Every beginning starts at another beginning’s end.
Fauna Could Be Overrated
True it is a zoo. The Oregon Zoo is one of the best around. Recognized for its elephant breeding program. Working hard to return the California Condor from near extinction. Soon to have a pair Black Rhinos!
Folks, meet King!
And I’ve talked about the art pieces on display throughout the zoo
The bronze goats await your visit
What I’d like to share this time is the beautiful and useful foliage on display all year long at the Oregon Zoo. No matter if your strolling through The Family Farm or have journeyed to Africa, the horticulturists have done their best to dazzle our guests.
Even in the worst of weather there’s something to catch the eye
So, there you have it. From Bob the Orangutan to sculptures of Nora the Polar Bear to the wonderful colors and textures of the plant life. Just look up, down or around. You’ll find that your zoo experience has expanded in a way that’ll make you want to come back for more.
It’s In The Can
I’ve been retired for a couple years now. I had a good run at Providence Health System. I was retired due to “budgetary concerns”. Oh well, that’s in the rear view mirror, right?
I’ve been working around the house. Definitely getting on my long-suffering wife’s last nerve. It was decided that I needed something to keep me busy. After a couple of false starts I’ve ended up at the Oregon Zoo in the Portland West Hills.
I’m a volunteer focusing on roving the habitats. I answer questions about animals and their habitats at the zoo. I’ll steer parents to the nearest restroom or restaurant or the nearest exit.
One thing a guest doesn’t expect to find at a zoo is artwork. Oregon Zoo is no different. We have had artwork for as long as I can remember coming to the Oregon Zoo.
Still, the new pieces are more and more intriguing. From the Washed Ashore exhibit created completely from trash washed up on Oregon beaches to this recent addition.
Polar Passages just opened up. It’s the new home of the ever popular Nora the polar bear. It’s only appropriate that theme associated artwork be included in the new habitat. Here is just one of the wonderful sculptures.
What’s so amazing about these sculptures, aside from the beauty, is that they are made completely out of repurposed aluminum cans!
This particular sculpture has 1500 lbs. of scrap aluminum cans molded and hammered into a lifelike form full of character and mystery.
On your next visit to the zoo, stop and observe the animals in their habitats. Enjoy an elephant ear. And take time to look, feel and enjoy the sculptures and murals. They really do round out the whole trip.
Freakin’ groundhog!
Wake me in the spring
Wordless Wednesday
PDX De-Evolution
In 1909 a Portland businessman commissioned a statue. It was to commemorate the elk herds that would come to graze in the downtown area.
After the killing of George Floyd over six weeks ago, downtown has become a progressively violent and unsafe space.
Attacking the Multnomah County Justice Center became a favorite target. Only after there were no more windows to shatter or stores to loot. Windows were breached and fires were lit inside in an attempt to burn it down even though the building was still occupied by employees and prisoners.
Now, the Portland Police have been ordered to stand down and forbidden from using non-lethal crowd control methods. The City Council has disowned the police. The District Attorney just declined to prosecute 59 arrestees. Almost all charged with felony arson.
Downtown Portland continues to devolve into a burned out urban war zone. The message of thousands of peaceful protesters has been lost amid the continued violence. Jerry Nadler called Antifa “imaginary”. Perhaps Mr. Nadler would like to take a stroll in downtown Portland this evening?
Note: I have used a mix of personal images, images from the OregonLive reports and from a friend who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retribution from Antifa.
I Know Where I’m Going
We’re all talking about it. We all have got a list. It’s going to happen. Just not soon enough. I can tell you where I’m going.
Where
Everyone
Is known
By their
First
Name
That’s where!
Gloomy With A Chance Of Hummingbirds
Clouds. Rain. Blustery winds. Winter in the Pacific Northwest can be grey and chill. One of the surprising aspects of winter here is the resident hummingbirds that do not migrate. So, while the sky is heavy and low with tumult, there comes a splash of color.
Going For A Stroll
Walking and hiking in the Pacific Northwest can be exhilarating, breathtaking and definitely refreshing.
Whether you take the straight and narrow
Or the long and winding road
It’s a time to walk with your eyes up to the beauty of the season or you may miss the woodpecker smorgasbord
And if you’re lucky, you’ll come across a rare sight for November in this neck of the woods
Fall-ing On Friday
Hello, World!
Remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one.
-Eleanor Roosevelt
Tikibear and His Blog 