The transfer of Flamingos to Their "Big Bird " home.

January 11,2012

After determining that the new group of Flamingos are ready to join the rest of the "family" a day is picked for the transfer.  We decide that to be safe we need at least one person for each bird just in case they scatter. There is no leash or restraint on them, number one priority is to keep the birds safe. Our assembled group consists of Kathy, Will, Ellie, Bob , Mary, and Avery Keeper Jesse.

Out of the cage that has been their home all their lives to be banded and then on to join the rest of the group in the Flamingo yard.

What is this thing on my leg,,  I don't think I like it!

  Getting ready for the long walk, it will be about 3/4 mile from the  brood buildings area to the front of the zoo.

  First task i
s to get through the back employee parking lot without getting run over by cars, golf carts or tractors coming to the dumpsters.

Now down through the "Alley" toward the Public area.

Flamingos make great shadows.

 Kathy tries to hustle them along.

 Waiting for the gate to open so we can begin the Parade Walk.

 Gate open, Lets get a move on.

--Alright here we are , Ellie and Squawker in the lead as always. The show is on the move.

Zoo BBQ April 2012

Our great Keepers, workers and friends from the Avery Department get together for a BBQ at  "Bird Park".  this is an area Jesse has cultivated in the back of the Zoo. Jesse does a mighty fine job of manning the grill.

Collette,  Jesse , Geno and Ellie check out the offerings for lunch.

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Ft Sill OK,-- April 2012

On our way home from Texas we stop at Granddaughter Alisha Neeley's Army Basic Training Graduation  ceremonies.  Alisha has a two year old son Trypp who is being cared for by husband/Dad Ben.

Day 1

Waiting to take the field, we have not talked to her and she has not held her son for 12 weeks.  We are all standing  this close to her and talking but she is keeping her "composure".

On the field, getting her new rank, Ben with Trypp will pin the new rank on her.

 Daddy helping Trypp to do the pining .. Many awes could be heard in the stands.

do

After changing into Dress Blues she finally gets to hold her son.

 Sargent told Trypp,'See you in 16 years".

 Then comes Family Day, "free" with restrictions until 8PM, we have  lunch and return to our Motel for some family time.  It was  fun  for Alisha and Ben to be together with Trypp after so long.  We have outdoor and indoor pools and used both.

 Day 2
In the Theater watching them cross the stage  Trypp is a very good little boy. Trying hard to find Mom.

At final formation, Trypp is Hollering "Mommy, Mommy, I see you"!  Alisha had to smile along with many others that  by now have fallen in love with Trypp.

Alisha trying not to break up.

A few more hours

and they will be on their way to Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.

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Random-SPI 2012

Many times during the season Friends get together and head for South Padre Island and lunch at The Palms, our favorite place where we can watch the waves and listen to the surf.  

Lavonne and Joy reminisce over a photo album Lavonne brought.  They have been friends many years from Lake of the Ozarks but had not been together for a few years.

Bob making a point................

Another time just the Custins and Bills enjoy lunch and breezes at the Palms.

 A ride to the north end of the Island reveals the new construction going on and the "bargain's " on the property we can invest in. Get out the Checkbook.

Niece Katy Wykes  came to Texas to drive Mom and Bud home.  This being her first trip to Texas Mary and Katy took one day to spend on SPI,  She wanted to wade in the ocean , collect shells, buy souvenirs, see dolphins and eat some good fish.  Check, check,check,check and check. Did it all and much more.

"So many choices,  what is a girl to do?"

 Had to get a photo at the most snapped entrance on the Island.

 These Pelicans flew right over our heads in formation.

 Now this made us both laugh,  these people went for a walk on the beach and left all their food wrapped up on the table.  The Sea Gulls made fast work of the plastic bags, clips on the chip bag and even the cups. Squawking and screeching they swarmed and chowed.  We thought about waiting around to see their faces when then came back to the Secured [or so they thought] table.

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More Random from Texas

 We do many things in our park,  Christmas is just one of the times we decorate the Golf carts and "parade" every street.  If you are not in the parade you sit and cheer on the rest of us.  Not going to deny that some drinking could be happening.  

 Some with out a cart hitch a ride , "Hi Susan".

2011 is the first year the Dotsons and Bills have a golf cart.  Connie and I went with the  Christmas Gorilla Theme.

 Puppies get to ride too.

 The Line Up at the Hall before ,,As you can see the weather was great!

--On Christmas Eve the group goes around Caroling to all those who are ailing or house bound.


FUN AND GAMES>

Three -four nights a week there is a Joker Game happening.  This is a fun time to catch up on the latest news [or as some call it ' Gossip Hour"]..  Always Girls against the Guys.  GO GIRLS.

This is George Wallin, he is the one who makes and sells these fantastic Jokers boards/systems we all love. He is also one of the best players.  It is tough to set  next to him.