Every minute this week...

...is jam packed with crap to do. So I might be a little lazy on posting but I'm thinking about you.

xoxo, pam

Weekends are the best....

Here I am making my way across the rope bridge at Animal Kingdom for the Wild Safari Trek.  The hubby and I are still talking about this trip and how fun it was.  We also talk about how Disney does a good job at doing things right. 

So friends...the weekend is almost here.  I'm hoping to do some kayaking tomorrow and Sunday my mom & I are catching for moms day.  We are going to Hard Rock Casino for a little lunch and hopefully a little winning on the slot machines.

Next week we have memorial weekend on tap. Long weekends are always nice.

What are your plans coming up?  

xoxo, Pam 

Wild Safari Trek: part 2

A little lunch and more animals in the Safari.

Little elephant hanging around.

Rhino just scrolling by - so close.

Running.

Who you looking at?

The Wild Safari Trek was amazing.  Worth every penny. The food was great. Only 8 people (max is 12) were on the trek so no crowds to fight. The jeep that drove us around on the second part of the trek did stop often for photos.  Also the two Disney employees who lead the trek educated us on all aspects of the animal care, habitat and what Disney is doing worldwide to help countries stop poaching and reintroduce animals into the wild.  

I love taking photos - makes me happy to share them for you.  

xoxo, pam

Wild Safari Trek: part 1

Last Friday I took the day off from work to play. The hubby and I headed to Animal Kingdom for the Wild Safari Trek.

We had been talking for the last year about doing the Trek but I didn't want to spend the money.  Then the Disney blog announced $50 off trek's for the later times. Done. Booked.

The Trek is 3 hours includes lunch, photos (a photographer follows the group to take candid shots) and a stainless steel mug.  

The first half you are in a harness and you get strapped in for up close views of animals.  And you get to hike across a rope bridge with crocodiles swimming below.  

We got to see Hippos.

Up close Black Vulture.

Swimming Nile Crocodiles below. 

Long Neck Giraffes.

Next lunch and more animals - part 2 tomorrow.  

Look forward to seeing you...pam

Happy Mother's Day to All

Have a great weekend!  And give mom a hug this weekend even if it is thru the phone!

Tasty Thursday

Lets get Tasty...post Cinco de Mayo!

Homemade Refried Beans

Take one 16 oz. bag of dried Pinto Bags.  Rinse beans in water and remove any stones, dirt or bad beans.

Add cleaned beans to pot and cover with at least 3 inches of water.  Bring beans to boil.  Once at a boil lower the heat to simmer, cover and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours.  

Once the beans are soft, drain off the water.

Mash the beans.

Once your beans are mashed.  Add 1/4 cup of water and 4 tablespoons of olive oil.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  I added  1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper and ground cumin seed.  

I tried to keep these Refried Beans tasty and light.  

It was a yummy Cinco de Mayo dinner.  I served the refried beans along with Trader Joe's steamed tamales, guacamole, sour cream and tomato/onion salsa. 

Camera Stuff

It seems I'm always struggling with dust on my sensor.  I change lens often on my Canon DSLR.  I try my best to change them in a clean environment like the car but sometimes I don't have the luxury or the time to run back.  

I recently purchased the Lenspen SensorKlear Loupe Kit from B&H Photo.  I think this might be the best investment I have made.  The Loupe lights up my sensor and I can see everything (including a scratch I have on it.)  And the Lenspen gets it cleaned.

I recommend taking a peek and reading the reviews if you are fighting dust!

Weekend Adventure: Myakka River State Park - part 2

The one thing I have read over and over about Myakka River State Park is the amount of alligators.  I found one.  I think they are all hanging out at the Deep Hole.

Long walk in Old Florida.

I'll be going back!  

If you thinking about going, bring comfortable shoes, water and maybe a bike for all the paths (paved and unpaved).

Another great Florida State Park.  

Weekend Adventures: Myakka River State Park

Last Sunday I adventured over to Myakka River State Park bright and early in the morning.  This state park has this amazing Canopy Walkway.

It is not extremely long but it is still fun.

And the view from the adjoining tower is beautiful.

I felt pretty lucky having the whole place to myself.  I climbed it twice all by myself.

Tomorrow morning fun around Myakka River State Park.

Please stop by.

Sunday Takes

Baby Moorhen taking an evening sip.

Someones dinner plate.

Mine. Mine. Mine. Mine.

Almost time to leave the nest.  

And more... Sunny Simple Life