Happy anniversary

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - March 31...a day that will live in infamy or something like that.  Sixteen years ago I retired on 3/31 and never looked back.

     Of course, there were a few (or more than a few) folks who thought I retired way before the official day. So, you may ask, why not have waited a day until April 1.  I was already getting "April Fools" jokes way before I stopped coming in.

     Among the G-rated nicknames I was known by were "Dr. No" and "The Grinch".  Explaining the backstory to those would take the fun out of it.  Hey, I still got a pretty neat retirement party...and best wishes to "not let the door hit you in the ass on the way out."

Check out my new ride...

She's a beauty..

 ORMOND BEACH, FL - - Tired of high fuel prices??  Camel power is the answer.  The above version is the one-hump model (Arabian dromedary), but there is also the two-hump style found in areas of the Dark Continent.

This medium mileage model came with extra big hooves and a groomer to keep things looking good

Going for a ride with the two-up saddle looked a bit uncomfortable, but by wearing dark glasses you give off that Hollywood star look. 

Camels don't often show up in Ormond Beach so when the signage announcing the (Volusia-Flager county) Jewish Festival Sunday noted 'camel rides' I had to check it out....as well as the bunnies in the petting zoo.

I don't know who the extra tail belongs to

A ruffed ring tail lemur with extra ring tail
 

ORMOND BEACH, FL - - For my money the lemur exhibit at St Augustine's Alligator Farm is the highlight of every trip.  Sure, the nesting birds are the real draw at this time of year.  But I could watch the lemurs with their "deer caught in the headlights" expressions for a long time.  Last week we got there just as a mad dash by the 10 residents toward their enclosed hideout was in progress.  It only took a bit of searching to see a 'farm ranger' with food was on the way. The pair in the above photo were a bit slow to head to brunch.

Gator time and others at the Farm

Great white egret flying home

Roseate spoonbill...and the 'spoon' looks more like a small shovel

Gator pile up

A pintail duck with turtle buddy