Old York, Old York, We Got The Spleen

This week we got settled back into our old routines and decided to show Melvina some of our favorite haunts, like the zoo. We met up with my friend Jane and her adorable little boy, Tybalt.* I'm such a sucker for sweet, blue eyes ....




Melvina found the elephant so intriguing that she threw caution to the wind and leaned precariously over the muddy water hole for the best view. Made me nervous, so I finally had to insist we move on.


Jane secured my respect and admiration after charming a Dasani from Large Bald Man.

As ever, the petting zoo was a hit.

I loved the way this goat posed for the picture.

Actually, all the goats here are really quite agreeable. This friendly fellow let MPB take a quick snooze on his back.

And though he initially found the idea degrading, this gentleman finally agreed to give her an official goat ride (after we slipped him a fiver).

Upon spying Oreo here (his actual name), Melvina was overcome with emotion thinking she had stumbled upon Great-Aunt Fanny Pork Bag, sold to the circus years ago after a rumor circulated indicating she had acquired a taste for ham biscuits.** Melvina handled the disappointment as well as could be expected, and she and Oreo decided to become pen pals.

I think this was Andrew's favorite part - trying to climb into the bin of animal brushes.

With such fun to be had in Atlanta, it really is a wonder that people move to ridiculous places like Minneapolis, Bangkok, Franklin and Siloam Springs.

*Name changed to protect the innocent.

** She was eventually exonerated - it all being a cruel joke played by an ex - but too late. Her whereabouts are still unknown.