The Armadillo Tales

5.6 Quake in San Jose

I didn't feel a thing ... fortunately.

Fallen Firefighters

This morning after I dropped off the armadillo at school, B-Dad called me warning me of impending traffic due to the memorial service for two Contra Costa firemen who died while trying to rescue a couple from their burning home.    Fire engines from across the county lined up for the procession which started at 8:30am.    Fortunately I didn't run into a road block but I did catch the procession as it turned the corner onto a major street.   I had to sit there for a few minutes as the cars in front of me turned.   I was awestruck as the number of fire engines that were lined up.  I could see the street on which they turned in front of me.   For as far as I could see where fire engines, all lined up in a single file.   All of the vehicles were making their way to the memorial service.   

As I was watching this I felt very sad.    I thought of the two fallen firefighters and how brave they were.    Then I remember how tragic this was as the couple the two firefighters were trying to save died as well.     You know whenever I think of firemen, I think of the stereotypical hunky firefighter.   Not to discount female firefighters, but you know what I'm referring to, the one you see on those calendars.  But today I was reminded that they are not just calendar pinups or eye candy.   They are brave human beings who dedicate their lives to helping others, others like me and my family.    If ever my family and I should need their help, I know they would willingly offer both hands.

Photo: Contra Costa Times

Farmers' Market

Today was a bit unusual for us as we all were out of the house by 8:30am.    The four of us plus one little dog left the house earlier than normal.   Miso had a vaccination appointment so we decided that we all would go.    During the appointment I took the sumo baby with me and we walked around the adjoining pet store and looked at the various birds, reptiles, fishes and cats on display.   He enjoyed all especially the birds.

After we brought Miso back home we were at a loss of what do to next.    Tossing ideas back and forth we decided to go to the Farmers Market in our area.   I haven't been there in awhile.  I used to take the armadillo before the sumo baby was born.   He loved it back then.   Today the boys had fun being outside and sampling the offerings.   We all walked around smelling the fresh sweet fruits, popping kettle corn, bbq, etc ...     I picked up a bunch of fruits including some juicy blueberries.   The boys loved the blueberries as evidenced by the half empty bag that was left.    I didn't mind as it was better than inhaling a bag of potato chips or a huge candy bar.   

After satisfying our fruit cravings we all hung out on the grassy area listening to a spot of music.    The park has a performance stage where they were playing some jazzy tunes.    The sumo baby had a terrific time walking around and greeting everyone nearby.  I think we all enjoyed ourselves today ... the weather was nice and snacked on some fresh fruits and kettle popcorn.   Yummy!   We must do this again.

Photo above: Armadillo at the farmers' market two years ago ... yes it was two years ago!

Photo below: Armadillo and sumo baby resting at a beautiful fountain situated in the middle of a shopping area across the street from the farmers' market. 

Lawrence Hall of Science

These are just some photos that were taken at the Lawrence Hall of Science in Berkeley.    We went on July 4th along with the armadillo's BFF and his family.   Everyone had a blast.   Because it was a holiday the place was pretty much desolate which was terrific for us.  No crowds to fight ... no lines to stand in ... nice.

Scorcher

This is how we tried to beat the heat today.    The boys had a blast and managed to stay cool at the same time.

Oakland Zoo

The other day the family headed out to the Oakland Zoo.   We met up with our mommy friends and their children.   Brrr ... I forget how cold it can be on the other side of the hills.   It's sunny on one side and the other side, it's foggy and chilly.   This is the second time we brought the boys and like the last time we pretty much spent our time at the Children's Zoo area.   This is a fabulous area for the boys.   It's confined and the displays are easy for the armadillo and his friends to see the animals.   There is also a petting zoo with goats and sheep, that the children can brush and pet.   

Time flies when you go somewhere like the zoo with your children.   Before you know it, it's past lunchtime and naptime is creeping up fast.    After we all had a picnic lunch the parents decided to take the kids to one last hurrah before we left.   There is a little amusement type park next door to the zoo.    There is a train ride, a roller coaster, and other ride-on contraptions.   The armadillo and his BFF loved riding in those cars (photo above).   It was a bummer that the armadillo's other friend could not ride.   There is a height requirement and unfortunately he didn't make the minimum height.   After prying the boys off the cars, we all took a train ride.    We didn't see any animals, but the zoo did put up a number of life like plastic ones along the route.    A bit lame in my opinion.      

So after the train ride it was onto potty breaks and diaper changes.    Then we were on to the half hour drive home.    The boys fell asleep not to long after we left.   They both had a great time.   That's great ... of course mommy and daddy were exhausted.

No Commuting

It's a good thing I don't work in the city anymore.   Traffic is going to be a b*tch for months to come.    Click here for more info.

Photo credit: SFGate

Focus Girlfriend

What are you nagging and nitpicking about?    You're dating HIM ... focus on that instead.

Yes It Was an Earthquake ...

Whoa ... I don't know if I'll ever get used to these things ... It happened at 3:46pm.   The magnitude 3.4 earthquake was centered in Berkeley.

Earthquake

I think I just felt an earthquake ...