Harambe

  I'm not a zoologist. I'm not a veterinarian. Or a zoo keeper. Or animal care worker.  Neither is anyone I know. Yet every single person I know has an opinion on the incident of a four year old boy falling into a gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo. And they are heated opinions.

  If you have children you know it's impossible, impossible, to keep an eye on them at all times. Please don't comment that you can because I don't believe it. No one. That's why kids get broken bones, break things, fall down and get lost. It happens to every parent. This just went to another level.

  The snippet of video the world saw is not the entire time this child was in the enclosure. According to zoo staff and eye witnesses, the gorilla became agitated, due in part to the reaction of the crowd, took the child by the leg and dragged him to the other side of the enclosure. All the time the boys head was in water, bouncing off the ground. Not the gentleness you saw in the first few seconds.  A few seconds after stopping, the boy tried to stand up but was taken by the leg and dragged again.

  Zoo staff, who considered and ultimately rejected a tranquilizer, made a decision. The 400 plus pound silverback gorilla must be put down. And quickly in order to ensure the safety of the child. These are the people who worked with this gorilla for years. Who had established a relationship and love towards this animal. They were the experts and they knew what had to be done. Like it or not they did it to save the child's life.

  A child's life. A gorilla's life. I would assume everyone would choose the child. However I'm wrong there. Some people are saying other options should have been looked at. How do you know they weren't and vetoed? And what kind of outrage would there be if the gorilla had killed the boy? Would the masses be asking why wasn't the animal shot? The answer to that is yes.

  I have spent a lot of time watching gorillas. I've seen countless documentaries on their interactions, customs and families. I've seen them play. I've seen them fight. Trust me a gorilla could snap a child in two. And while it makes me sad this happened, in my opinion the zoo staff made the right decision.

  This is a sad event. Anytime an endangered animal is killed is difficult. But a child is alive and that means more.

  To me anyway.
  Ang

 

 

Know Them....Love Them

  When something goes wrong in my children's lives I take a second or two to think about my response before my reaction hits my face or leaves my lips. No matter the situation I take that time. It's the most important thing I do.

  The reason parenting advice doesn't work most of the time is that every single child is unique. What works for one doesn't necessarily guarantee success with another. The best and only advice that works every time is simple. Know your child. That's all.

  My kids, even though they drive me absolutely insane on a daily basis, are easy to read. They react to things like I do. Not so much John's reaction but mine. That's why those few seconds are so important.

  If my initial reaction is positive theirs will be as well. If I jump up and down, screaming and shouting....well that's what I'll see them do. Simple. Learning by example I suppose. Sometimes I wish they would look to John first. His reaction is much more reasonable most of the time.

  An injury, a bully or a disappointment all need a measured, well thought out response. Alex fell off a play structure, sprained an ankle and was in quite a bit of pain. His eyes are staring at my face waiting to see how bad it is. Based solely on my reaction. So it's very important that he sees everything is ok in my face....no matter how bad it really is.

   Saturday, at Riley's play, there was a mix up giving out certificates on stage. Everyone got one but him. I was devastated. And angry. Thankfully he couldn't see my face! However when he came to me afterwards he was excited about being on the stage. The over site meant nothing to him. When asked about it, he looked at me, again judging my reaction. I had to agree with him that it was no big deal and smile.

  In both cases they were relieved or felt better. Kids are easily influenced and we, as parents, need to be aware of that fact. Base your response on your child. You know them best.

  FYI.... I wanted to cry when I saw Alex's ankle bruised and swollen. And I wanted to slap the woman who "forgot" about Riley. 

  Boy I hope they take after their father!

  Ang

Lobster

  We had lobster yesterday. It's probably my favorite food. I don't use melted butter.....why would you ruin the taste? No rice, salad or side is necessary. Just put it down in front of me with some newspaper, a cutting board and a butcher knife and I'm happy.

  My Dad loved lobster more than any other food. He never got tired of eating it. My cousin is a fisherman and Dad would wait for Charlie at the dock almost every day to see how the catch was. And most days with a garbage bag in his back pocket, just in case it was a good day. 

  It's a big treat for us. Being so far from the ocean the prices are a lot more than my east coast friends would pay. And significantly more than the fisherman are getting but that's us paying the middle man.

  Yesterday the house reeked of lobster. I cleaned 22 of them and managed only a few cuts to my hands. Nothing personal but if you are not from the coast you waste a lot. I'd rather shell them for you and get every last drop.

  This summer we are going to visit friends on the east coast. Lobster is on the menu again. Even though my cousin will be finished his season by the time we arrive, I'm sure we can find some fresh from the ocean. 

  Jealous yet?

  Ang

And the Academy Award goes to.......

  Nothing makes me prouder as a parent than seeing my child work hard to achieve something. Yesterday we watched Riley make his stage debut after six months of rehearsals and dance routine practices. He was great!

  Now this wasn't Broadway or London's West End. Just a little show in a little theater in little ole Ottawa. But to him being on that stage was exactly the same experience. He was nervous and excited and thrilled. He sang his heart out. Danced like no one was watching. And spoke clear, crisp and loud.

  Riley has always loved performing. We spent many hours watching him be Roony Doodle, playing guitar and singing. Just Dance is almost worn out from over use....that damn hamster dance song is stuck in my head now. 

  Performing gives confidence to children. They practice speech, projection and clarity. Riley can talk to anyone....and does. Perhaps too much. Without hesitation or fear. His confidence is apparent most of the time.

  Hard work has it's own successes and Riley learnt that yesterday. He heard the applause and cheers. And I think he wants it again. 

  Congratulations Riley on a job very well done. Your Dad and I are so proud of you! We couldn't love you any more.

  Mom (Ang)

  

  

007

    Daniel Craig doesn't want to play James Bond in the movies anymore. He must be well and truly done since he turned down a crazy amount of money, 68 million pounds or $116 million Canadian dollars to be exact. I'm pretty sure I could have forced myself to do a few more for that much money.

  Now the search is on for the next person to play the famous spy. There are some great actors who would instantly come to mind. Tom Hiddleston. Idris Elba. Tom Hardy. Any of them would make a great Bond. 

  I've also heard some buzz about James Norton. If you haven't seen Happy Valley on Netflix you need to. He was brilliant in it. Aidan Turner's name has been thrown around too. You might know him from Poldark. I know him from The Hobbit trilogy. Another very good choice.

  There was even some talk about Gillian Anderson becoming Jane Bond. Of course that came from her so I'm guessing there isn't much truth in that. I heard a few other women's names kicking around too as possible contenders.  Ian Fleming wrote about a male spy however and in the movies I don't think it would fly. I say that but who knows. Elementary is still going strong with Dr. Joan Watson on tv.

  My first choice would be Idris Elba. He's a great actor and definitely has the voice for it. And he would look great in a suit with a martini in his hand. However he has said he doesn't want to be the "black James Bond". And while that would probably be a thing in the United States I'm not sure the rest of the world would see it as such.

  Whoever gets the coveted job they will have some big footprints to follow in. Sean Connery. Roger Moore. David Niven. All exceptional actors who have had distinguished careers.

  Hmmmm why didn't anyone mention Hugh Grant? Just asking.

  Ang

The Duchess Wore What??

  Yesterday social media had a field day with the fact that Kate Middleton wore the same dress twice. Once at her sons baptism in 2013 and again at the Queen's Garden Party Tuesday. Imagine that! This is news why?

  Does anyone, whose last name isn't Kardashian, ever wear an outfit just once? Of course not. Even a wedding dress is sometimes worn again....hopefully not for a second wedding to a different partner.

  I would think that the British public would be happy that she is "just like us". That she found an outfit she loved and wore it again. And maybe she will again. Haven't we all found that outfit that makes us look and feel like a million bucks and noticed we are wearing it in way too many pictures? Guilty.

  I'm curious.....did anyone check and see if her hubby was wearing a tie he had worn before? Or shoes? Socks? I'd bet my life savings that answer is no. Why? Because men are not held to the same ridiculous standards as women. It's sad but true.

  Maybe it was a slow news day. Let's hope so. I'd hate to think with all the real news events happening that we could be distracted by a simple case of a young woman wearing a pretty dress twice in her lifetime.

  But we were.

  Ang

  

Back To The 80's

   This weekend Riley makes his theatrical debut in Back To The 80's. He is beyond excited. It's on a real stage. In a real theater. With proper lights and sound. A curtain and an audience. And he is the male lead Michael.

  The play includes Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Kids In America and Footloose. I've not read the script but I've heard him practicing his "rap". He has assured me he knows all his lines and they have practiced many times so he knows all the dance moves as well. Exciting.

  Afterwards we are having his "entourage" over for food and beverages. He has invited six people....all extended family. I thought it would be a great opportunity for the first lobster feast of the season. Even if the boy of the hour doesn't like them. Any excuse I say.

  Riley has a real love of performing. He will sing and play the piano as long as anyone is interested. And then a few more minutes just in case you change your mind. I love the sound of music in the house so I don't mind but I'm not sure others are always so happy about it.

  Good luck this weekend my Sweet Baboo! I'm sure you will be awesome!!!!

  Mom