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Crocodile hunting

Have a cow

Last week, we hit the Everglades National Park on our way back from Key West. No, that’s not a deformed Croc. It’s a manatee (aka sea cow) drinking fresh water that was dripping from a drainage pipe into the gulf. (Yes, I’m still working my way through video shot wrong.)

There’s a lot to do and see in the park but I had only one objective. Find a Croc. Best place was supposed to be Flamingo Marina. (There was a computer issue so we lucked into a free day in the park – normally a 25 dollar fee per carload good for 7 days)

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The 30 miles drive beyond the main gate takes you through some prime critter viewing. We moved a tiny tortoise (not sure what kind but he had a round bumpy shell) off the road, watched a pancake toirtose waddle away in a hurry when we stopped, because he was in the middle of the road, and got out of the car to investigate two hit snakes. Another car came sailing along from the opposite direction and we were glad we’d moved the tortoise.

If you go, do not forget the bug spray! I still have welts from the biting flies. Thankfully, some other Croc hunters shared their deep woods off.

 

And on your left…more water

IMG_0458We thought about taking a tour. But I’m cheap and it was something like 35 bucks. I figured we’d look from shore this trip and maybe take a tour next time if we struck out.

Turns out it was manatee breeding season and the sea cows were very excited. And everywhere. Crocs were my priority but I found myself squealing with delight every time I saw a pudgy nose poke up out of the water. We spotted a dozen, along with two dolphins. Most were by themselves, but we did see a pod of five just before they dropped back below the surface. One of the other tourists let me look through his mega lens for a closeup. It was nice but I can’t imagine carrying around a giant camera anymore. (I’m sure my husband is happy those days are long gone too. I was always looking through the lens)

Are you using both those eyes? 

Lots of Vultures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

For some reason, wandering through them on the shoreline wasn’t as creepy as seeing them hanging out in this tree. It kinda felt like they were planning something.

As we were heading back to the car, full of regret for not spilling the 35 bucks for the boat tour, I spotted a little Croc in the water next to the sea wall. Success! He was maybe 5 feet, with all of him visible as he floated in the water. Unfortunately, I scared him by jumping around shouting Croc. He sunk from sight before I could get a photo.

Stinker.

Next time, I think I’m going to bite the bullet and spend the cash on the tour. Boats cover a lot more territory than I can on foot. Plus, the folks on that boat seemed to be having fun.

Next time, I’ve got more photos and video from the new Pandora rides at Disneyworld.

Until then, Write On,

Melissa

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Cloaking the TARDIS

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Would you look twice at a giant shell on the sidewalk?

Christmas special spoilers sweetie

So a few days ago, I got in another viewing of the latest Doctor Who Christmas special. It was a great episode. Which surprised the hell out of me. Always been a fan of River. Never of Capaldi. As the Doctor. I love him in, In the Loop (Last I checked, it was still on Netflix) Even liked him in his guest stint on Who, a few years back. His Doctor, though, from day one has been, well, odd. There’s such a lack of energy and he always looks so uncomfortable. Like he really didn’t want to be there. When the Doctor is on screen, I shouldn’t be able to take my eyes off him. (even the Master and then later Missy command all of my attention) With Capaldi, I can make dinner while I listen to the show.

This year’s Christmas special, however, turned all that around. Capaldi as the Doctor was actually fun. And I couldn’t take my eyes off of him. And that’s why I watch Doctor Who. It’s fun. And it leaves you pumped. Even when David Tennant’s Doctor was in scold mode, it was okay, because I knew that at any moment, he’d be fun again. As this year’s Christmas ep ended, I actually felt sad for a moment, thinking I’d miss Capaldi when he’s gone. (There was a blurb recently insinuating this next season would be his last) Then I thought about the first two seasons and the only reason I kept watching – Clara.

Which brings me back to the Christmas special. How cool is it that Clara and Me run off in a stolen TARDIS? And that TARDIS! All white and clean and full of possibilities. So, my question is this, if you were lucky enough to steal a TARDIS how would you decorate? What would you conceal it as? I look around and have zero ideas of what I’d do. The telephone box is so ingrained in my mind. How about you? Any thoughts?

Think of the possibilities and Write on,

Melissa

p.s.

Yes, I’ll watch the new season when it airs. Doctor Who is bigger than just Capaldi. And maybe, he’s grown on me enough that I’ll even watch in real time.

p.p.s.

melissa and mia
an example of why you should always brush your hair. stupid selfie culture

Fosterdog Mia went home with her mom and dad this past Saturday. I was going to write a post about it, but I was too sad. So, instead here’s a last selfie she and I got in before the doorbell rang. It’s been a few days now and I’m fine. She was very happy to see her folks and kept loving them and then running back to me to tell me all about how her folks were there and then running back to love them. It was really sweet.

 

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Fosterdog Mia

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I love my hat so very much.

Take a look at that face. That’s foster dog Mia. She loves that hat so very much. She came to live with us when a cousin decided to take a year long trip around the world. (think mostly Asia and South America) In the 13 or so months that she’s been with us, she’s learned to love snow, kill voles, chase chipmunks, annoy her 15 year old doggie second cousin Stitch, and generally snuggle her way into our hearts.

She lectures us when we’ve been gone too long, insists on playing squeaky football before breakfast, and has carved out a permanent spot between my husband’s calves when he reclines in his favorite chair.

In 9 days and a wake up, she goes home. A small part of me is devastated. She’s personality times a zillion. Most of me is relieved. She’s tiring. But in a good way. Like a toddler. I will miss her tons but be happy knowing that she’s home again with her human mom and dad and four legged brother and sister. (cat and dog and I’m guessing on their sexes)

I’ll probably post more photos and videos as I ready myself to let go.

Snuggle your babies and Write on,

Melissa

ps

Tell me about your fur babies in the comments below. That might help me overcome my sorrow.

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New babies!

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Two of the babies peeking out.

 

The clutch is finally hatching! These silly babies are like a month over due. Have I mentioned the babies before now? I don’t recall and I don’t feel like looking back over previous posts. I think these are green rat snakes but I could be wrong. I’m just an innocent bystander, they’re my husband’s hobby. Though, for a year, I was mom in charge while he was stationed in Turkey. At that point in time, he had a collection that, including babies, topped out at about 100. It would take me an entire Saturday to feed everyone. Then I had to play with new babies to get them used to humans. And by playing I mean holding the little rascals, letting them crawl all over my hands. If I had a nickel for every time one of them bit the skin between my thumb and index finger….

I hope everyone had a lovely Hanukkah and Christmas. I took too many days off work and played with company. Any weird gifts? The strangest thing we got was…well, I don’t think there was anything strange this year. We discovered a nifty video game called Never Alone. It’s a gorgeous 2 player with fascinating stories and history of Alaskan natives. Check out their website and read up on how the game came to be. A great lesson on not letting someone tell you something can’t be done.

I suppose I should do a quick word count. (as I’ve mentioned before, this is more for me to keep track of my progress as I can’t imagine anyone being all that interested!)

I think I mentioned that I didn’t like the ending to the A story and cut about 7 thousand words giving myself a mini heart attack. (that’s 23 pages at 300 words per page) Well, I finished 3 new chapters, ended up ahead in the count and love the new direction. I was so happy with it, I almost stood up in Mcd’s to read what I’d wrote. At least, I would have cut into the crazy old man collection that was bashing the President. (by 10 at night, the place is pretty empty. Just the crazy old man club and me. We always nod to each other but keep our distance)

How to Sex Your Snake

Genre – Mystery
New this week – 2,436 words
Total Count – 46,962 words 
Release date: Early 2016

Chapters 1-17 are done. (I rewrote 15-17) Ch 18 needs some work but is completely outlined. Ch 19 is done. Ch 20 might be done. Ch 21 needs a bit of work. Chs 22-24 are just in outline stages still. My editor has me giving her daily updates with the goal of sending her the manuscript on Jan 2. We’ll see. It will be a push because I have commitments on new year’s eve and day. No, not the drinking kind!

Stay safe if you’re doing the drinking kind of things. Use Uber (or the like) or stay home and as always

Write one,

Melissa

Ps.

Did you get something weird for Christmas or Hanukkah?