A Visit Home...

We just spent two weeks in the States.  Robert had to work and I was on holiday. 

I know...how could those two weeks be any different than any two weeks here?  I didn't have to cook and clean.  :)

Anyway, this was the first time back "home" on U.S. soil in a year.  I couldn't wait to see family and friends and have some of the foods we can't find here.  Once again, first restaurant we hit after getting off the plane was a Mexican restaurant. YUM!

The best part of the trip though was seeing family. We were lucky and were able to squeeze in a lovely dinner with my brother and sister-in-law.  I also spent two days with my sister, brother-in-law, niece and great nephew.  They dropped everything, took vacation, worked overtime, worked weekends, etc. in order to be able to spend time with me.  I can not thank my family enough nor explain in words how much it meant to me or how much I enjoyed spending time with them.

As for "home", home is where my bed is.  While we saw lots of friends and had a good time, this was like every other holiday I have ever taken and I was glad to come back to my house when the time was up. 

As for the food...it was OK.  I guess I have gotten used to our diet in Australia. And apparently the excitement of traveling internationally has now worn off...about 4 hours into the flight, I was ready to get off of the plane.  :P

Finally...the Houston humidity and heat...Y'all can keep it!

Let's talk about Lewis...

Lewis is a goat.

A full grown goat that, if he were human, would push every button known to man regardless of the signage.  I would have taken a picture but didn't have time and thought he might eat my phone before it was over...

I worked at the barn again Monday (after a holiday back to the States!) and Lewis was a busy busy goat.  Early on, I felt something tugging at my cargo pants and there was Lewis chewing on the zipper pull where the lower pant leg attaches. 

He nibbled at my leather gloves hanging out of my pocket...

Checked out my rain coat...

Ate the grass harvested for the guinea pigs...


At one point, a visitor asked me if Lewis was supposed to be right next to the enclosure I was working in.  I said no and called Lewis...

Off like a shot...Lewis realized he was a free goat and the grass is greener over there.  By the time I caught up with him with a cup of food, he was on the other side of the paddock beyond the birds of prey show seating area.  I was able to entice him back to the barn yard and not 10 minutes later, someone else let him out.  Luckily, he fell for the cup of food twice.

The best though was getting the animal snacks ready for the afternoon kids encounter.  I had a tray full of cups of chaff for the kids and he, along with his goat friends, blocked my path, herded me the direction they wanted (who knew those cute goats could be so strong) and then stood on his hind legs, put his front legs on my shoulder and tried to attack the tray of snacks.  One visitor on the other side of the fence took pity on me and held the tray enabling me to get through the gate before Lewis could push me over.

And these goats are NOT starving by any means.

How did I miss Lewis last time I worked???  He must have been having an off day.

In a different part of the sanctuary, the dingo pups had their third birthday. 

I love working there!