Sunset on Dec 21st, 2024 = 4:24 PM
Sunset Jan 29, 2025 = 5:04 PM
Yeehaw!!! Did you know that the 10 darkest weeks of the year actually occur between November 16th to January 22nd. Doug was quite pleased to see this as it shows the end of the darkest weeks is on his birthday, Jan 22nd. He really dislikes winter and all the darkness it has to offer.
Good segway into....HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DOUG!!
Of course, it isn't a party without the local crew!
Also celebrated Kathy's birthday on January 12th! Sheesh, busy times for sure.
Happy Birthday Kathy!!
Let's go a little more backwards. One of the Christmas presents we gave to August and Jasper was a private, one hr tour with their best friends at a local reptile rescue, Wild Education - info@wildeducation.ca
January 3rd we went for our tour. Now, keep in mind that this is a "rescue". None of the reptiles here are bought. They are all rescued by Mike and his team. I shudder to think what would happen to some of them if there wasn't an organization like his. Can you imagine? Every step of this tour is guided by someone, like the extremely knowledgable Mike or Lianne. You only touch what is allowed. There was no one else there but us.
These tortoises are lovingly call "shell cows" because all they do is eat grass and poop. Did you know that when you touch a tortoises shell they can feel it, just like you can feel when you touch your own fingernail. the boys were allowed to pick up this smallish gal. And they have names, but I don't remember all of them. Only Tank who is 150 lbs...
Jasper's very favourite, tortoises.
This Tegu lizard below is named Galaxy because of all the star/spots on him. At one point in his life he was housed a little too close to a heat lamp and he had some small burns on his back. They have healed up but there are some larger white spots. He is very slow and surprisingly gentle.
Jasper listening to Lianne explain about tegu lizards.
August really loved him.
Now, onto Deadpool, the Blood Python. He was turned into the rescue. Why, oh why, would ANYONE want to have something like this in their home? Maybe for some kind of misguided "street-cred"? Deadpool is one of the lucky snakes that Mike saves. He is exceptionally beautiful. If you could really see his colouring. Very docile and tips the scales at about 35 lbs.
He stretched right across all the kids laps.
Even Doug and I got a turn to hold Deadpool. I know there are probbly a ton of "eeewwww" folks out there but it is really hard to not appreciate nature's beauty.
We met many, many geckos, bearded dragons, sugar gliders. Probably one of the favourites was the tarantula (sorry forgot her name). She is quite the celebrity as she has been in several TV shows. The boys were quite interested in her since Josh has a number of tarantulas in his office at work.
Jasper said it the legs felt like pipe cleaners on your hand.
He was right!
We paid a visit to Steveston in Richmond BC. Home of a very busy fishing dock, resturants. Super beautiful day and we enjoyed being able to be outside. An area rich in the history of fishing in BC.
Many of you may have seen on FB that Doug's lovely Momma, Helen, passed away recently. She was an incredible 102 years old. The last of five siblings. She loved us all and was so loved.
Fly free now Momma.
We love you.
That pretty much sums up our January. Some good moments, some great moments and some sad moments. Just life, isn't it?. See you in February.
Peaace out friends.
Thought for the Day: Live your life and forget your age.
