Monday, February 24, 2014

Some stuff and the zoo.

Sunday morning was  quiet. I won't work on a Sunday. Not because of any religious reasons directly, but I do like to think about it as a day of rest. An old fashion notion these days I suppose, at least for people in retail. Fortunately there is a state law that doesn't require a person to work on Sunday and if you do you must be paid at an overtime rate. I have worked on Sundays and probably still would if my company would stop tacking on 4 hours from my vacation account to bring me up to 40 hours.

However, the above has nothing to do with anything I will write because apart from the zoo, I sometimes have no idea what I'm going write as I begin. So as I said Sunday morning was quiet, Arlene and I had made plans to see each other in the afternoon. We both do the same thing for the same company in different locations. On any given day you can start work at 6 a.m. or have your shift end at 10 p.m. so Sunday is a good day to get together, despite the fact we live next door to each other. It wasn't bright and sunny like Saturday was but it was fairly warm as the day before. I had a case of cabin fever as the only places I've been for the last two weeks, my house, my car and work. I suggested the local zoo. I knew some of the animals weren't available because of the winter. Still it was seasonably warm, the zoo was open and it was the next city north with a short highway drive. It was overcast and any of the outdoor animals were fenced in (duh!) and behind some not so clean
plexi-glass. Of course I took pictures. I do it because it's fun. I make no great claims as a photographer. I take pictures. I say this because some of these pictures have been doctored up, more so than usual.   

Though unseasonably warm it was still a gloomy day yet there was a pretty good crowd. Mostly young families with kids, grandparents and just a mix. I remember coming here when I was a kid. The two big stars were a polar bear and an African elephant. It's not a top zoo in regards to any national recognition, but still it's a pretty neat place to have so close by. The gorilla was spending the winter on the other side of Boston. I don't know about the giraffe. He could have passed on as it's been over 20 years since I was last here. The most entertaining animal was the sea otter. They can really maneuver in the water.



  


















 
After the zoo we grabbed a meal at a local restaurant, then back to Arlene's. We're both at the same stage in life and we once again talked about retirement. I do admit that it does feel strange to talk about it, but the time is approaching and I think I'm ready for a change.

Not much new to report over the last couple of days. I have a couple of things to do but nothing too strenuous. So that's it for now.

I'm outta here.

Oops! I forgot the eagle and the one decent shot of the black bear.


 
 

7 comments:

  1. You are being way to modest when you say you are not a good photographer. I think your photos are awesome and this series from the zoo is excellent.
    It is still winter weather here. An inch of snow is predicted for tonight. I hope that is all because I am really sick of the stuff. You have permission to holler at me if I complain when the temp hits the 90s this summer. That is if summer ever gets here.
    If you can hold out until you are 65 you will be better off retirement wise so you can get your full SS monthly income. If you took the time now either online or by stopping by or calling the SS office they would be able tell you exactly how much you will be getting if you take early retirement or wait till 65. Either way, it will be here before you know it. Take care Paul and tell Arlene 'hi' for me.

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  2. Nice photos Paul. Retire at 65 only gives you a few extra bucks than 62. My hubby said it was worth retiring at 63? Ennaway retire TO something. Have a plan to be active. Jist say'in. Keep warm during the deep freeze this week.

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  3. We both retired at 62 and have never regretted it. Work work work! It was all we were doing before. now life iw MUCH better. We paid our dues and perhaps you have too. You ARE a photographer! You ARE!

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  4. Hi, I found your site from Beth. Paul, I liked your photos, especially the cats and the eagle. Glad you had a fun day....I sure know what you are saying about cabin fever....heck, I have been glad to go grocery shopping(not my fav). Take care, I'll come visit again. Blessings, xoxo,Susie

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  5. I retired at 63 and hubby at 65. Neither of us regret it. Beth is right, you a pretty darn good photographer. Never thought of winter zoo pictures but now I see how interesting they are.

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  6. Great photo's Paul winter Zoo pictures are just great. Choose if you can when the time is right for you to retire, don't think you will regret it.

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