Friday, April 27, 2012

Monster Mishaps and some Dolphins

I finished my first monster last night and I have nothing to show you.  You see I made it from Lion Brand Yarn Baby's First and it did not turn out well.  I really don't like the yarn, it splits so easily.  I tried to free form it, and let me just say I am not an artist in any way, shape or form.  And well , there was one big problem.  While free forming the arms yesterday, I realized they looked a bit like a male anatomy part.  Yes, I said it.  Well after that thought was in my head I couldn't get it out.  Even after I crocheted a thumb on it.   You bet, my mind is in the gutter.  I took it to knitting today and it did not come home with me.  One of my knitting friends thought it was so hysterical she begged me for it, what could I do?  I couldn't give it to a baby that is for sure.  So I have no picture of monster number 1, you can use your imagination. Even though monster number 1 did not turn out, I am sticking to my word and will have another 9 squares completed on my vest before monster number 2 gets started.
 My youngest and I had a Friday field trip to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium today.  Located just a hop, skip and a jump from Clearwater Beach.  This lovely young man above is Nicolas the baby of the aquarium.  We got to watch the trainers working with him and it was so much fun.  He seemed to be so happy and appeared to love the interaction.  The Marine Center is the home to many marine animals that can not survive in the wild anymore.  The ones that can be rehabilitated are kept in other areas, away from humans.  There is an ICU, and surgery rooms.  It really is an amazing place. 
 The Clearwater Marine Center is home to Winter the famous dolphin of the movie A Dolphin's Tale.  Winter lost her tail when it became tangled in  a crab trap rope.  She was found in this area and was rushed to the Marine Center where her tail had to be amputated.  Winter was very small and very ill when she arrived, she was quickly adopted by another Dolphin Panama.  Winter has a prosthetic devise that helps her swim like a dolphin, she wears it several hours a day.  When it is not on she swims more like a fish, which was causing her back to deteriorate.  She also meets with disabled children and war veterans who have had amputations.  Story after story is in our local paper about how Winter has had such a positive affect on these people.  You can learn more at Seewinter.com

  The center also rehabs turtles  and otters.  One turtle we saw had  paralysis of his hind legs.  His behind just floated on top of the water.  I could not get a picture of him as he was outside and in the shade of the tank.
 I can't remember the dolphin's name above, but I do remember the story about him.  He was stranded and got severe sun burns, you can see the scars above.  Volunteers had to hold him in the water for days, it was very touch and go for a while.
One of the otters was hit by a car trying to cross the road.  Partially paralyzed he can't go back in the wild.  So he lives here educating all of us.  Look what was in his area, a crocheted blanket!!!  Even the otter is feeling the crochet love.

Happy Weekend.

28 comments:

Gracie Saylor said...

Your first monster making tale inspired me to LOL a lot! And the report about your visit to the marine center was so interesting. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

Awww ... otter has a cute blanket.

As for your questions:

Golf was not so good. Greg was 9 over at the end. But, WE had a good time visiting with him and the rest of the family. They live in Philadelphia so this was an unexpected and much enjoyed visit.

The shop you don't like --- was it one I mentioned a little while ago?
I guess ALL shops can have their moments, but with so many to choose from ... I'll go where I can get a large selection AND good service. I think you probably agree. LOL

Unknown said...

I swear this was on our list for a visit. But, the sun was shining and the beach and pool were calling. I'm sure we will be there again next year and will try to make it. Glad you had a fun day with the young one. I so miss my Florida weather already, but glad to have gotten back home. Have a great weekend.

Petunia Pill said...

You're a naughty, naughty girl!

kathy b said...

I want to go to the Clearwater Marine center now!! What a wonderful post. I LOVED FLIPPER.

Your monster bash is hysterical. I love when we admit our knitting/crocheting disasters, cause we all have them!

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

That is too funny Meredith! Maybe your next one will turn out better...lol. I love dolphins! ~Hugs, Patti

Lillie and Moss said...

Thanks for sharing your story! You made me feel like I was right there with you...precious little things! I could watch them all day long...Sorry about the monster..LOL.. try again!
:)
Shari

Annaboo's House said...

Oh, tee hee! I bet that monster was hysterical!
Xx

Kristen said...

Such beautiful photos of the dolphins! They look like they're smiling, I love that. And the fact that the otters have a crocheted blanket totally made my day.

I am imagining such wild things, monster-wise. ;)

Annie Cholewa said...

I'm here giggling away at the monster story, and in awe of the dolphin one. What an incredible creature and how wonderful that it is possible to fit a dolphin with a prosthetic!

moonstruckcreations said...

I would so love to see a dolphin, especially one as special as this one.

Helenxx

Anonymous said...

I recently bought that same monster book and I'm looking forward to doing my own monster soon. Hopefully I can try to avoid the arm problem...At least you had a friend with enough humor to give him a home! And thank you for sharing all of your pretty Florida animals with us! The stories are sad, but it is encouraging to know they have a place where they can be safe and cared for. I particularly love the otter!
~Lacey

kathy b said...

Mere

I definitely won't forget my blog friends....you are all wonderful

Stitchy Mc Floss said...

A great post with lots of wonderful pictures.

The monster thing still has me cracking up. Don't sweat it, we all have made things like that, we just haven't been brave enough to blog about it. :) But you have inspired me, so the next time I create a "monster" I will slap it right up on the pages of my blog!

Wishing you a wonderful day. :)

Susanne Tyree said...

LOL about your monster, I recall years ago trying to teach my husband to crochet. He started making one of those silly nose warmers and he kept crocheting round and round and yeah, it no longer looked like anything you would want to stick on the end of your nose. He held it up and we both cracked up, LOL. Needless to say, it got ripped apart and he said he didn't want to crochet anyways.
It is awesome that there are places that cater to and care for injured animals. I really think it is our duty to protect wild life and be responsible to do what we can especially if humans are the cause of these injuries. Yes they can teach us a lot, and also teach us to be aware of animals in "their" habitat.
Susanne :)

MaryMargaret said...

I am so sorry that your monster turned out rather phallic. Definitely not appropriate for a baby, I agree. :) Good luck with your next attempt, and thanks for sharing the stories from the aquarium- it looks like you guys had a great time!

Unknown said...

Wow i adore turtles what a great place and to be able to see them up close like that. sorry you monster turned out wrong at least you had a go ;-) dee x

Unknown said...

Wow i adore turtles what a great place and to be able to see them up close like that. sorry you monster turned out wrong at least you had a go ;-) dee x

Teresa Kasner said...

Now I really wish you'd taken a photo of that arm so we could give you our opinions on what it looked like. C'mon.. get your friend to photograph it for us. :-)

That aquarium visit looked like you learned a lot - good for kids to learn to protect our sea creatures.
((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Kris said...

Well, you had me cracking up at your description of your latest make!!! I am dying to see a picture!! How fun to visit the aquarium! I love places like that. We love to go to Sea World. We enjoyed the movie about Winter.
: ) Kris

Rizzi said...

YOU ARE SO FUNNY....I AM TRYING TO PICTURE IT.....AND THEN I LAUGH SOME MORE.....GOOD LUCK WITH THE NEXT ONE.....YOUR TRIP LOOKS SO FUN AND REFRESHING......RIZZI

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Ha! I'd love to see that monster. I've been in such a funk of late. No crafting or crocheting going on at all. This was the first good laugh I've had all day. :) How lovely to spend time with the dolphins and other animals. That otter is one lucky little critter to have such a pretty crocheted blanket. Hope you have a great week. Tammy

JCDiTaranto said...

Good luck making a G-rated monster next time! Love the pictures from the aquarium.

Rose Red said...

Great photos, what an interesting and inspiring place to visit.

Can't wait to see Monster #2!

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Meredith, Seems like everyone wants to see Monster #!, your story is so funny! Can't wait to see #2!
xoRobin❤

momto8 said...

I must not have a very good imagination...I can't imagine that monster #1...pretty funny!
What an amazing place for animals..bet there are a lot of loving people working there...

Pradeepa said...

If you had shared a photo of your monster may be we could have had a nice laugh.

Toni said...

LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rats--maybe your friend could take a picture of that monster for you.......or you could put a link to it with some "adult knitters only" disclaimers..........:)