful day together. Learned there was an easier way to shell hickory nuts (boiling water), caught up,  talked politics and kids, men and life, then made our plans for October's Sister's Day.

 

Politics. 

 Friday night, we lost another icon. 

                           Supreme Court Justice: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Who...for those too young to remember...hasn't always been old.

Because of this woman's activism, as women we were able to have our own credit, our own bank accounts, our own voice in pregnancy, and many other things the next generation of women take for granted. 

Before Ruth, a woman was basically "property" to her husband after marriage.

Imagine.

Yeah...no

Possibly even Hell No.

She will be missed.

James and Nicole and all the kids are sick.

Lennon has been dodging Tropical Storms and Hurricanes.

And when he is not doing classwork, Chris has been fly-fishing.

 

Brenda has nearly beaten Covid...still needs one more negative test...then we are planning a celebratory brunch together and maybe some Fall Shopping.

Loretta's facility is testing EVERYONE next week en masse, so that will be good.

My sister from a different mister, Diane, in West Palm Beach (married to Sal) showed me his new extreme make-over look. From quiet Jewish Guy to Total Badass!

You did good.

I'm loving the whole Breaking Bad vibe.

Still needs a Harley Shirt.

Angie is recuperating from her second sugery...and will be down probably another 4-5 weeks. Sue is minding The Shoppe, and the guys have been helping a lot at home. Che reports "I never knew there was so much you had to do, Mom!"

Diane Y. is still in Orlando, Florida for the foreseeable future...but her Mom beat Covid and has made it out of the hospital...so she will be staying until Mom is stronger.

John (mine) made Guy of the Year last night by sending me a delivery pizza and soda late after my sisters left...and I was wiped out too much to even think about cooking.  But hungry.

Love ya, Guy!

Can't wait for our October Adventure.

Not much longer.

No movie this week...but thoroughly engaged in a re-read of Ken Follett's 

Pillars of the Earth (1989)

which I have not read for years...

And WHY? 

Because Follett is releasing a prequel to the hefty tome called

And I have slept a lot since 1989.

Looking forward to it!

And after seeing this...I now know they have taken the whole pumpkin-spice thing a bit too far.

 

 Going to start the beans and sink into a hot bath while they bubble away!

Have a Great Weekend!

Post-Script:

The Colts beat the Vikings...and are now 1-1

The Chiefs bested the Chargers in OT and are still undefeated!!!

And watching Cam Newton (formerly of the Panthers) who has Tom Brady's place as the QB of New England Patriots, now play the Seahawks.

Still wrapping my brain around the fact 

Cam Newton

Starting QB  for NE Patriots.

Somewhere in penthouse boxes above them...aghast, disbelieving old white men are gasping and clutching their chests.

GOOD...

(...sometime the next day...)

Okay...three games in one day MAY be too much football. 

                                   Just saying.

But the game between the Seahawks and the Patriots was possibly the best edge of your seater, I have seen in a long long time.

Both teams started the night undefeated.

They were well matched and gave no quarter.

In the last 4 seconds of the 4th Quarter with only 2 yards to go...it was still anybodies game!!!

Wow!

The Seahawks won.

Russell Wilson was on fire last night.

And Cam will have NE saying shortly

 

"Tom who???"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Fall's Virtual Adventure: Madgascar

 Ready for Fall's Virtual Adventure?

The island country of  Madagascar is located in the Indian Ocean about 250 miles off the African coastline.

Since next year I am planning to spend the entire year exploring the 54 countries of Africa (virtually )...the island seemed a logical choice.

The itinerary more or less as follows:

 

An overview of the island.

 

Exploring the flora and fauna. Some of which is found nowhere else in the world.

 

Culture/people.

 

Beaches and geography.

 

Local language.

 

Local Cuisine.  

 

And pretty much whatever else captures my attention there between now and the end of November. 

Join me!

More anon...

 

PSTD....A Midweek Mental Health Break...And More

Yeah...

This has been the past 10 days.

And Sofi is now suffering from PTSD...where a knock on the door leaves her scrambling to get beneath the sofa.

Maybe me too...

The good news is...it is nearly over.

The bad news...several days to go.

The entire week filled with knocked out walls, replaced water lines, removed tiles, tub, low water pressure, construction workers...9 of them at one count...loudness, chaos and disarray.

By day 7 of this insanity John whisked me away.

(...thank god...)

My knight in a Black "Godfather Racing" Dodge Charger....lol

A relaxing break in perfectly clean surroundings with piles of fluffy towels and a deep tub.

BUBBLES!

And being able to just lay and soak and wash my filthy hair and unwind.

By the time my bath was over and I was toweled off, he had gone to a local steakhouse and brought back Filet Mignon (for himself) and a huge Prime Rib for me...with all the sides...which we ate...right there in bed.

Slept in a nest of pillows and fresh white sheets...like a rock.

(...except for that 11 PM business...okay???)

Until an hour before checkout.

Feeling so spoiled.

Thank you, love.

You SAVED me.

It made the rest of the week a bit more tolerable.
The mess less "messy"

Feeling a LOT more human.

Of course, the crew was still here when we came back.

They were here from 9 AM until 8:30 PM last night.

Quite frankly, I don't know how people deliberately do remodels and live in their home while they are doing them.
I would die.

But little by little the apartment is coming back together.
Postponed the Fall Decorating until they are finished.
Also Amber.

(...no point...)

Tina and Lisa and I,  have rescheduled our Sisters Day until next Saturday.

By then, it will be done.

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jury is still out on replacing the cabinets...but I now have completely new bathroom  walls,  wall tile and tub...water lines throughout...from my washer and dishwasher ...sink...refrigerator and of course, bathroom.

There are access panel holes (8 or 9) that still need to be closed and repainted...but the new hoses should ensure flood free living for the remainder of my life/years here.

I can't tell you how wonderful that feels!

Anyway, that has been MY week.

Football is back with Mahomes and the KC Chiefs winning their first home game of the season.

The Colts play tomorrow  (The Jaguars...there)

And a neat face off between Brees (Saints) and Brady (Buccaneers) both quarterbacks over 40...Sunday at 4.

Planning on making a round of homemade bread and a pot of chili...and relaxing with football and the cat.

Go Drew!!!!

 (...Monday, they will be back...)

Chris and Tina stopped in last night for a while.

She will be doing the home Colts games with the ambulance crew as an EMT...and has already been doing some work at their training camp.

He is enjoying classes and excited about college and fishing a lot during his downtime...

Teaching himself to fly-fish.

James has been doing a lot of Construction, and unwinding with his guitar.

Nicole and the Grands busy with home life and school.

And Lennon has been working hard, and bought his grandmother a mobility scooter for her 90th birthday, helping her learn to use it!

Settling in for a relaxing rest-of-the-weekend now...

Planning the Fall Virtual Adventure.

"They are gone, Mom...they're finally gone!!!" 
                                                                 ~Sofi