3 Quarters Today

My Life, my photography, my passions

Travel Adventures

Day 178/365: Lemurs at the Zoo

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Lemur with a Monkey Biscuit
Lemur with a Monkey Biscuit

This wide eyed lemur is part of the Madagascar exhibit at the Henry Doorly Zoo, yes I went back a week later. Did get some different photos, but I was pickier this time. The walk through outdoor exhibit allows you to pass through a double door entry and walk amongst a troop of ruffed lemurs.

It is 6,700 square foot netted exhibit with man-made trees linked by vines and allows visitors to photograph these animals without a net or glass obstruction.They even jump on the walkways and get up close and personal. It’s only open Fridays-Sundays and so I didn’t see it the week before. I think it’s probably due to staffing as a keeper is in attendance at all times to keep the people and lemurs from touching each other. They are very friendly and very unafraid.

Lemurs at the Zoo
Lemurs Up Close and Personal (can you see his tail)
Lemur Enrichment
Lemur Enrichment

The keepers had just gone into the exhibit and stuck several willow branches into the ground, this troupe of ring-tailed lemurs loved the treat.

Day 176/365: Easy Homemade Granola Bars

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This easy homemade granola bar recipe is courtesy of Red Feather Guides in North Park Colorado.

A few years ago my husband (then fiancee) had a wonderful half day horseback ride into the mountains and the guide brought these delicious healthy homemade granola bars. I Can’t say enough about the company and the people. Not only was it a fantastic horseback ride in the Rocky Mountains, but we brought back this amazing recipe which I love to fix for school snacks, hiking trips, and we even took them skiing.

Healthy granola bar ingredients

The recipe is at the bottom, but needless to say the “goodies” inside the granola bars can vary, instead of raisins I used dried blueberries (I have 6 lbs a friend gave me). Dried cherries substituted for cranberries too. I added dates too. Can I ever leave a recipe alone? Never!

Healthy Homemade Granola Bars are easy to makle
Homemade Granola Bars- before baking

The first batch was so popular I ended up making two batches. So I’ll be taking these to work this week and have snacks for the kids during their summer school vacation.

Homemade granola bars - recipe easy to make with common household ingredients. Delicious and easy

These weren’t nearly as good as eating them at 12,000  feet. But then again is anything? Here’s a picture from that trip and another shout-out to Red Feather Guides. If you ever are in northern Colorado and want to go on a horseback ride into the mountains they are the ones to call.

Horseback Riding in the Rockies
Horseback Riding in the Rockies

Here is the snack spread the guide shared with us at the summit. We sat on this ledge which overlooked Lake Agnes, it’s behind us in the valley, sorry you can’t see it, and ate our lunch.

Snack at the top of the Rockies
Snack at the top of the Rockies

Ok, enough of the teasing here is the easy homemade granola bar recipe.

Lurch Germany Flexiform Cereal Bar / Granola Bar Mold 11.8 x 6.9 in 6 cavity - brownLurch Germany Flexiform Cereal Bar / Granola Bar Mold 11.8 x 6.9 in 6 cavity – brownKirkland Signature Whole Dried Blueberries: 2 Bags of 20 Oz (1 Bag is 1LB 4 OZ which is 20 Ounces)Kirkland Signature Whole Dried Blueberries: 2 Bags of 20 Oz (1 Bag is 1LB 4 OZ which is 20 Ounces)Food to Live Certified Organic Dried Cranberries (Non-GMO, Kosher, Unsulfured, Bulk) (8 Ounces)Food to Live Certified Organic Dried Cranberries (Non-GMO, Kosher, Unsulfured, Bulk) (8 Ounces)365 Everyday Value Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats, 18 oz365 Everyday Value Organic Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats, 18 oz

Red Feather Homemade Granola Bar Recipe

  • 1/2 Cup Butter
  • 1 1/4 cup sugar (brown packed, or white)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/3 cup Molasses
  • 1 3/4 cup Flour
  • 1 tsp Baking Soda
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 2 cups Old Fashioned Oatmeal
  • 1/2 cup nuts
  • 1/2 cup Raisins
  • 1/2 cup dried Cranberries
  • 1 cup Chocolate Chips

Directions

  1. Combine flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking soda together in a bowl
  2. Combine butter, molasses, sugar and eggs together in 2nd bowl
  3. Combine dry ingredients into wet ingredients
  4. Combine oatmeal, raisins, chocolate chips, nuts together then add to mixture
  5. Spoon into a 19′ x 13′ pan  (parchment paper and spray with Pam-don’t forget this, seriously they will stick, you will regret it)
  6. Cook for 20 minutes at 350, check for doneness at this point and length time 5 minutes until the consistency desired.
  7. When cool turn upside down with parchment paper, seems to be easier to cut up into bars this way.

I tend to be generous with the “goodies” and find myself adding an extra cup or so of nuts, fruit or chips, still turns out fantastic! Enjoy

More Easy Home Made Granola Recipe Ideas

Granola Recipes: The Ultimate GuideGranola Recipes: The Ultimate GuideHomemade Granola Bar RecipesHomemade Granola Bar RecipesGranola! The Ultimate Recipe GuideGranola! The Ultimate Recipe GuideGranola Cookbook: Delicious Granola & Oat RecipesGranola Cookbook: Delicious Granola & Oat Recipes

Stay Tuned for more Easy Homemade Granola recipe ideas.

I just bought a new Pampered Chef bar snack mold and I’m excited to try it out. 

 

Day 171/365: Gorillas in Omaha

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Whenever we have friends visit Omaha for the first time we always take them to the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo. There are many parts of the zoo that is my favorite but one of the better exhibits is the  Hubbard Gorilla Valley which opened in 2004. Here it is almost like the people are on display instead of the gorillas. One particular silverback male loves toddlers and it’s not unusual for him to bound over to the window and stare at them. He did that with my daughter when she was little in the previous gorilla building.

Gorillas at the Omaha Zoo
Gorillas at the Omaha Zoo

There are very large outdoor valley areas which encompasses about two acres of habitat which curve and zigzag around the exhibits and make it feel as though it’s much larger. Over twenty gorillas of different ages share a multitude of living areas and many visitors have their favorites.

Gorilla Messes With Visitors at Zoo

As I said it is not uncommon to see the gorillas interact, tease or “mess” with visitors. I’ve just been sitting on the ledge with my back turned and one of the males will just come up and bang on the glass and run away, just like up above. I think he just likes seeing the reaction of people, I know I jumped! Just search on YouTube for Omaha gorilla and you will find hundreds of videos of our gorillas “interacting” with the public.

The design of the enclosures is meant for human and gorilla interaction and many people feel the Omaha Zoo has the best gorilla exhibit in the United States. In 2014 they were awarded the Best Zoo in the World by Trip Advisor. In Nebraska this is old news, but when CNN and the travel channel highlight our city and zoo it’s an even bigger source of pride.

Gorilla Breaks Glass at Omaha Zoo

So in April of 2015 when the gorilla cracked the  glass, during one of his stunts, it shouldn’t be any surprise to regular visitors.

But it surprised the country and the below video has gone viral on Facebook and other social media outlets. The activity of this gorilla is nothing new. Many people come to the zoo to interact with him. People who have never visited the Henry Doorly Zoo are criticizing how cruel it is to have gorillas in captivity, or even the ignorance of the little girl and her parents.

It is scary, especially to little kids. I have often cautioned parents with little kids that the gorillas exhibit this behavior and might lunge at the windows.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdJVc1JxGhI

As you can see from the video and the photos the gorilla enclosures are very large. I have met with the keepers and veterinarians at the zoo and brought visiting veterinarians to the zoo. The enrichment program is very intense. Not only do they have a different activity every day, but they don’t repeat an enrichment program more than once a month. Some of the enrichment activities include pumpkins, phone books, boxes, perfume, and other manipulatives..

Silverback Gorilla
Silverback Gorilla

The gorillas are put together in social groups in environment with trees, boulders, logs and an enrichment program that is meant to challenge them on a daily basis. The natural habitat of Lowland gorillas is disappearing at a tremendous rate and Omaha is one of the premier world wide reproductive facilities in the world that houses the largest gorilla sperm banks.

Gorilla in Omaha
Gorilla in Omaha
Gorilla Valley
Gorilla Valley- can you see the Gorilla in this picture?

I just love our zoo, and I think we’re going back sometime soon to take some other friends.  It’s definitely a destination you can’t miss when you come to Omaha. Almost every year there is a new attraction and even though the Omaha Zoo is great now it’s just going to get better with an upcoming $175 million dollar Master Plan expansion planned in the next 15 years.

Face to Face With Gorillas (Face to Face with Animals)Gorillas: Amazing Pictures and Facts About Gorillas (Let’s Learn About)California Costumes Men’s Adult-Gorilla, Black, Standard CostumeSafari Ltd Wildlife Wonders Silverback Gorilla

Omaha Zoo News

Gorilla cracks glass at Henry Doorly Zoo, video catches fire online

Overnight, an Omaha gorilla went viral. Around 9 p.m. Thursday, YouTube user “BULL DOG” posted a video of a silverback gorilla cracking the glass at the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium. In the first 12 hours, the video accumulated about 750,000 views.

Best Gorilla Exhibit in the US? » United States – ZooChat

About the Omaha gorilla exhibits: as you may know two silverbacks cannot be in the same group unless they are related or have known each other for a very long time. Omaha, unfortunately, has 10 male gorillas and so they …

Stop what you’re doing! The Omaha zoo’s baby penguins now have names

No more tapping the aquarium glass and saying “Hey, you!” The penguin chicks at the zoo now have names. Penguin handlers chose Kirby, Puck and Maverick as the names for the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s three newest penguins. A naming contest …

Omaha Zoo Ranked Best for Animal Attractions

Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium picks up more bragging rights. FamilyFun Magazine ranked the zoo the #1 spot for animal attractions in the U.S. for the second consecutive year. FamilyFun magazine surveyed 2,000 American families with children …

WATCH: Gorilla charges family at Omaha zoo, smashing …

OMAHA, Nebraska (PIX11) – A family visit to the gorilla exhibit at an Omaha zoo turned terrifying when a male silverback charged the group, slamming into the glass barrier. The only protection from the silverback’s fury …

Angry Silverback Gorilla Breaks Window & Scares The Heck …

Around the Web. Gorilla Breaks Glass at Atlanta Zoo – YouTube · Gorilla kicks glass at omaha zoo – YouTube · Polar Bear Breaks Glass at Zoo! – YouTube · Fed up gorilla gives taunting kids at the zoo a scare they won’t soon .

Why We Love the Omaha Zoo and Save with Omaha …

Hear why one Des Moines Mom loves the zoo and learn about Omaha Adventure Card, which provides more than $100 in savings to top Omaha attractions.

The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

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The Flag Still Stands For Freedom
The Flag Still Stands For Freedom

During last years trip to Washington DC I had a chance to visit all of the war memorials. The Vietnam Wall affected me the most. To see all those names stretching out into the horizon gave this new Marine Mom a new perspective. Some day it could be my son’t name etched in the granite of a memorial.

It is through tears that I write this, just a little under two months before my youngest son leaves for Marine boot camp. The risk has doubled, the sacrifices of families, and loved ones that served and gave their all still proves that the Flag Still Stands for Freedom.

Thanks to MCPActions for having a Memorial Day contest to submit images of patriotism, freedom, and peace. Deadline is May 27th, so if you would like to submit yours head over there, a free 16 x 20 print will be awarded to ten winners.

Day 170/365: Exploring the Lied Jungle in Omaha Nebraska

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Exploring the Rainforest at the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo

One of my passions, or “3 Quarters” is the Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo in Omaha Nebraska.

While my son was on leave from the Marines it was a trip we had to make as it has been a summer tradition and at least one annual trip every year. (when the kids were smaller it was several times a year) So enjoy a few pictures from the Lied Jungle and I’ll give a few facts along the way.

Did you know that this big zoo in the little city of Omaha Nebraska has been voted the Best Zoo in America?

Bet not, but the indoor rainforest is just one of the reasons.

Facts about the Lied Jungle in Omaha Nebraska

The Lied Jungle was built in 1992 and is eight stories tall and has over 90 different species of animals living in both secure habits and roaming the paths and treetops. Many times I’ve seen a Golden Lion Tamarin in the branches above me. All the plants are real and it’s difficult to tell which vines are fake and hold mechanical cables.

Lied Jungle Omaha Nebraska
Waterfall in the Omaha Jungle

I’ve lost track of how many waterfalls there are, but I seem to remember a number over twenty. To walk through the Lied Jungle the first time would take several hours. There are many nooks and crannies to explore. One of our favorites is the small overlook at the top of the tallest 50-foot waterfall.


I didn’t even know my son was standing up there when I took this picture. So many great photo opp locations. I have been bemoaning the fact we don’t have any waterfalls here, but there are twenty waterfalls right in Omaha Nebraska, what am I thinking?

Lied Jungle Omaha Nebraska - Free roaming Monkeys roam the jungle and may just jump on your head
Monkeys in the Jungle Treetops

Covering one and a half acres directly inside the main gate, the Lied Jungle® has 123,000 square feet of floor space with 61,000 square feet of planted exhibit space, 35,000 square feet of display management area and 11,000 square feet of education space. One time I even saw real bananas growing in a clump on the forest floor.

How the Lied Jungle at the Omaha Zoo has Changed

Lied Jungle Omaha Zoo: treetop and canopy is over two stories tallAt one time you could see all the way across the jungle, now the plants and trees have grown too tall it’s truly a jungle environment. The animals, in the beginning, were damaging the plants too quickly, monkeys and the birds were shredding the leaves for nesting and food. Now they can’t tear it apart fast enough, it is truly a jungle environment.

I love the waterfalls, and the Lied Jungle in Omaha Nebraska has several large indoor waterfalls. You can walk underneath, beside and touch the water, and it feels like you are in an actual jungle. My favorite is the swinging rope bridge. I never tire of walking across it.

The Lied Jungle in Omaha Nebraska has several large indoor waterfalls, many you can walk under and get refreshed
Lied Jungle Waterfall

You might be asking, so, where is the rope bridge? My picture this year didn’t turn out good, so below is one from last years trip.  I love this bridge, it swings, it’s wet, it’s very cool and so much fun!

For those less adventurous, or with a baby stroller, wheelchair, etc.  there is a path through the caves.

Swinging Rope Bridge in the Jungle
Swinging Rope Bridge in the Jungle (2010)

The Gorilla Complex is also another highlight of the zoo and who would have known we would have such world-class attractions in Omaha Nebraska. Not only do we have the Best Zoo in America, but recently received the Largest Zoo in the World recognition.

If any of my readers ever come to Omaha, seriously contact me, I will meet you there and give you a personal tour.

I love it that much.

Send me photos of your trip on my Facebook page, let me know how much you love the zoo.