Bon Voyage, Panda Boy!

My pal Tai Shan, the National Zoo's "baby" panda, has his bags packed to leave on February 4 and is all ready to meet his new friends in China. Here he is-mid-snooze-practicing for the time difference.

I guess he didn't want to pay extra for his bags and have his bamboo snacks confiscated at security, because he's traveling on FedEx! First class on FedEx probably means he will have more leg room, and won't have to put up with anyone kicking the back of his seat or reclining their seat into his lap.

Happy Birthday (Hip)Poe!

Today was Edgar Allan (Hip)Poe's 201st birthday! I'm afraid of visiting spooky graveyards in the dark, so I went to visit his grave site during daylight hours in September when it was sunny and warm.

For the first time since 1949, the Poe Toaster didn't show up. Maybe he had his calendar open to the wrong page.

Message in the Snow

Little Christmas

Today is Epiphany / Feast of the Three Kings, a holiday marking the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas and celebrating the arrival of three kings bearing gifts. Hippo is waiting patiently to give and receive all our own little hippo gifts tonight.


In the meantime we'll be shaking the presents, snacking on carrots and cookies, and playing games. We hope you have a day just as fun. Merry Little Christmas!