The Tree Man

There is an old folk tale in Canada that tells the story of a Tree Man who stays on the land with animals to keep them company and free from harm. It is hard to spot him. But he is always there. In the misty distance, over the weathered hill and across the vast landscape. Do not fear the Tree Man, although he may startle you at first. He is there for you too.

WARNING: Deer Car Crashes

I am not dissing 'Doolittle'. I am reporting the facts. Just the facts. I am Sgt. Friday after all. I am having a spooky wildlife existence right now. Where I am sitting writing to you, I look out onto Shore Lane. The road is snow covered with 2 ft. snow banks. Every day without fail I witness animal crossing or jaunting or dancing or hopping or running. They tease me. Too quick for me to get my camera. You have to trust me when I tell you these tall tales. I have seen every one of those above animals. The majority of my sightings are deer. This is where the 'warning' comes in.

October, November and December are the worst months for deer strikes. It's mating season, and the big animals are on the move, particularly during the hours around dawn and dusk. The number of white-tail deer — the most common kind regionally — has grown because hunting is limited in populated areas and deer have no natural predators here. Deer have adapted quite well to suburbia. Metropolitan parks and other woods offer havens for deer displaced by urban sprawl, and they're happy to survive by raiding backyard gardens and feasting on nut and fruit trees. Traffic has grown. Add in the region's hilly terrain — which limits views of the road and cuts reaction time — and deer strikes become even more common.

So, what can you do to prevent these accidents? Be aware: If you see one deer, expect others may follow. After dark: Use high-beams if possible. They illuminate the eyes of deer and provide more time for motorists to react. Don't swerve into another lane to avoid a deer. The greater risk is hitting an oncoming car. Drive defensively from 5 p.m. to midnight and during hours shortly before and after sunrise when deer movement is most frequent.

Until tomorrow, my animal loving friends.

Liberty Zoo, Beyond the Kitchen

I was in the garden. Flat on my belly searching for the toad, when to my surprise, I spotted those darn zoo animals of mine frolicking in the moss and falling leaves! I apologize for the blurred quality, but I was rather 'shocked and awed' at my zookeepers. How could this happen? They are only allowed time out in the kitchen.

Liberty Zoo On The Loose

I was out shopping. Browsing really. That little dickens must have hidden in the side flap of my handbag. Out he flopped and scurried around the store. Fun and games; within the confines of a toy boutique. (Jack & Maddy)I was looking at some other animals to bring home and 'POKE' !!!, just like that, the rascal pops his head up and scares the bajeezes out of me. Now, how can I say I don't love my Liberty Zoo?

On a much more serious note, I 'd like to mention Martha's Dear Paw Paw who passed away last Saturday. Bye Handsome Big Boy. The world will miss you.

Liberty Zoo On The Loose Again

As you know, I've had some zookeeper challenges in the past, so here I am again today, chasing the animals all around the kitchen. Remember that darling photo of my zoo dog sitting in front of Paige's snout? I love that picture. The animals at the Liberty Zoo live a very pampered life. (In contrast to their fellow brothers and sisters who live behind chain link fencing at other parks.) Oh no, the animals here are free to come and go, mingle with the humans and experience life to the fullest. Ever heard 'two many cooks'. Enough is enough. Go hang out in the bedroom already.

Zookeeper Challenges

Ya know, a girl can't even enjoy her late breakfast in peace. The Hippo's on the loose again. Thankfully for you I've gone through my silly phase really quickly this week. (You'll notice that I get 'out there' every once and a while.....don't know where it comes from, but I need to release it - ha ha) So have an excellent weekend. I, on the other hand will be regrouping and getting down to serious business for next week. Gotta put Across the Universe in my day planner as a priority...for sure. Thanks for all your wonderful posts. I feel inspired and engaged - oh, oh. Before I go...if you want to watch a fearless photographer click here. Fun!

Liberty Zoo

Liberty Zoo

The animals at the Liberty Zoo live a very pampered life. (In contrast to their fellow brothers and sisters who live behind chain link fencing at other parks.) Oh no, the animals here are free to come and go, mingle with the humans and experience life to the fullest.