Sunday, May 1, 2016

The Zoo and the South Bay Shawlette......


Yesterday morning Little Buddy and I had a little adventure at our local zoo.  He was very excited to go and, "wake up" the animals.  Apparently most of the animals were still asleep when we got there because many of the exhibits were empty.


We did see this guy, a Sloth Bear.  He was pacing about like most animals do in the zoo.  I am not entirely happy with zoo's.  I have a hard problem keeping animals out of their natural habitat.  In our Zoo there are many conservation efforts to help animal populations and such so that makes it at least a little better for me.


Little Buddy did lots of walking around with his walker while I pushed his stroller just in case it was needed.   He is not the best driver, often becoming distracted and veering into peoples pathway.  Much talking occurred telling him to watch out, and be careful.  Once we saw this train it was all over, we did not venture far from here.  I won't inundate you with the 500 photos I took of him being a train conductor, he was so happy.


The train had a pathetically short track, twice around and the ride stopped.  He went on it four times.  Then we saw another ride, oh boy was he excited.


There were all sorts of vehicles to choose from on this little roller coaster.  I asked him three separate times which vehicle he wanted to go on and this was his car of choice.  We watched the ride go up, over and down.  He appeared ready to go until I put him in the car and backed away.  Look at that face!  The crying began and well I just could not get him settled.  He was hot, tired from all the walking and I think frustrated as he wanted to go on the ride but couldn't make himself.  It seemed like a good time to leave before a full blown crying session settled in.  We made it two whole hours, but luckily if you buy a ticket you can go back the rest of the year for free.  I think we will be heading back very soon to see the rest of the zoo and ride the train again.  Hopefully next time I won't be trying to navigate a crying boy in a stroller, a diaper bag, purse, camera and walker on my way out.
   

This is my first selfie with Little Buddy, well actually my first selfie ever.  We were on the Carousel sitting on a bench.  He would not sit on any of the animals.  Yes friends this is what I really look like on most days, hair pulled back, no make up and lots of wrinkles, no photos editing I am letting you see it how it really is.  His face makes me laugh.  I am glad I caught us before all of the crying began. 


As far as creating goes, I have made a wee bit of progress on my two current projects.  My little lamb car project is moving along at a snails pace but still progress has been made.  Remember this is the wonderful pattern by Alicia of Posie Gets Cozy.  You can find the pattern information on her sidebar.


I decided to try my beautiful silk yarn with the South Bay Shawlette pattern.  I think the shortened color repeats look better with this pattern.  You still really can't see the beauty of this yarn on the computer, maybe feeling 100% silk while crocheting with it makes it more wonderful.


I hope it blocks out well, it is a bit of a bunched up mess right now.  I am a bit hesitant to block silk,  I fear it will require a lot of sensitive work, not my normal assault with a steam iron.

Pop over to check out Lynne's and Janet'sSouth Bay Shawlette's.  They are both so beautiful and it just shows you how nice this pattern works up in different yarns.  Keep your fingers crossed my silk yarn looks as good as their finished shawls.  I can't think about frogging this silk yarn again it will just end up in the garbage bin.

I forgot to include Danette's, beautiful South Bay, too.  Have a peek I know you will agree it is gorgeous.

Hope you have a happy week.

39 comments:

mamasmercantile said...

Sounds like a wonderful adventure. Like you I am not a fan of Zoos as a general rule but some these days are really doing well with the conservation programmes, so it balances it out a little. Shame Little Buddy got a little frustrated with the ride, Wilbur is much the same he really wants to go on the rides but his fear always stands in the way. He finally mastered some of the waterslides this week so he is getting better. Love the selfie...

Teresa Kasner said...

You are such a good mom!! I enjoyed going along to the zoo with you two. I think LBs favorite things was being a railroad engineer! Be sure and tell him that Dayle drove a train for 32 years! Before that a helicopter pilot. I *love* the selfie of you both. You are wonderful. I think you look like your dad and your sister looks like your mom. :-) We're having a lazy day before we head off to our son's house -- for the last time. Argh. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Karen said...

It was nice visiting the zoo with you. If it ever stops snowing here, I would like to take my granddaughter to our zoo. You look absolutely beautiful in that photo, by the way. Makeup is for amateurs! As we get older, we can trust in our inner beauty!

Caffeine Girl said...

I just love the pictures of LB in the train and car. My son was crazy about vehicles as a little boy and I remember how much joy he got out of just sitting in them!
You look gorgeous, by the way. If eyes are indeed the window to the soul, then you have an amazing soul -- but we knew that already!
The yarn does look wonderful as a South Bay Shawlette. It always feels great to match yarn to the right pattern.
Have a good week!

20 North Ora said...

Sounds like you and LB had a great time at the zoo. Our zoo is undergoing a lot of remodeling and there are so many exhibits closed down. The girls just love it and especially the train.

Have a great week.

Judy

Danette Bartelmay said...

Little Buddy looks so happy on his trip to the zoo! And I love your selfie Meredith! Good for YOU... no touch ups! You are Beautiful :-)
Because of you and Lynne I made a South Bay Shawlette that you can see on my blog as well. I am currently working on my second one. You girls have me hooked!
As always, I loved your post.
Happy day dear,
Danette

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

I'm not a fan of zoos either for that very reason. Wild animals are meant to roam, not be stuck in a small enclosed area. You would be horrified to see the zoo here. Really very sad. 2 hours sounds like a very good amount of time for Little B to be out and about seeing and doing so much. Heck, I don't blame him for being scared. You won't catch me on any crazy theme park rides, not even a kiddie rollercoaster. I think you look great. Wish I was comfortable going without makeup but my face is soooooo white! I'm sure the shawl will be great when you are all done. Happy May!

AnnieOBTextiles said...

Little Buddy looks so happy on the train and I'm sure he will remember the fun of the day rather than the frustration when he got tired. The selfie is wonderful; pure joy on Little Buddy's face and you are beautiful. I hope the shawl blocks well, it looks like a lovely pattern. Have a good week. X

Chris said...

Nice selfie!! You are looking good kiddo! Well a couple of hours at the zoo is a big trip and so much excitement to be had. Train rides are always the best. Your South Bay looks terrific!! And with Silk yarn- so pretty and Drapey. Silk is a pretty tough Fibre. Hope you have time to do some knitting or crocheting tonight!

Danette Bartelmay said...

So sweet of you to include me Dear Friend :-)

linda said...

It sounds like you both had a fun time at the zoo, Little Buddy looks so happy on that train, it's good you can use the tickets again it means you can visit just a small part of it each time you go so he won't get so tired. That's a lovely picture of you both, you have a lovely face Meredith who needs makeup anyway. Your shawl is going to be beautiful in that yarn you'll see. Have a great week. :) xx

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I've taken Tiger to our small local zoo and he is always running a mile a minute, so tiring. I'm glad LB had a good time and yes I understand the allure of a train. I love the selfie...you are beautiful!
hugs,
Linda

Danette Bartelmay said...

Question for you Miss Meredith... I see you are my new follower :-)
Thank you, Thank You! But how did you do it because I am having a malfunction and cannot get the "Join this Site" to post to my blog so follower can easily join... or so I thought. I was worried about it.
Somehow when I purchased my domain it went South on me.

Christina said...

What a great adventure for Little Buddy. I love Zoos, most make a great contribution towards conservation and education. The zoo visit will no doubt be a great memory for years to come. The selfie of the two of you is wonderful. You look fabulous! xx

CJ said...

Love the selfie, and I'm glad you had a good day out, how brilliant that you can go back there again for free for the rest of the year. Gorgeous silk scarf, beautifully done. Good luck with the blocking! CJ xx

Anonymous said...

I have that same mixed-feelings about zoos.

Looks like Little Buddy really enjoyed the train.

You know ---- doing new things can be really scary whether you are 4-1/2 or almost 61. :::sigh:::

Glad he has such a good mama to help him stretch his wings!

Araignee said...

Sweet selfie and terrific projects. That hat is just too darn cute!

Gracie Saylor said...

The image of you lugging all of LB's paraphernalia with him wailing as you beat a hasty retreat reminds me of when I took my very little girls to the mall just before nap time. I left the mall with one wailing little girl clutched in each arm along with our paraphernalia...mercy :) You, Meredith, my dear friend, are wonderful . I admire your mothering, beautiful you in your selfie with LB, and, your latest stitching projects! Thinking of zoos in general, I know they may not be the best places for animals, but I am glad your zoo seems to be caring well for the animals, and it has a train for LB to engineer! In regard to the comment you left on my post today, I think I would rather meet a two foot long alligator at the zoo rather than on a neighborhood walk. Eeeeeek!!!
Wishing you and yours a good week :) xxxxxxxx

Judy S. said...

Our two youngest GK and maybe even the other 3 older ones would have been right there in the train with LB. Glad you two had fun. We babysat yesterday and today for our two littles, and I can really identify with those crying jags. Our two really missed mom and dad who'd been gone since Thursday. They did well considering.....And we are pooped!

Betsy said...

What a fun, fun day for you and LB. I think he looked like he had a wonderful time...especially on the train. Piper would have loved to be there with him. Trains are the best. I think he needs to meet Teresa's husband, Dayle who was a real train conductor and helicopter pilot. Both are sure to make him a hero in a little boys eyes. AND he is also one of the nicest guys I've ever met. Love, love, love your selfie. I think you are gorgeous, inside and out. A real hero in my eyes. Your shawl is also beautiful. The way the colors melt into each other are so pretty. I hope you have an absolutely wonderful week my dear friend.
Blessings always Meredith,
Betsy

Babajeza said...

Natural beauty! :-)

I remember many "adventures" that ended in tears. I'm sure he will remember the good time he had on the train. We went into the mountains once. One of my sons was in a really bad mood and made the last kilometers a nightmare. Next day he asked: "When are we going again?"

Have a good week! Regula

Janet said...

A lovely day at the zoo for you and Little Buddy. He clearly enjoyed most of his time there. Great that you can go back whenever you want.
The South Bay Shawlette looks great in the silk. Th colours work so well. I wouldn't risk steam blocking it, jusy wet block it and it will be perfect. Thanks for linking to my South Bay Shawlette, you're definitely an enabler as far as this pattern is concerned.
I love the selfie, Meredith. You have a beautiful, friendly face.
Love to you all. X

Jo said...

I have a similar opinion of zoos as you do, but as you say, some of them do great conservation work and have breeding programmes for endangered species, take in rescued animals and educate the public so they do some great work. It looks like Little Buddy had a great day out before the crying started, perhaps taking a little part at a time will be best for him, especially given that you're able to return as many times as you like over the next year. Your South Bay Shawl looks fabulous in that gorgeous yarn, it's going to be wonderful when it's finished and blocked.

Vera said...

Gorgeous selfie Meredith! You look wonderful. I, too, have mixed feelings about zoos...I always want to go and then feel badly once I am there. Love your projects!

kathyinozarks said...

What a fun day until the crying-you have the patience of a saint-hugs to you. I am with you on most zoos-many seem to be getting better.
hane an awesome week
Kathy

Wainwright and Wright.Co said...

What a super photo of you, Meredith, and LB, love it! I hope this is the first of many, it's fun to have pictures of yourself and your children. Sorry to hear he got frustrated with the last ride but he did so well with all that walking and excitement can be very tiring can;t it? Love the shawlette, the silkiness of the yarn can be seen in the photo.
Caz xx

Jo said...

Oh dear what a shame, you just have to go with the days they come though and manage what he can manage. Loved the selfie of you bothand the shawl is beautiful. I have a back spasm so I can't sit down - which is pretty annoying because I can think of a hnundred things to do when sitting down but it is just too painful. Love to you . Jo x

kathy b said...

Oh well, Tears are just part of the age and the excitement.

YOU LOOK AMAZING! I love the selfie. you are a natural beauty.

Love the silk yarn and yours will be gorgeous! Off to visit the other sights after I walk.

Amy at love made my home said...

What a great time you had! So good that you got out and about, I hope that you can make a fun return visit. Your shawl looks very pretty! Hope you enjoy wearing it!

Jennifer Hays said...

Hi Meredith, I feel the same way about zoos that you do, but it can be a good place for kids to learn about animals. Some zoos do a better job than others, of course. I've never seen a sloth bear before, how interesting. I like the train they have in your zoo. My son loved trains when he was younger too. Our local zoo has a huge play structure for kids, which my father-in-law likes to call an exhibit. They do act like monkeys in there. My kids always play in it, and also on these sprinklers in the ground if it's hot. A day at the zoo can be about so much more than animals for them. I hope you have a good week. I enjoyed your selfie. :)

Grammy Braxton said...

You are lovely! Both of your smiles say so much. I enjoy zoos when they take the time to try to recreate the environment of the animal. However, I do agree that being free would be best. Glad you had some good times before the cry.
Hugs,
Sharon

Cache-Mire said...

I LOVE the selfie!!! Happiness outweighs makeup and wrinkles any day!! ~Terri

Andrea Ostapovitch said...

I love your selfie! I take terrible photos of myself. Truly terrible. I really have to be caught off guard to like a photo of myself.
I have the same issue with zoos. I prefer to visit rescue and rehabilitation centers. We once visited a place that had a list of animals they wanted for their exhibit with a price tag on each of their heads and where they could be captured. It was the single worst thing I have ever experienced in a zoo. Needless to say, we won't be going back there.
But we have visited some wonderful places too. We went to an aviary that took care of birds that were injured in the wild and could not longer fly. Not far from where we live, there is a burrowing owl refuge that is making great strides in keeping the animal from going extinct in our area due to the increasing amount of farmland. When it comes to getting involved with animals, these are the types I support. But I have two younger children, and how do you tell them you don't want to go the zoo? We just visit everything and educate them about the different choices we get to make as humans.
Oh my goodness, I'm rambling. Have a great week Meredith!

Between Me and You said...

Beautiful- inside and outside, that's you Mer. Xxx

Melanie said...

LB looks so happy as the train conductor. You are such a wonderful mom...I'm sure so tiring with a crying boy and all that you had to carry around. I think us women are too hard on ourselves with our looks in general...you are very pretty, even with no makeup and your hair pulled back. Your smile lights up your whole face.

Unknown said...

Love your selfie! You are beautiful and Little Buddy is so cute. I know what you mean about zoos. Love/hate relationship. I do love seeing animals I probably would never otherwise see. But seeing them cooped up is hard, even if it is a relatively large enclosure.

Neighborhood Watch said...

Little Buddy's experience on the little car ride brought back the memory of my own son who had a similar reaction on a ride. He didn't realize the bus would "fly" (very, very slowly just up and back down) and he had big terrified tears as he looked down on me. Oh! What a guilty and sad Mommy I was in that moment.
And, I love your crocheted sheep!

Lulu said...

oh wow, he is growing so fast..

Toni said...

What a great picture of the two of you! You look beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!