Flora + Fauna at the Zoo: Pt 1

Earlier this summer my very beautiful daughter and my very charming

(and very cute, very athletic)

grandsons paid us a visit for a whole week!

It was a week of good food, great fun and never ending surprises:)

It was also a week of travel--

trips to the coast, trips to an aquatic park, PIZZA (my daughter's favorite)

and

-of course-

a trip to the Oregon Zoo!!

Maybe you would like to accompany us?

It was a perfect day-

not too hot, not too cold

AND it wasn't raining

(just like today).

OK, go ahead and grab your best walking shoes,

because you are going to need them!

Let's go!

~

Another short trip---

(sort of)

and we are here.

After a nice, calf-building walk from the last parking place in the lots

and we are here...

at the wonderful Oregon Zoo!

Now, I have always loved the animals at the zoo--

well actually at any zoo, wildlife refuge or even our backyard.

But this time, I found myself falling in love with all the

flowers, bushes, trees and ground covers there too!

I LOVE white and cream colored plants. They stand out in the garden--even at night if there is any light. Unfortunately I don't know the name of this particular plant or I would be tempted to buy one and plant it.

But I do know the name of this particular animal; I'm sure you do too:)

By the way,

I LOVE this photo because it makes you take a second and maybe even a third look!
~

Another white plant that I LOVED but again that I didn't know the name of.

Help, if you can please!

Although not one of my best photos because of the reflection--

is that one of my grandkids?

And now another animal--I will let you know the name of this one. This,

ladies and gentlemen, is a caracal and I LOVE him (or is it a her)?
More---white flowers.

Again no name but I would love, love, love to plant some of these at my home.

And who do you suppose I caught eyeing me?

And I, of course, was eyeing him:) Just amazing, totally amazing!

And with this last flower photo I will bid you goodnight and peace.

I just heard something I couldn't believe; it was NOT a good thing:(

Blessings, Aimee

~

Photos: TY to the Oregon Zoo for permission to post these photos and for all the obvious concern they show for the animals entrusted to their care! I ask that you please respect my copyright on all of these photos and do not copy them unless you ask and are granted permission by me to do so. This is to ensure that the zoo's philosophy re: their animals, which I totally support, is adhered to. Thank you:)

Photos taken summer 2011.