ALL THE BEST TO EVERYONE IN THIS NEW YEAR!
I know Christmas seems like - so last year - but it has taken me awhile to get around to the blogging. Partly because of internet interruptions, partly because of getting ready for pickleball tournament season which is in full swing from now until end of March, and partly because I had spent several hours over the past two days - only to have somehow deleted my draft with no hope of retrieving it! Aaaargh!
It was an extremely quiet Christmas Season this year - we did not go to Sedona, our friends were away and tried to go to a movie on Christmas Day only to find out all sixteen theaters, where we usually go because of the fabulous recliner chairs and large screen, were completely sold out!
Finally, got to see the new Star Wars with friends (even though we were a little spread out in the theatre) and going for dinner afterwards (7 pm) was a bit of an issue. Three places we phone were experiencing 45-1.5 hour waits. We opted to go to Oregano's and wait and wait. Great food but a late night.
🌵🌴🌵
I will get pickleball news over with first .. . .
Tournament Season is in full swing (Jan-March tournaments everywhere). Trying to get IN to them and register is a huge feat. You have to register with a partner (can no longer put your name in and then find a partner, registration sometimes starts at midnight, sometimes 6 AM and you had better be on your computer no longer than two minutes afterward or it is filled).
Eight prototypes are being tested in a desert outside of San Diego - the cost would be approximately $67 billion for the entire 2,000-mile border. Plans have changed and now call for a more modest, 722-mile barrier that is a mix of wall and fencing, mostly updating what has been in place for decades, while relying on drone and other methods to secure the rest.
In 2012, under Barack Obama, people brought to the US illegally as children were given the right to temporarily live, study and work in America. They must have no criminal history or be a threat to national security and must be students or have completed school or military service. Eventually, they become eligible for driver's licenses and college enrollment or a work permit.
The founders of this park, Dean and Prayeri Harrison, began their adoration for animals when they brought a baby African leopard into their lives (literally into their home, their bed, shared their food and their life). From there, they went on many African Safaris and slowly increased their safari to what it is today - 104 acres. They are known for their meticulous care for the animals and they have made it their life's calling to share what they have learned by demonstrating unique relationships to the public while playing a role in the conservation of many threatened animals today.
Today, the Harrison's live on the grounds of the park year round.
AFRICAN GIANT TORTOISE
A woman from Jerome donated two of her 20-year-old giant African spiked tortoises. They weigh approximately 250 pounds. Seventeen years ago when she bought the tortoises, she did not know they were the giant species and did not have the space to keep them any longer. She was devastated to give them up but knew it was the right thing to do.
WHITE RHINOCEROS
"White" rhinos are actually not white. The English word "white" is said to have been derived by mistranslation of the Dutch word "wild," which means "wide" in English. The white rhino has a distinctive wide mouth.
The northern white rhinos are critically endangered.
Jericho
This southern white rhinoceros has lived on his 6 acre estate since 2013. He weighs in at 4,800 pounds. They are quick and agile and can run up to 30 mph. They have no real predators. The mother is extremely protective of her calf so they are not vulnerable either - a calf can weigh from 80 to 140 pounds.
Jericho is now 20 years old (they live 40-50 years). If you don't see him, he will come out of his enclosure when his name is called.
RING-TAILED LEMUR
The lemur will sit facing the sun to warm itself. The maximum lifespan in captivity has been reported at 27 years.
They live in small groups, usually around 16. Grooming is common and is the main way of social bonding. Grooming was found to be performed chiefly by older, higher ranking animals.
The sable forms herds of 10 to 30 females generally, but sometimes much larger herds, led by a single male. They primarily live in SE Africa and prefer woodlands and grassland, avoiding extensive open lands.
BENGAL TIGER
A white tiger is actually a Bengal tiger that is white because of a special gene. The Bengal is native to India and Bangladesh but found in other countries such as Nepal, China, Tibet. The roar can be heard from up to two miles away. (The guttural roars I heard between these two is something I will never forget).
LIONS
They say that cats have nine lives, but they don't say that about the Serengeti lion. Life is hard and life span tend to be short. An adult male lion, if he's lucky and durable, might attain the advanced age of 10-14 in the wild (20-25 in captivity).
An African male lion is over 400 pounds and 4 feet tall at the shoulder. They can take down 1,300 pound cape buffalo and also giraffes and even elephants in the right situation.
Compared to other cats, lions are very social and live in groups of 5 to 25, called prides. The pride males, often brothers, may come and go, and even be members of more than one pride at a time. They must continually prove themselves as established pride leaders, fending off other male in sour, sometimes fatal fights.
They can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (81kph) in short bursts. The adult male's roar can be heard up to 5 miles away (8 km). They spend between 16 and 20 hours resting and sleeping.
BACK TO SURPRISE, ARIZONA
Been going to the Surprise, City Pickleball courts and this 'goose' kept showing up. People were noticing how 'different' this bird looked, compared to the others. There is a large park adjacent to the courts and a huge pond.
Everyone was noticing this bird and turns out it is native to Africa, south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley.
These birds have been imported to Texas as decorative birds, from Africa. Those that have escaped private ponds or aviaries have established hardy feral populations that seem to be growing in numbers.
Egyptian geese have become a real problem at some golf course in Irvine, California. As with the Canada Geese, the Egyptian Geese are found close to wet areas. They can be back tempered and intolerant of other birds, more so during breeding season.
MARC NEWS
He has had his middle finger (luckily his right hand - he is left handed) bandaged and with a splint for two weeks now.
He did the bandaging himself and it could have used 3-4 stitches, but, because he has a background in first aid at the ski hill, he did his own first aid. Marc says if they ran to town every time someone cut themselves like that on the boat they would have never been on the fishing grounds making money.
Yikes.
He recently had to replace his smoothie blender. . . and bought a new, heavy duty Ninja blender.
Reached in to grab something, only to find there are like three tiers of extremely sharp blades. His middle finger was cut to the bone.
It has healed well but will be a few more weeks before he can bend it normally. It is very stiff and still swollen.
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This is it, for now. Has been a trying couple of months, with losing our other place and scrambling to find another spot (difficult here), internet issues, losing the blog post after spending several hours and how, Marc's finger. So fortunate he did not sever a tendon - surgery possibilities would have sent us home.
🌵🌴🌵
I will get pickleball news over with first .. . .
Tournament Season is in full swing (Jan-March tournaments everywhere). Trying to get IN to them and register is a huge feat. You have to register with a partner (can no longer put your name in and then find a partner, registration sometimes starts at midnight, sometimes 6 AM and you had better be on your computer no longer than two minutes afterward or it is filled).
Marc and Barrie won the Silver at 5.0 Venture Out (Mesa). 5.0 Teams came from all over the valley to compete and they played 5 hours straight in 88 degrees .In the end Marc's friends Dave Overmoyer and Jim Kloss beat them in the gold medal match.
This was Marc's first tournament at the big 5.0 level.
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Marc has gone PRO!
(Darn - just when I thought I was catching up).
Marc will soon be wearing Pro Team Selkirk clothing, play with the new Amped Selkirk paddle and with this Pro Selkirk contract he does not need to buy anymore paddles or clothes for that matter.
(Darn - just when I thought I was catching up).
Marc will soon be wearing Pro Team Selkirk clothing, play with the new Amped Selkirk paddle and with this Pro Selkirk contract he does not need to buy anymore paddles or clothes for that matter.
Hey people - he will no longer have his bag full of paddles. He is happy finally, with one kind.
Happy Trails courts
After many years of battling with the tennis club, four tennis courts that back onto the existing six pickleball courts have been converted. There are now ten in this area. The tennis club have courts elsewhere in the park and there are four other pickleball courts in another section.
The Happy Trails Classic tournament went on from Mon-Friday this week. Approximately 500 entries.
🌵🌵🌵
In the news, in Arizona
THE WALL
Prototypes were built to guide the future construction of the wall. One is 30 feet high, significantly higher than existing barriers. Existing walls cover 653 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border, mostly along the western half.
Eight prototypes are being tested in a desert outside of San Diego - the cost would be approximately $67 billion for the entire 2,000-mile border. Plans have changed and now call for a more modest, 722-mile barrier that is a mix of wall and fencing, mostly updating what has been in place for decades, while relying on drone and other methods to secure the rest.
The DREAMERS
The Trump administration announced that it plans to scrap DACA, the program that gives temporary protection to undocumented migrants who arrived in the US as children. This program is to end in March 2018, throwing almost 800,000 people into turmoil.
In 2012, under Barack Obama, people brought to the US illegally as children were given the right to temporarily live, study and work in America. They must have no criminal history or be a threat to national security and must be students or have completed school or military service. Eventually, they become eligible for driver's licenses and college enrollment or a work permit.
Trump announced his decision to rescind the program and make the deportation of an estimated 11 million undocumented persons a top priority.
Jorge Garcia, after living 30 years in the U.S. and working as a landscaper, was deported to Mexico, leaving his wife and two children behind. He was brought to the U.S. by an undocumented family member when he was ten years old. His wife and two children and U.S. citizens. Since 2005, he has been trying to find a path to live legally in the U.S.
U.S. immigration agents raided dozens of 7-Eleven stores before dawn last week (Jan 10), arresting 21 people in the largest crackdown on a company suspected of hiring undocumented workers since Trump took office.
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) hit stores in 17 states and Washington, D.C., and gave managers and franchise owners three days to provide the agency with the immigration status of their workers.
No doubt Trump is cracking down on immigration. President Trump decided to end Temporary Protected Status for some 200,000 Salvadorans. A similar fate appears to be waiting Hondurans. Pressure is being put on Canada which appears to be the favorite alternative for expired TPS holders and illegal immigrants.
GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN
Republicans and Democrats were unable to agree on a plan to continue government funding. The last shutdown happened in 2-13 and resulted in a cost to America of $24 billion. Republicans are resolute: no talks on DACA, the expiring Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, until Democrats give them enough votes to reopen the government. Democrats, meanwhile, say they have to have an answer on extending protection to nearly 700,0000 people brought to the US illegally as children who face deportation after early March.
And, for those interested, you too can purchase the Trump Bear, complete with the comb over, brushable hair at just $20.00.
🌵🌴🌵
OUT OF AFRICA
Located in the heart of the Verde Valley (near Cottonwood, Arizona).
The founders of this park, Dean and Prayeri Harrison, began their adoration for animals when they brought a baby African leopard into their lives (literally into their home, their bed, shared their food and their life). From there, they went on many African Safaris and slowly increased their safari to what it is today - 104 acres. They are known for their meticulous care for the animals and they have made it their life's calling to share what they have learned by demonstrating unique relationships to the public while playing a role in the conservation of many threatened animals today.
Today, the Harrison's live on the grounds of the park year round.
AFRICAN GIANT TORTOISE
A woman from Jerome donated two of her 20-year-old giant African spiked tortoises. They weigh approximately 250 pounds. Seventeen years ago when she bought the tortoises, she did not know they were the giant species and did not have the space to keep them any longer. She was devastated to give them up but knew it was the right thing to do.
WHITE RHINOCEROS
"White" rhinos are actually not white. The English word "white" is said to have been derived by mistranslation of the Dutch word "wild," which means "wide" in English. The white rhino has a distinctive wide mouth.
The northern white rhinos are critically endangered.
Jericho
This southern white rhinoceros has lived on his 6 acre estate since 2013. He weighs in at 4,800 pounds. They are quick and agile and can run up to 30 mph. They have no real predators. The mother is extremely protective of her calf so they are not vulnerable either - a calf can weigh from 80 to 140 pounds.
RING-TAILED LEMUR
Sedona arrived as a one year old, in 2001. She and her mate (Verde) have produced several offspring that now reside in Out of Africa. Lemurs live in group, called troops.
Lemurs enjoy watching us as much as we love to watch them, making them one of the most intriguing and entertaining mammals to observe at the park.
In the wild, they exist in Madagascar (off the SE coast of Africa). The 22 to 25 inch tail is not used for grasping but used for bland, communication and group cohesion.
The lemur will sit facing the sun to warm itself. The maximum lifespan in captivity has been reported at 27 years.They live in small groups, usually around 16. Grooming is common and is the main way of social bonding. Grooming was found to be performed chiefly by older, higher ranking animals.
SABLE ANTELOPE
The sable forms herds of 10 to 30 females generally, but sometimes much larger herds, led by a single male. They primarily live in SE Africa and prefer woodlands and grassland, avoiding extensive open lands.
"Nairobi" is a male residing in Out of Africa. He almost died as a foal. The Harrison's spent eight months caring for him - bringing him into their house for 7 nights due to a cold spell and returning him to the herd during the warmer temperatures of the day. He now has two females in his herd and will come when his name is called.
The young and females are brown, males are black. As the females get older, their coat turns mostly black. An aggressive antelope - they have been known to kill big cats on occasion when attacked.
SPOTTED HYENA
The most common type of hyena and have a reputation for eating the leftovers of other predators. Not true - they are super-skilled predators and in fact, a lot of time the big cats will scavenge from the hyenas.
Their jaws are extremely powerful and can chomp through everything, except horns.
They live in structured groups, called clans, of 60 to 90 individuals (the most ever reported was 130). No wonder they can overcome large animals like hippos, water buffalo and antelope.
These animals are much larger than I expected. They can weigh up to 190 lbs.
These two were in their dens but when the tourist bus came around (with food) they came out. The keeper teased them in order to get them to laugh.
Hyenas are most likely to 'giggle' after being attacked and while being chased by another hyena who wants the carcass part the 'giggler' is carrying around. Unfortunately, this attracts others who get involved in the chase.
PLAINS ZEBRAS
Like fingerprints, zebra stripe patterns are unique to each individual. Plains zebra are found on the savannas in eastern Africa, Grevy's in northern Kenya and Mountain zebra in SW Africa. They have many predators, including all the big cats, hyenas and wild dogs, not to mention humans.
They live in harems and only when they are in groups can then warn each other of danger. They sleep standing up - ready to bolt at any time.
"Diligence" is a male resident at Out of Africa and keeps a close eye on his small herd. He has a knack for opening vehicle doors and has sired many babies in the park.
Their jaws are extremely powerful and can chomp through everything, except horns.They live in structured groups, called clans, of 60 to 90 individuals (the most ever reported was 130). No wonder they can overcome large animals like hippos, water buffalo and antelope.
These animals are much larger than I expected. They can weigh up to 190 lbs.
These two were in their dens but when the tourist bus came around (with food) they came out. The keeper teased them in order to get them to laugh.
Hyenas are most likely to 'giggle' after being attacked and while being chased by another hyena who wants the carcass part the 'giggler' is carrying around. Unfortunately, this attracts others who get involved in the chase.
PLAINS ZEBRAS
Like fingerprints, zebra stripe patterns are unique to each individual. Plains zebra are found on the savannas in eastern Africa, Grevy's in northern Kenya and Mountain zebra in SW Africa. They have many predators, including all the big cats, hyenas and wild dogs, not to mention humans.
They live in harems and only when they are in groups can then warn each other of danger. They sleep standing up - ready to bolt at any time.
"Diligence" is a male resident at Out of Africa and keeps a close eye on his small herd. He has a knack for opening vehicle doors and has sired many babies in the park.
BENGAL TIGER
A white tiger is actually a Bengal tiger that is white because of a special gene. The Bengal is native to India and Bangladesh but found in other countries such as Nepal, China, Tibet. The roar can be heard from up to two miles away. (The guttural roars I heard between these two is something I will never forget).
Tigers do not shy away from water. They will drag their prey into the water and will chase their prey into water.
They have been documented to run up to 47 mph in water and leap up to 30 feet.
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| CHALET |
Chalet
Chalet came to Out of Africa at two weeks of age and her best friend (a lioness) was also born on the same day.
Chalet is one of the participants in the Tiger Splash and developed this skill without any training.
Kumba, (the lioness that resides with Chalet)
LIONS
They say that cats have nine lives, but they don't say that about the Serengeti lion. Life is hard and life span tend to be short. An adult male lion, if he's lucky and durable, might attain the advanced age of 10-14 in the wild (20-25 in captivity).
An African male lion is over 400 pounds and 4 feet tall at the shoulder. They can take down 1,300 pound cape buffalo and also giraffes and even elephants in the right situation.
Compared to other cats, lions are very social and live in groups of 5 to 25, called prides. The pride males, often brothers, may come and go, and even be members of more than one pride at a time. They must continually prove themselves as established pride leaders, fending off other male in sour, sometimes fatal fights.
They can reach speeds of up to 50 mph (81kph) in short bursts. The adult male's roar can be heard up to 5 miles away (8 km). They spend between 16 and 20 hours resting and sleeping.
BACK TO SURPRISE, ARIZONA
Been going to the Surprise, City Pickleball courts and this 'goose' kept showing up. People were noticing how 'different' this bird looked, compared to the others. There is a large park adjacent to the courts and a huge pond.
Everyone was noticing this bird and turns out it is native to Africa, south of the Sahara and the Nile Valley.
These birds have been imported to Texas as decorative birds, from Africa. Those that have escaped private ponds or aviaries have established hardy feral populations that seem to be growing in numbers.
Egyptian geese have become a real problem at some golf course in Irvine, California. As with the Canada Geese, the Egyptian Geese are found close to wet areas. They can be back tempered and intolerant of other birds, more so during breeding season.
MARC NEWS
He has had his middle finger (luckily his right hand - he is left handed) bandaged and with a splint for two weeks now.
He did the bandaging himself and it could have used 3-4 stitches, but, because he has a background in first aid at the ski hill, he did his own first aid. Marc says if they ran to town every time someone cut themselves like that on the boat they would have never been on the fishing grounds making money.
Yikes.
He recently had to replace his smoothie blender. . . and bought a new, heavy duty Ninja blender.
Reached in to grab something, only to find there are like three tiers of extremely sharp blades. His middle finger was cut to the bone.
It has healed well but will be a few more weeks before he can bend it normally. It is very stiff and still swollen.
✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷✷
This is it, for now. Has been a trying couple of months, with losing our other place and scrambling to find another spot (difficult here), internet issues, losing the blog post after spending several hours and how, Marc's finger. So fortunate he did not sever a tendon - surgery possibilities would have sent us home.
Enjoying the skies, carrying on and enjoying 75 degree weather.
1 comment:
A real good news and bad news story! Congratulations to Marc on going pro .
I imagine having a sponsor keeps some of the costs down. Hope that finger injury heals fast.
Thanks for keeping up the blog Bev. Your animal photos and stories are very interesting.
I'm spending most of my time being a grandma, but the family is back to France next week. I will miss them. Xox
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