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.