Of course we have a wonderful zoo in Houston, and it’s getting better all the time, but it’s stuctured and straight-laced and near downtown. Closer to my own backyard is Bayou Wildlife Park,
where animals roam (to a point) and guests can ride through the acreage on a tram, getting up close and personal and feeding the animals. And as you can see by the pictures, they definitely get up close. The ostriches and camels are a little scary, the camels bobbing and lunging to get at the food buckets and the camels pushy and slobbery. But it’s fun and unique and everyone should have an experience like this!

To read a slew of fascinating My Town Monday posts, visit Travis Erwin’s blog for a full list.

Don’t forget to click on the little blue squares next to a book or movie link. Those are Smart Links. Does anyone think those are as cool as I do??? I love them!

Thanks for all the book recommendations. (Although I’ve definitely had my fill of Sweet Valley High!) I’m reading Northanger Abbey right now but hopefully will have finished by next week’s trip to the library.

Read on!

Okay this is just an interim blog look–I had to select a pre-made template to upgrade my blog before I move forward with the redesigns. And…since I really want to see if the Smarklinks work, this post is strictly about books I’m waiting to read.

Quote emanating from upstairs as I write this: ‘Sweet and sassy molasses!’

Carrying on…
Since I’ve been browsing a lot lately in the children’s/YA book sections, I’ve discovered quite a few of those I’m interested in reading.

1. The Calder Game by Blue Balliett…I love the mystery and the big ‘thinking component’ of her books.

2. Twice Upon a Marigold by Jean Ferris…I just read Once Upon a Marigold and enjoyed it very much, and now, there’s a Part 2.

3. Rumors: A Luxe Novel by Anna Godbersen…I enjoyed The Luxe and look forward to reading the storyline of another of the characters introduced in the first novel.

4. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer…The final chapter of the Twilight saga. Can’t wait!

5. A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray…I’ve somehow managed to let this book slip by me, and Catherine reminded me.

Anybody have any other recommendations?