Quirky Fridays

by Kimberly A. Cook          (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

Last Friday when my post went up, little did we know our bouncing 300 pound baby elephant had been born to Rose-Tu early that morning at the Oregon Zoo. Her docs wanted to make sure everything was fine before letting all us expectant parents know. She is a cutie. Check out her latest video below.

And, two of my favorite holiday shows are on Sunday night, Dec. 9, at 8 and 8:30 p.m. on ABC tv – “Prep & Landing” and “Prep & Landing 2: Naughty & Nice.” If you’ve seen these precision documentaries about how Santa makes his stealth rounds, watch them again for tips. If you are new to this glimpse into operational efficiency for Team Santa, make sure to watch! It’s totally tinsel! Happy Quirky Friday!

http://youtu.be/5fvCZ4_IVCo

by Kimberly A. Cook            (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

When this time of year rolls around, I like to see what the Holdmans are up to with their fabulous light displays. I’ve always found the best way to survive the holidays is to surrender before Halloween. If I lower my expectations and try not to do-it-all, but do a few things, it works out much better.

Today I am decorating the house with my favorite holiday touches and then watching the amazing Holdman over-the-top fabulous light shows. Appreciating true light artists reduces my need to compete in the holiday light arena and saves my electric bill. I fire up my 18-inch high lighted snowman in the window and I am done!

Enjoy the light show and get ready for December! Happy Quirky Friday!

P.S. Elephant Update from last Friday: Rose-Tu is in early labor and the baby’s feet are in the birth canal as shown on the very large ultrasound. Think good baby elephant thoughts!

by Kimberly A. Cook                    (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

It’s a video two-fer! While I’m shopping online in my jammies today, I wanted to share one of my favorite holiday songs. This oldie but goodie is almost impossible to find, but of course, YouTube has everything! No blazing video, but turn up the sound and use your imagination.

While the news media talks about the fiscal cliff, I’ve got bigger concerns; the Hostess Twinkies and Cup Cake Cliff and our elephant Rose Tu at the Oregon Zoo is ready to deliver her second baby any day now. We are on pins and needles here. You can follow the Pachyderm Pending blog at http://oregonzoo.org/news/category/baby-elephant and watch the pachyderm delivery preparation video below.

So let’s keep our fingers and toes crossed for the really big baby we’re expecting and enjoy a favorite holiday tune. Happy Quirky Friday!

by Kimberly A. Cook            (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

Dog may be man and woman’s best friend, but it appears Oscar the Raccoon wants to be a dog dentist. Ever patient Price the dog puts up with the amateur dental hygienist while visiting family. While we head into the holidays, complete with crazy making family visits, remember Oscar and be grateful. I can only imagine what teeth he will be trying to inspect after Turkey dinner. Happy Quirky Friday!

by Kimberly A. Cook         (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

On this special Friday, I want to give a shout out to all my fellow veterans. Having had the fun and honor to be on the lawn of the Nation’s Capital on July 4, 1990, this call out of the military services they do every year gave me chills.

I’d watched The Capital Fourth Concert for years on the PBS station in Oregon and I finally got to experience it in person. I stood up twice, for my Army and Air Force service, so make sure you stand up when your military anthem plays! Happy Quirky Friday!

by Kimberly A. Cook          (Twitter@ WarriorTales)

This Saturday our beloved University of Oregon Ducks play USC. Now, we have Ducks, Beavers and Vikings in my family, but we all get along. Except for Civil War. (And in a mascot fight I think my PSU Viking could take the Duck and Beaver, just saying.) BUT, this weekend the mighty USC is going to try to out fox us on the field. Can’t wait!

In the meantime I wanted to share this fabulous U of O band half-time show they did in September. Saw it the first week it was online and couldn’t wait to share it with everyone. Not only is Puddles the Duck a great dancer, he’s got great guns from all those push ups! Go Ducks!