Shady Maple Surprises

Shady Maple is a great IGA associated market in Blue Ball...Lancaster County. Getting there is half the fun because all roads that lead to Shady Maple are picturesque. I also like to stop at a stand called Wayside Produce, run by an Amish family.

Anyway, after our shopping for the freshest meats and vegetables in PA, we noticed that an anniversary celebration was going on. A petting zoo had landed in the parking lot of Good's, a store right next to Shady Maple. Amazingly, huge stakes were pounded into the macadam to hold down some tents.

The great surprise is that the tents contained all kinds of animals, and admission was (gasp) free. Of course this called for a Calderoni expedition, so off we went. We saw a python, llamas, goats, sheep, emus, anteaters, kangaroos, a zebu, zebra, camels ( one and two humps), macaws, parrots, two big turtles, a big lizard and who knows what else!

Elena happily tried to hold a conversation with the macaws and parrots..and was successful.

Afterwards, we used the requisite hand sanitizers and read the posted note that stated that the animals were well cared for in Massachusetts. I have to say that they really did look good. Somebody loves them, which is not the case with some petting zoo exhibitions.

What a great excursion!

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Emma and Tony have joined the swim team, and are adjusting to the rigorous requirements. I am very proud of them. This morning, Emma asked me if she couldn't go fast, would I still love her? Oh, my....We had our discussion then...no matter what, her mama will still love her. She was happy to hear that.
This activity really is helping with their sleeping and eating habits, too.

They are also requesting to visit our library real soon...wow...

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Fish Update

There have been 0 attempted escapes from Mr. Bagel's fishtank. So far, so good.

TTFN