Calgary Zoo (Chrissy Sojourn Part 1)

The last few weeks have been extremely busy; Back and forth to Saskatoon a couple of times, cool opportunities and new connections at work, the end of my hockey season and the beginning of slo-pitch. Between all of the events Christina quit her old job (where we met) and started a new one. Before starting her new job though she arranged for a full week off to relax. I took a couple of days off work and we roadtripped it south down to Banff.

Day 1 of the roadtrip brought us to Calgary and the City Zoo.  I've only been to the Calgary Zoo twice before in my life - once when I was quite young and my memories are a litte shaky and last winter for a night time Christmas light walking tour when most of the animals were sleeping or shacked up in inside. After visiting and enjoying the Edmonton and Saskatoon city zoos the last couple of years I was looking forward to fully experiencing the much hyped Calgary Zoo.

It didn't disappoint.

Like the Forestry Farm zoo in Saskatoon there are multiple Peacocks walking around strutting their stuff. This early in the spring they were in full plumage and looking for some action.

This peacock was sitting on a fencepost and reminded me of the sight-gag of two midgets sneaking into a place for tall people under a long trench-coat.

 

I love the blue color on duck wings. Must be a remnant of my childhood when I had a collection of duckwings as butchering leftovers from my brothers hunting trips.

In the middle of the zoo they had a conservatory with plenty of plants and a butterfly garden. To combat the dreariness of the drab brown world outside we lingered in there for some time taking pictures of the flowers.

As we walked around enjoying the animals we kept on finding these advertisements for the Gorillas. I thought the internal advertising was a cool idea to build excitement and a good way to further recognize a sponsor. Plus the execution was hilarious.

Needless to say when we finally got to the gorillas I was pretty excited. They were active (except for the big guy) and gave us a good show.

Near the Gorrilas was this monkey - I liked his middle part haircut.

By far my favorite animal was the hippopotamus. Chrissy and I sat and watched them for about 15 minutes as they did laps in their pool. Unfortunately, they didn't get out and walk around but it was neat to see them breach and get some air. Plus, watching them in the water was really cool - they literally prance through the water.

It was a great time at the zoo and we had a ton of fun. 

If you have never been to the Calgary Zoo before or if if you haven't been there in awhile I highly recommend it.

Next post - Banff.

Martensville Tourney

A couple of weekends back I ventured 5 hours East to Martensville Saskatchewan for an indoor plastic bat and ball tournament. It is exactly like it sounds, and it is awesome. Wiffle ball in a curling rink (no ice) is pure bliss. It has been a couple years since I took part in the tourney and it was pretty obvious that my ball skills have deteriorated heavily. Somehow, huge quantities of booze didn't help my coordination.

The ball of course was secondary to seeing Rob and Bryce. We pretty much hung out from the time I arrived Friday night to Sunday Morning when I left. We even got a replacement picture for the missing Christmas Sweater portfolio.

(Note Rob's sweet hat)

During the weekend many 'pops' were drank and many new/old friends were visited.

 Check out the table dancing way in the background.

It was a fantastic time, and Rob/Carrynn were fantastic hosts - they even mailed me my work shoes and some of my clothes I left behind. It was such a good time it took me about 3 days to fully recover body and mind. I'm not sure if I could do this tournament every year - or if I'm even allowed back in Martensville for some time....

 Bonus Pic - I was in Saskatchewan twice in April and the first time I went through my old closet and put together this sweet outfit. Christina has forbid me from wearing it again.

Things I Have Seen the Last Couple of Months

Jonah Hex=Valentines Day

The Awesomehots

 Captain Dan and Thing 1

Deb: Note Dan not touching with the back hand. It was the only way to capture the foxy Octane dancer. I now have a piece of her soul.

You don't bowl to lose! Gutterball!

 St. Pattys Day at The Druid - approximately 1 in the afternoon.

Moves like Datsyuk. Thanks Amy for the upgrade!

 Career Opportunities!

Chrissy Family Parties

It's Christina's birthday coming up soon and I am at a bit of a loss in what to get her. I mean how do I compare with a toaster?

I decided to go back through my pictures folder on my hard drive to see what I got her the last few years and didn't find any inspiration. I did however find some pictures from different birthday parties over the last couple of months. The cool cakes and props don't help my confidence.

Captain Dan Twins birthday cupcakes.

Randy's somewhat surprise party.

Randy's deflated surprise cake.

 Cora and her princess cake.

Jamie and his train.

Maybe baking is the answer......

33rd Birthday

I turned 33 a couple weeks back which somewhat marks the 2 year anniversary of my blog. I haven't been as active lately updating it as I've been sick and haven't really had a hell of a lot of memorable things to write about.

That's right, as usual I got sick around my birthday. No surprise there. Christina though, who was also sick, tried her best to make the day memorable as she hooked me up with a couple great, and practical gifts.

I officially moved in with her maybe a month back now (my condo is for sale - here) and have been complaining non-stop about her stupid toaster oven. I hate it like poison - why would I want a mini oven that sucks at making toast and baking things? It's the most useless appliance ever. Apparently, Christina was tired of hearing my bitching and bought me a new toaster (I have a toaster at my condo but it doesn't match her kitchen!?).

Bread Porn

My second gift was equally exciting. A roaster in which I can cook food extremely slow. Oooooh, Aaaaah.

But seriously, the gifts were awesome and I appreciated them very much. 

This is how the end of things begins....excitement over the little things. It's been a good run.....