I seem to end up involved in a lot of different things!!! Any trouble I don't get into myself my family happily takes care of, just to make sure no-one gets bored!
Here I am doing one of my favorite things - gardening! I'm not sure why I chose this location... It seemed a good idea at the time. Radishes still haven't come up though. Take a look at my Flora 'n Fauna section though. I have some neat pictures of my favorite carnivorous plants, orchids and wildflowers, as well as plant propagation and conservation info!
I've had people tell me I have a very tolerant spouse, which is perhaps true, but not in the way they mean. She is an active participant if not the instigator of many of our adventures. Here she is (the one on the right).
Right now I'm deeply involved in practical primate care. My daughters are bright, inquisitive, and seem to have inherited a full set of goofy genes, which really keeps me on my toes! My most recent practical parenting suggestion for more recent parents is: check all party favor bags for items such a whoopy cushions, hand buzzers, etc. Just a suggestion. But you'll see why - soon... Check out my Family 'n Critters page for more good stuff!
I also enjoy spending time with our menagerie of mostly rescued critters. Our home sounds a lot like a pet-store, and it's a rare day when there isn't something furry, feathery, or scaly underfoot. It's important to be careful where you sit, as some of our varmints are pretty well armed!!! We keep our extended family for three reasons: first, we like animals; second, because my family and I are notoriously soft touches; and third, because we are likely the last generation that will be able to enjoy having more than a goldfish (see my Peevs).
Along with our critters I spend time on conservation issues. Docenting at the Los Angeles Zoo, helping out with my spouse's Roots 'n Shoots programs, and keeping up with assorted conservancy work is a bit of effort -- but vital and fun! I have particular interests in bird, reptile, amphibian, and botanical conservation. I'm also interested in forest conservation in my family's native Ohio, as I've seen first hand how poorly things are going there now.
Just a few years ago I was introduced to Civil War re-enacting, and I've found it quite enjoyable to leave the madness of the 21st century for the madness of the 19th! Since nearly all re-enactors are ardent amateur historians and fellow graduates of the Shatnerian School of Melodrama, I found a real home-away-from-home! Take a look at my Blue 'n Gray pages if you'd like to see what it's like!
Music is also a big part of my life. We are usually able to generate quite a cacophony of animal-related noise mixed with trumpets, violins, bugles, penny whistles, drums and bagpipes and an occasional CD. Think of an Amazon rainforest mad musicians convention and you'll have it about right. I'm not really sure what the neighbors think a lot of the time though! See my Music 'n Books link for more on this!
For quiet time (and this is a relative term), we have an extensive library which is in constant use. So much to read, so little time. Our animals try to help out here, but as most feel that you get the most out of a book by tasting it, we have to somewhat limit their educational opportunities just a bit. You can find a list of the literature I think is a good read (and otherwise) here.
I touch on most of these areas and more in other areas on my site! So take some time and wander, and I hope you find my efforts enjoyable!
