I’m enjoying settling back in to real life in New Jersey. I enjoyed my time in Florida so much and I do miss my friends. I’ve been getting nearly daily updates on how everyone is doing. The Weight Watchers train is still chugging along down there and they’re definitely doing better than me in the exercise arena. Going to the gym every other day and long walks on the beach. I’m faithfully doing my stationary bike every day, but I need to do more. I’ll work it out.
Before I left Florida, Gail’s brother, Ray insisted that I come to his house to pick a lemon to bring home. I’ve seen these lemons before and they’re pretty spectacular. I was grateful for the offer, but the thought in the back of my mind was, where would I pack it, knowing how full my bag was.
The ceremonial picking of The Lemon!
I’m pretty sure this qualifies for Bigger Than My Head! I did find space in my suitcase (just barely!) I was sure TSA would ask to check my bag, but fortunately they did not. I’m not quite sure what to do with it now. Someone suggested squeezing the juice and freezing in ice-cube trays. I may do that. I’d better figure it out soon!
Now for a few Zoo pictures. I have a friend named Stephanie with a blog called Clay Baboons. She likes to make things out of clay and yes, sometimes they are baboons. At the Zoo, I really had to work hard to get these photos for her. Hope she appreciates them! 
First the sign posted in front of the enclosure…
The sign says it’s a Mandrill…but, hey, Steph is the expert so for our purposes today…it is a Baboon.
They are not cooperative creatures and I had to stand there a long time to get them to hold still.
The Big Ba-Da-Boom…oops…no…The Big Baboon! They were moving around a lot, but finally this guy settled himself in one spot so that I could get his picture. I think it turned out pretty well!
One of my favorites…the Meercats!
The Giraffe says, “Goodbye from Florida!”
Happy Tuesday!
You look so cute in the “lemon grove”! You could also grate the rind and put that in the freezer….or….and this is certainly not WW approved….but you could peel the rind and make candied lemon rind. It’s very good but as I said, not really WW approved! (sorry, the devil made me say it!)
Depending on how it’s made, the rind may be ok. Do you have a receipt?!?
I do, I do!
That is one huge lemon! Those animal photos are so cute – I love going to the zoo.
Hi Sarah! Glad you like my critters!
Woah, crazy lemon thinks it’s a grapefruit apparently, haha–gigantic!
Hi Allie! It’s amazing!
That is indeed some lemon! Why don’t we ever see those in the grocery?? The recipe will be something like 3 lemons (or in your case one lemon
), 2 cups of water (so far so good); 2 cups of sugar (there’s the problem); boil until transparent. I have 4 or 5 recipes for glaceing various fruits, but have never been able to bring myself to do it.
Hey, Val…would Splenda work?!?
I love the idea of lemon-ice, or gelato or something. Freezing it will keep it best. Or a huge batch of hummus, tabouli, and a pitcher of lemonade, perhaps. Have fun. Oh, and the meerkats are so cool. My fave, too.
Thanks, Shell. That sounds delicious, now will you come to show me how? I LOVE meercats!
Wow! I would be so excited to pick a fresh lemon. I wish I could grow them in Denver! That’s awesome!
Hi Corrie Anne! My friend’s brother has been telling me for years about his lemons. This is the first time they’ve been ready to pick when I was there.
Oh my gosh. I love you.
But…oh crap. Those are MANDRILLS? My blog is nothing but a lie.
Oh well, I’ll get over it.
It’s ok, Stephanie…I think they’re baboons too…